How to become a Pharmacy Technician

You can become a pharmacy technician in the U.S. with little or no formal training. However, these steps are commonly preferred:

Graduate high school , preferably completing courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry and physiology.
Complete a pharmacy technician training program. This can be a one year certificate or a two year associate's degree.
Get on-the-job training. You might be able to do this while completing your training program.
Become certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association. Not all states require this, but you may need it to be hired as a pharmacy technician.

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What skills help Pharmacy Technicians find jobs?

Load & Unload
Pharmacy Technician Experience
Compounding Medications
Customer Service
LTC Pharmacy
Inventory Control
Math
Pharmacy Software
Hospital Experience
Typing
Communication Skills
Order Entry

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Career progression for Pharmacy Technician

Education levels for Pharmacy Technicians

Based on the requirements of Pharmacy Technician job openings on Indeed in the United States within the last three years.
required level of education	percent of job openings
High School Diploma or GED	94.8%
Associate's Degree	3.6%
Bachelor's Degree	1.6%
Doctoral Degree	0.1%
Master's Degree	0.0%

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Expected salary by experience

Based on resume data from Indeed users who reported working as a Pharmacy Technician in the United States within the last three years.
Years of experience	Annual salary in USD
0-4	$26,800
4-8	$28,800
8-12	$30,600
12-16	$31,800
16-20	$31,600
20-24	$32,200

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Common qualifications for Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy Technician Certification
PTCB Certification
Pharmacy Technician License
Registered Pharmacy Technician
IV Certification
CompTIA Server+
Pharmacy Intern License
AHA Certification
Registered Pharmacist
BLS Certification
Licensed Pharmacist
CompTIA Network+

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Can pharmacy technicians study online?

Yes, there are online training programs available where the curriculum covers the necessary skills required to work as a pharmacy technician. Students should ensure that the school or program is accredited.

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What kinds of skills should a pharmacy technician have?

Pharmacy technicians should be skilled in technical aspects of the job like basic pharmacology as well as possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail and communication skills.

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What kind of education is required to be a pharmacy technician?

Requirements vary by state but generally applicants will need a high school diploma or GED and to complete formal training programs to obtain certification to be a pharmacy technician.

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