Pharmacist Technician Education Requirements

Usually, pharmacist technicians don't need a college education. The most common degree for pharmacist technicians is bachelor's degree with 35% graduates, with only 21% pharmacist technician graduates earning associate degree. Pharmacist technicians who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or Remington College. Some good skills to have in this position include customer-service skills, listening skills and math skills.

To succeed in pharmacist technician careers it is a good idea to earn popular professional certifications among pharmacist technicians like, Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), or Medical Assistant. To improve pharmacist technician qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in pharmacist technician education paths.

Pharmacist Technician JOBS

What Education is Needed to Become a Pharmacist Technician?

What Degree Should I Get to Become a Pharmacist Technician?

The most common degree for pharmacist technicians is bachelor's degree 35% of pharmacist technicians earn that degree. A close second is associate degree with 21% and rounding it off is high school diploma with 18%.

  • Bachelors, 35%
  • Associate, 21%
  • High School Diploma, 18%
  • Diploma, 10%
  • Other Degrees, 16%

What Should I Major in to Become a Pharmacist Technician?

Most pharmacist technicians, 30% to be exact, major in pharmacy. Some other common majors for a pharmacist technician include biology and business majors.

20 Best Online Courses for Pharmacist Technicians

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1. PrEParing: PrEP for Providers and Patients

coursera

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) using the antiretroviral medication emtricitibine/tenofovir approved in countries around the world is a highly effective means of reducing transmission of HIV through sexual encounters and needle sharing. This Johns Hopkins University course PrEPares you with essential information, concepts and practical advice regarding PrEP from leaders in the field. A first of its kind learning opportunity, both providers and patients learn from the same experts through...

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2. Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers

coursera

The course is a comprehensive set of didactic lectures surveying fundamentals of transgender medical and surgical treatment. The material is meant to provide the student with core knowledge that is essential for current primary care providers caring for transgender patients. There are 10 modules led by the expert clinical faculty from the pioneering Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, located within the Mount Sinai Health System and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New...

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3. Drug Commercialization

coursera

The University of California San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Drug Commercialization course brings you lectures from both faculty and industry experts. With this course, recorded on campus at UCSD, we seek to share our access to top people in the field who bring an unprecedented range of expertise on drug commercialization. This course will cover pharmacoeconomic, marketing strategy, intellectual property strategy, portfolio management, managed markets and...

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4. Medical Cannabis for Pain Control

coursera

Cannabis is a group of flowering plants that has been long used for industrial, recreational and medical purposes. When relating to its medical use, the terms "Medical Cannabis" or "Medical marijuana" has become prevalent. In this course we will use the term "Medical Cannabis". Nowadays, Medical Cannabis involves multiple medical disciplines such as neuroscience, pain, pharmacology, oncology, psychiatry and more. Moreover, it has cultural, agricultural and social, legal and political...

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5. Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation

coursera

In this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to assess and stabilize certain types of patients for transport. By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1) assess a basic medical patient 2) describe general pharmacologic principles and the skills associated with medication administration, 3) explain airway physiology, the assessment of the airway and available interventions for airway management, 4) identify, assess and formulate a plan to stabilize a patient with a...

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6. Become a Pharmacy Technician

udemy
4.6
(2,138)

A Video Study Guide for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam...

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7. Top Drugs 1 - Medications you NEED to Know - Pharmacy

udemy
4.5
(347)

Part 1: Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cholesterol, and OTC: Cough, Cold, Allergy - Condition Overview and Common Medications...

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8. Complete Inventory Management in Microsoft Excel & TALLY ERP9

udemy
4.1
(335)

Inventory, StockControl, Inventory Control, Microsoft Excel inventory, Stock Calculation, Inventory Valuation, LIFO, FIFO, WACC...

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9. Medical Terminology 101

udemy
4.6
(608)

For those in healthcare, billing, and more. Boost earning ability and marketable skills by learning to "speak medicine."...

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10. Medical Terminology

udemy
4.7
(1,834)

Introduction to the meaning of various roots, terms and combining forms that are components of medical words...

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11. Medical Devices Quality Management System - ISO 13485:2016

udemy
4.2
(470)

Awareness and Application for the requirements of ISO 13485:2016 for Medical Device Development and QMS...

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12. A Specialty Approach to Learning Medical Billing and Coding

udemy
4.3
(300)

Volume One: Medical Hematology...

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13. Basics of Medical Terminology

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(252)

Medical terminology doesn't have to sound like a foreign language. Learn the basics on how to define these terms...

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14. Introduction to Medical Imaging

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4.4
(642)

Your guide to the history, science, math, and economics of medical imaging systems (e.g, X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound)...

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15. Medical Coding: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Training

udemy
4.2
(594)

Learn medical coding and prepare yourself for today's healthcare workplace...

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16. Become a Microbiology Laboratory Technician

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4.3
(292)

Microbiology...

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17. Pharmaceutical Supply Management

udemy
4.5
(1,333)

Focus on Low & Middle income countries. Understand and improve the supply of medicines and medical products...

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18. Advanced knowledge/skills of originator and biosimilar biologics: for health care providers

edX (Global)

- This course aims to provide education and training, as well as advance knowledge and skills, for health care professionals on the topic of biosimilars, a class of biologic drugs or medical therapies that are highly similar to an existing originator medication that is off patent. - Biosimilars present a rapidly growing area in pharmaceutical development, treatment options, and patient care that require an evidence-informed implementation approach. - As awareness and use of biosimilars...

