How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

Want to get into healthcare but don't want to spend years in school? Becoming a pharmacy technician might be exactly what you're looking for. It's one of the fastest ways to start a healthcare career, and career colleges have made it easier than ever to get the training you need.

If you like the idea of helping patients and having a stable job with good benefits without having to attend eight years of med school, here's everything you need to know about becoming a pharmacy technician:

What you'll need to learn

Becoming a pharmacy technician isn't just about counting pills — there's actually quite a bit to master. You'll need to learn pharmaceutical terminology (which can feel like a whole new language at first), understand how different drugs work and interact with each other, and get comfortable with insurance systems that can be pretty complex. Most employers want to see that you've completed a formal training program because there's just too much to learn on the job alone.

Accredited pharmacy technician programs provide the comprehensive education that employers expect. These programs are typically accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or other recognized accrediting bodies, ensuring that graduates receive education that meets industry standards and prepares them for professional certification.

Career colleges have become the preferred choice for pharmacy technician education because they focus specifically on job-ready skills and practical applications. Unlike traditional colleges and universities that may emphasize theoretical knowledge, career colleges concentrate on the real-world skills and knowledge that pharmacy technicians use every day in their work environments.

Why career colleges work so well for pharmacy technician training

Career colleges have really figured out how to train pharmacy technicians effectively. Instead of making you sit through years of classes you might never use, they focus on exactly what you need to know to do the job well. AND, they work directly with pharmacies and hospitals to make sure their programs teach the current systems and equipment you'll actually use at work.

The best part? Most programs take just 6 to 18 months to finish. While your friends are still working through their general education requirements at regular colleges, you could already be working and earning a good salary. Plus, class sizes are usually pretty small, so you'll get plenty of individual attention from instructors who have actually worked in pharmacies themselves.

Many career colleges maintain strong relationships with local pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare systems. These connections often translate into externship opportunities and direct pathways to employment, with many students receiving job offers from their externship sites before graduation.

What you'll actually study

Your pharmacy technician coursework will cover the important stuff you need to know. You'll learn pharmaceutical calculations (don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds), study how medications affect the body, and memorize a lot of drug names — both brand names and generics. Insurance and billing often take up a big chunk of the program as well, because that's a big part of what pharmacy techs do every day.

You'll also learn about pharmacy laws and safety rules, practice filling prescriptions in mock pharmacy setups, and get comfortable with the computer systems and equipment you'll use on the job.

The real-world experience you'll get through externships is invaluable. You'll work in actual pharmacies alongside experienced techs and pharmacists, which helps build your confidence and gives you connections that often lead to job offers.

Getting certified

After you finish school, you'll want to get certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Most employers expect this certification, and some states require it. The good news is that career college programs are designed to prepare you for this exam, so you'll go in feeling confident about passing it.

Career college programs are specifically designed to prepare students for certification examinations. The curriculum covers all tested areas comprehensively, and many schools provide practice exams and certification preparation sessions. This focused preparation typically results in higher pass rates compared to self-study approaches.

Some states have additional licensing requirements beyond national certification. Career colleges in these states ensure that their programs meet all local requirements, so graduates are ready for immediate employment without additional regulatory hurdles.

Maintaining certification requires continuing education, which many career colleges support through alumni programs and ongoing professional development opportunities. This ensures that practicing pharmacy technicians stay current with evolving regulations and best practices.

What it costs and what you'll get back

Here's the great news about career college programs — they cost significantly less than a four-year degree, and you can start earning money much sooner. Most pharmacy tech positions pay well enough that you can quickly make back what you spent on school.

Plus, the Imagine America Foundation offers scholarships specifically for career college students, which can really help make your education more affordable. Many schools also have payment plans and will help you figure out financial aid options so you don't have to worry about being buried in debt.

Where you'll work and how you can grow

The job market for pharmacy techs is and will continue to be in demand. You can work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, mail-order pharmacies, or specialty pharmaceutical companies. Starting wages are competitive, and there's plenty of room to grow — you could become a senior tech, move into supervisory roles, or specialize in areas like compounding or chemotherapy preparation.

Some pharmacy technicians use their experience as a foundation for further healthcare education, pursuing careers as pharmacists, pharmacy managers, or other healthcare professionals. The knowledge and experience gained as a pharmacy technician provides valuable insight into pharmaceutical care and healthcare operations.

Getting started

Ready to begin? Here are three ways to get started:

1. Check out accredited programs at career colleges near you. Look for schools that have good relationships with local pharmacies and hospitals, modern equipment, and instructors who know what they're talking about. Visit the campuses, talk to people in the programs, and see which one feels like the right fit!
2. Consider your career goals when selecting a program. If you're interested in hospital pharmacy work, look for programs with hospital externship opportunities. If retail pharmacy appeals to you, seek programs with strong retail partnerships and customer service training components.
3. Don't let money worries stop you from going after this career. Check out scholarships like the ones from the Imagine America Foundation, look into financial aid, and talk to the school's financial aid office about payment options.

Healthcare needs more good pharmacy techs, and career colleges can get you ready for this career in less than two years. With solid job prospects, decent pay, and the satisfaction of helping people with their health, becoming a pharmacy technician could be exactly what you're looking for. Why not start today?