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Pharmacy Technician

Are you interested in a career helping pharmacies provide vital medications to your community? The pharmacy field continues to grow and skilled technicians are needed in Colorado and across the U.S.

In one year or less, this 100% online, self-paced 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. Offered in partnership with ed2go, you can start this course anytime.  

In this course, you will:

  • Learn federal and state laws that govern pharmacies and the ethics of pharmacy practice.
  • Prepare to sit for the National Certification exam titled Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
  • Become eligible to apply for a 100+ hour externship at a national pharmacy chain.

There are no prerequisites to taking this course. However, the externship requires that you have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. Course completion time does not include the externship or time required to take the exam. 

Registration and Enrollment

Self-paced • 100% online • Start anytime

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Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 6% through 2038, faster than the average rate for all other professions (3%). Over the next decade, around 44,900 jobs for pharmacy technicians are expected annually.

The BLS notes that, on average, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $37,790 (as of May 2022), with the top 10% earning over $50,640.

PTCB logo
6% growth through 2038 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pharmacy Technicians FAQ

Pharmacy technicians order and stock medications, prepare medications for distribution and provide patients with information. 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.  

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.

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

As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases rises, more skilled technicians will be needed in pharmacies and may even have the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities in their roles.

About ed2go and Your Instructors

Ed2go partners with top colleges and universities to deliver online continuing education training programs developed and taught by industry experts. These self-led courses are designed to meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce in a wide range of fields and industries. 

These self-paced online courses are designed for independent learning without instructor moderation. 

Melissa Dunworth

Melissa Dunworth has been a certified pharmacy technician since 1997. She is registered with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy and 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.