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19. Inventory and Portfolio Management

edX (Global)

Inventory is also company money, materialized in supplies towards the elaboration of products in-process, finished and for sale. Keeping an organized and updated inventory will allow you to save time and resources. Also, knowing that type of product you have available and what state it is in helps in organizing what you already have, so you will not have waste and you will be able to sell as you produce. Inventory is a hidden treasure for companies. In this online course you will learn to...

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20. Fundamentals of originator and biosimilar biologics: for patients and caregivers

edX (Global)

- This course aims to provide knowledge and skills for patients on the topic of biosimilars, a class of biologic drugs or medical therapies that are highly similar to an existing originator medication that is off patent. - Biosimilars present a rapidly growing area in pharmaceutical development, treatment options, and patient care that require an evidence-informed implementation approach. - As awareness and use of biosimilars increases globally, this course will provide information and guidance...

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Best Pharmacist Technician Certifications in 2023

1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Certifying Organization
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Become a Pharmacy Technician
udemy
4.6
(2,138)
View Details on Udemy
Details Details

2. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.

Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Certified Nurse Assistant
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

3. Medical Assistant

The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.

The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying Organization
American Society of Phlebotomy...
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

4. Pharmacy Technician

The responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians will vary for each employer, but may include (1) entering medication orders; (2) ordering and recieving stock; (3) packaging medications; (4) compounding ointments or creams; (5) auditing stock; and/or (6) assisting a pharmacist in filling or labeling. Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist, and responsibilities may differ as state laws allow.

The responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians will vary for each employer, but may include (1) entering medication orders; (2) ordering and recieving stock; (3) packaging medications; (4) compounding ointments or creams; (5) auditing stock; and/or (6) assisting a pharmacist in filling or labeling. Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist, and responsibilities may differ as state laws allow.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying Website
Pharmacy Technician
Certifying Organization
National Center for Competency...
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Become a Pharmacy Technician
udemy
4.6
(2,138)
View Details on Udemy
Details Details

5. Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP)

Nuclear Pharmacy seeks to improve and promote the public health through the safe and effective use of radioactive drugs for diagnosis and therapy. A nuclear pharmacist, as a member of the nuclear medicine team, specializes in the procurement, compounding, quality control testing, dispensing, distribution, and monitoring of radiopharmaceuticals. In addition, the nuclear pharmacist provides consultation regarding health and safety issues, as well as the use of non-radioactive drugs and patient care. Those who are granted certification in this specialty may use the designation Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist and the initials BCNP, as long as certification is valid.

Nuclear Pharmacy seeks to improve and promote the public health through the safe and effective use of radioactive drugs for diagnosis and therapy. A nuclear pharmacist, as a member of the nuclear medicine team, specializes in the procurement, compounding, quality control testing, dispensing, distribution, and monitoring of radiopharmaceuticals. In addition, the nuclear pharmacist provides consultation regarding health and safety issues, as well as the use of non-radioactive drugs and patient care. Those who are granted certification in this specialty may use the designation Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist and the initials BCNP, as long as certification is valid.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 7 year(s)
Certifying Website
Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist
Certifying Organization
Board of Pharmacy Specialties
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

6. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) draws blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, or similar facilities for analysis or other medical purposes.

A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) draws blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, or similar facilities for analysis or other medical purposes.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Certifying Organization
National Healthcareer Association
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

7. Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP)

By passing the CSP assessment, pharmacy professionals not only display their aptitude in each specialized task, but also present their expertise in specialty pharmacy with a CSP credential. The CSP credential is a key indicator to employers, manufacturers, patients, payers, other healthcare providers, and the public at large that a professional is an expert in specialty pharmaceuticals. CSP certified professionals are tested using a psychometrically sound examination process, utilizing an exam that has been validated with a role delineation study performed by specialty pharmacy subject matter experts (SMEs) from all Specialty Pharmacy channels.

By passing the CSP assessment, pharmacy professionals not only display their aptitude in each specialized task, but also present their expertise in specialty pharmacy with a CSP credential. The CSP credential is a key indicator to employers, manufacturers, patients, payers, other healthcare providers, and the public at large that a professional is an expert in specialty pharmaceuticals. CSP certified professionals are tested using a psychometrically sound examination process, utilizing an exam that has been validated with a role delineation study performed by specialty pharmacy subject matter experts (SMEs) from all Specialty Pharmacy channels.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Organization
Specialty Pharmacy Certification Board
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
AWS Certified Database Specialty Practice Exams
udemy
4.5
(419)
View Details on Udemy
Details Details

8. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Certified Billing and Coding...
Certifying Organization
National Healthcareer Association
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

9. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Emergency Medical Technician
Certifying Organization
National Registry of Emergency...
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

10. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.

A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
Certifying Organization
National Healthcareer Association
This Certificate Is Also Popular Among
Details Details

Entry Level Jobs For Becoming A Pharmacist Technician

Average Pharmacist Technician Salary by Education Level

Pharmacist technicians with a Bachelors degree earn more than those without, at $37,706 annually. With a Masters degree, pharmacist technicians earn a median annual income of $37,683.

Pharmacist Technician Education LevelPharmacist Technician Salary
High School Diploma or Less$36,877
Master's Degree$37,683
Bachelor's Degree$37,706
Some College/ Associate Degree$37,408

Pharmacist Technician Internship Jobs

Pharmacist Technician Jobs

Updated March 16, 2023