Course Objectives

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, the externship requires that you have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old.

01Become Certified

Be fully prepared to sit for the National Certification exam titled Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

02Gain Experience

Become eligible to apply for a 100+ hour externship at a national pharmacy chain to practice and perfect the skills you learned in training.

03Build Best Practices

Learn federal and state laws that govern pharmacies, as well as the ethics of pharmacy practice.

Pharmacy Technicians FAQs

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?

Pharmacy technicians order and stock medications, prepare medications for distribution and provide information to patients. Pharmacy technicians may perform many of the same duties as a pharmacist; however, their work must be approved by a pharmacist before medication can be dispensed.

Do Pharmacy Technicians Need a Certification?

Requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state, but most require certification, registration or licensure. Earning your certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) provides a valuable, industry-recognized credential that meets most states’ requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Pharmacy Technician Course?

This pharmacy technician course can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you spend in an externship program or preparing and sitting for state licensure.

Is a Pharmacy Technician a Good Career?

As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases rises, more pharmacy technicians will be needed in pharmacies and may even see themselves taking on greater responsibilities in their role.

Career Outlook:
Pharmacy Technicians

Background

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 12% through 2028 – that equates to over 30,000 new jobs!

Potential Earnings

The BLS notes that on average, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $32,700. Top earners can make up to $47,000 per year.

Course Outline

This course will prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam and help you complete an externship with a leading pharmacy chain.

  • LESSON 1: ORIENTATION TO PHARMACY
    History, foundations and role of the pharmacy technician in today’s healthcare system
  • LESSON 2: PHARMACY LAW AND ETHICS
    Introduction to law, liability and federal regulations of controlled substances
  • LESSON 3: PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATIONS
    Basic, community and institutional pharmacy math to calculate dosages and dilutions
  • LESSON 4: PHARMACOLOGY
    The science of pharmacology, evolution of drugs and administration of pharmacological agents
UTSA Pharmacy Techncian Training
Registration
100% Online

You will have 12 months of course access to train for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam. Start anytime.

$3,195
Exam Voucher Included
Meet the Instructors
Melissa Dunworth

Melissa Dunworth has been a certified pharmacy technician since 1997. She is registered with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences.

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.

Building Community

This training program is delivered to the San Antonio community through a partnership with Ed2Go.

UTSA Professional and Continuing Education
Ed2Go