Develop Essential Job Skills and Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
Through our comprehensive online pharmacy technician training, you will develop your knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmacy calculations, medication processing, and pharmacy regulations. You will also review and learn about patient care and other concepts used in pharmacy practice.
This online pharmacy technician course combines foundational knowledge with hands-on practice through an online lab module. You will apply what you learn to prescription processing, medication dosing, and other pharmacy procedures.
By the end of your training, you will be ready to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and pursue the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. An exam voucher is included.
Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of pharmacy technicians to grow 6% nationally from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 44,700 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $45,750 in May 2025.
Demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase as an aging population and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions contribute to the continued need for prescription medications. Pharmacy technicians are also expected to take on greater responsibilities within pharmacy operations as pharmacists increasingly provide patient care services.
In South Carolina, the median annual salary of a pharmacy technician is $42,120, or $20.25 per hour, according to 2025 BLS wage data. In the Sumter area, the median annual salary of a pharmacy technician is $38,820, or $18.66 per hour.
Pharmacy Technician Training FAQs
What is a pharmacy technician? What does a pharmacy technician do?
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists to help prepare and dispense prescription medications. Depending on the work setting and state regulations, responsibilities may include processing prescriptions, measuring and packaging medications, maintaining patient information, managing inventory, communicating with patients and healthcare professionals, and completing administrative tasks.
Where do pharmacy technicians work?
Pharmacy technicians work primarily in pharmacies, including those located in drug, general merchandise, and grocery stores, as well as hospitals and other healthcare settings. For example, pharmacies and drug retailers employ the largest share of pharmacy technicians, followed by hospitals, general merchandise retailers, grocery and specialty food retailers, and ambulatory healthcare services.
How long does it take to complete pharmacy technician school?
Our online Pharmacy Technician course is self-paced and can be completed in 12 months or less. If you qualify, you may also have the opportunity to complete a Clinical Experience as part of your training. After successfully completing the course, you will receive a voucher to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Additional requirements and timelines may vary depending on certification and pharmacy technician regulations in your state.
What are some things that pharmacy technicians can’t do?
Pharmacy technicians can't perform certain jobs without supervision from a licensed pharmacist. Technicians are not permitted to make judgment calls related to drug substitutions, interpret prescriptions, or give instructions for preparing prescriptions. In most areas, they also can't take a chart order or a new prescription on the phone. They are also not permitted to dispense medication unless the order for the prescription has been verified by a pharmacist.
Does this course prepare me for certification?
Yes. This course prepares you to take the PTCE. After meeting PTCB eligibility requirements and successfully passing the exam, you can earn the CPhT credential. An exam voucher is included with the course.
Essential Topics Covered
- Understand the pharmacy technician role, including professional skills and communication expectations
- Explore pharmacy regulations and standards related to patient safety, quality care, and proper medication handling
- Build knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology
- Develop skills in pharmaceutical calculations and medication dosing
- Identify medication orders and accurately interpret prescription forms
- Understand medication processing, storage, handling, and quality assurance procedures
- Apply pharmacy procedures through hands-on practice in an online lab environment
- Prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
Course Requirements and Certification Eligibility
To register for this course, you must be 18 years of age or older. You should be proficient in keyboarding, have a basic understanding of word processing, have a command of English grammar and punctuation, and have a basic understanding of high school math.
Pharmacy technician requirements vary by state. Before registering, you should review your state's Board of Pharmacy requirements to ensure this course meets the requirements where you intend to work.
This course does not meet state requirements for students intending to work in Florida, Ohio, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, or West Virginia. It also does not meet Canadian regulatory requirements or prepare students for Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) certification.
Upon successful course completion, you will receive an exam voucher for the PTCE.
Certification Preparation
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) credentials pharmacy technicians who are qualified to support pharmacists and patient care teams across pharmacy practice settings.
This course prepares you to take the PTCE and pursue the CPhT credential. The curriculum provides training in pharmacy procedures, medication processing, and other knowledge and skills relevant to pharmacy technician practice.
As part of the course, you will also have the opportunity to apply for a hands-on Clinical Experience. Clinical Experience requirements and hours vary by state, and placement is not guaranteed. Participation may require a background check, drug screening, professional liability insurance, immunization requirements, and other state or pharmacy requirements.
Meet Your Pharmacy Technician Instructors
Betty Stahl
Betty Stahl holds a doctorate in pharmacy from Shenandoah University. Over the past several years, she has taught pharmacy technician programs at ASA College in New York City and ACT in Arlington, Virginia. Stahl has also worked as a pharmacist in independent and hospital settings.
Lorraine Zentz
Lorraine Zentz holds a bachelor's degree in science, with a focus on biology and chemistry, and a master's degree in education, specializing in curriculum and instruction. She is a licensed educator in Colorado for middle and high school science and math. Lorraine is the original author of the Cengage Pharmacy Technician Program and has facilitated students since 2003. With over 30 years of experience working in hospital pharmacies and a passion for teaching, she remains deeply committed to both fields.
Lorinda Lohner
Lorinda Lohner holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and an MBA, bringing over 25 years of combined experience in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. For more than 15 years, she has served as a Pharmacy Technician Program Director and professor, leading ASHP-aligned programs and designing curricula for high schools, colleges, and technical institutions across Nevada. She creates digital pharmacy education programs used by students nationwide.
Her work bridges academic excellence with real-world practice, preparing the next generation of pharmacy professionals through innovative, evidence-based instruction. Lorinda is dual-certified by both the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and has been honored as a National Master Teacher. Prior to her academic career, she spent a decade in the multinational pharmaceutical sector, where she held leadership roles in marketing and business development.
Jeffery Simmon
Jeffery Simmons holds a Master of Education in Learning and Technology and brings 19 years of experience as a pharmacy technician and 14 years in pharmacy training and education. For more than six years, he served as an Academic Program Director, directing an ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician program. He currently serves as Manager of Design & Development at CVS Health, where he specializes in instructional design and curriculum development aligned with ASHP and Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) standards.
Jeff has delivered career-aligned training through online, hybrid, in-person, and simulation models. Credentialed as a State Certified Pharmacy Technician in South Carolina and by the PTCB, his work bridges academic excellence with real-world pharmacy practice, preparing the next generation of pharmacy professionals.
Medical Terminology Instructors
Our medical terminology course section is taught by multiple experienced instructors. See here for a full list of these instructors.
Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with students in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have about the course content.
Course Format and Enrollment
This course is 100% online and self-paced. It includes 400 course hours and provides 12 months for completion. Start anytime.
