Top Online Pharmacy Technician Programs

A pharmacy technician is an entry-level healthcare professional who works alongside pharmacists and in retail pharmacies in locations such as CVS, Target, or Walmart. However, these professionals also work closely with doctors and nurses in hospitals, medical centers, and outpatient facilities.

What is an Online Pharmacy Technician Program?

A pharmacy technician program is an educational pathway for aspiring pharmacy tech’s to begin their careers. Advances in technology have made it possible for pharmacy technician students to complete their coursework completely online from the comfort of their own homes. 

The training, certifications, licensing requirements, and even scope of practice for pharmacy techs vary per state. However, students must typically have a high-school diploma or GED equivalent to apply. Students must also complete a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) approved program and pass their pharmacy tech certification exam (CPhT).

CPhT certification is not required to start working as a pharmacy tech in some states. However, most employers prefer or require it. In addition, certification lets management and staff know you have the knowledge and dedication for effective patient care and medication safety.

Before applying to a pharmacy tech school, students must verify that the program is a PTCB-recognized education training program.

Education programs accredited by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), are also accepted as PTCB-recognized.

Remember that although online pharmacy tech program coursework is 100% online, externship experience must be completed in person.

Top 10 Online Pharmacy Technician Programs

Choosing an online pharmacy technician program is a big decision that requires careful consideration. That's why Nurse.org created this list of the best online pharmacy technician programs.

We consider many factors in our rankings, such as:

• Accreditation
• Graduation rates
• Student-faculty ratio
• Available courses
• Tuition 
• Program length

1. Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing Minnesota

Minnesota State College Southeast offers an online pharmacy tech program that students can start anytime. The course is 100% online and prepares students for the PTCB National Certification exam as well as helps them complete an externship with a pharmacy chain. This program also includes a voucher that covers the fee for the exam.

• Tuition: $2,495
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Contact Phone Number: (877) 853-8324
• Email Information: Request for Program Information Page

2. San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University offers students a pathway to becoming pharmacy technicians at their own pace and schedule. The school website reports that their pharmacy technician online course includes interactive learning modules, 24/7 mentoring, learning exercises, labs, and a student portal with career resources.

Additional benefits of the program include online healthcare content to supplement each course, animated simulations, pre-and post-assessments, and online performance tracking. This program includes an optional 80-hour clinical externship.

• Tuition: $1,399
• Program Length: Up to 9 months (6 months access with possible 3-month extension)
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission (fall, winter, spring, and summer start dates)
• Contact Phone Number: (415) 405-7700
• Email Information: sfsucel@sfsu.edu

3. Penn Foster, Scottsdale AZ

Penn Foster's pharmacy technician career diploma helps prepare students to sit for certification exams like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Students can complete their coursework at their own pace in as little as three months.

• Tuition: $899
• Program Length: 3 -12 months
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Contact Phone Number: (800) 275-4410
• Email Information: Request Form

4. Ashworth College, Norcross, GA

Ashwood College has a partnership with Walgreens and CVS/Pharmacy nationwide. Students can complete their pharmacy technician externship at a location near them to receive hands-on pharmacy technician training. However, if there isn’t a Walgreens or CVS nearby, students also have the option to arrange an externship experience at a local pharmacy.

• Tuition: $1,099
• Program Length: Self-paced
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Contact Phone Number: (800) 957-5412
• Email Information: Request Form

5. University of Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska

In this Pharmacy Technology Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) program, students learn the skills needed to work under the supervision of a pharmacist. The university website reports that courses cover topics in compounding and mixing medications, preparing and supply management, delivering medicines to patients, using equipment, and maintaining confidential patient records. Experienced pharmacists and pharmacy technicians teach this exclusively online program.

• Tuition: $5,616
• Program Length: As little as two semesters
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Contact Phone Number: (907) 786-4346
• Email Information: uaa_pharmacytech@alaska.edu

6. San Diego State University, Global Campus

San Diego State University offers an online pharmacy technician program that students can start anytime. Completing this online course prepares students for the PTCB National Certification exam.  Students can also apply for a 100+ hour externship at a national pharmacy chain.

• Tuition: $2,495
• Program Length: One year or less, not including the time you spend in an externship program
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Contact Phone Number: (619) 594-5821
• Email Information: globalcampus@sdsu.edu

7. Louisiana State University,  Eunice, Louisiana

Pharmacy technician coursework is 100% online through Louisiana State University, and students can start the program anytime throughout the year. Upon completing this course, students can sit for the PTCB certification exam. This course also includes a voucher which covers the fee for the exam. Upon graduation, students also have an opportunity to apply for a 100+ hour externship.

• Tuition: $2,495
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Contact Phone Number: (337) 550-1390
• Email Information: continuinged@lsue.edu

8. Columbia State Community College, Columbia Tennessee

Columbia State Community College offers a comprehensive 50-hour online program to help students prepare to work as pharmacy technicians in a retail or other pharmacy setting and to take the PTCB exam. This program offers a self-directed study that includes online skills demonstrations and simulations. The university website reports that evaluation methods include quizzes & exams, skills demonstrations, learner-centered activities, and an externship.

• Tuition: $1,595
• Program Length: One year
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Contact Phone Number: (931) 540-2688
• Email Information: WorkforceDev@ColumbiaState.edu

9. Guilford Technical Community College, Jamestown, NC

This university offers pharmacy technician coursework that can be completed in-person, in a hybrid format, or 100% online, depending on the student's preferences.  The online coursework utilizes the learning management system (LMS) model for content delivery. The coursework consists of 96 hours of training, and graduates are eligible to sit for the PTCB certification exam.

• Tuition: $329
• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Contact Phone Number: (336) 334-4822
• Email Information: albray@gtcc.edu

10. Mississippi State University, Oxford, Mississippi

Successful course completion awards students a pharmacy technician certificate of completion from Mississippi State University. Students also receive an exam voucher to sit for the national certification exam. Enrollment is open throughout the year, and students can start their education when it is convenient for them with online coursework.

• Tuition: $2,645
• Program Length: One year, not including the externship
• Accreditation: PTCB-recognized education training program
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Contact Phone Number: (662) 325-5002
• Email Information: Contact Form

FAQs About Online Pharmacy Technician Programs

• What is the best online school for pharmacy technicians?

  • There are many excellent online pharmacy technician program choices. The best option is the one that works best for your needs. You will need to consider factors such as tuition, accreditation, student support, and program length. 

• Is the pharmacy tech test hard?

  • The PTCE exam is a computerized test offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. The rigorous exam covers the information you learned in school, which may seem overwhelming. However, if you don’t pass the first time, you can retake the test in 60 days.

• How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?

  • From about six months to two years, depending on the level of training. Students may choose to complete a diploma or certification program, which takes a minimum of six months to one year. Or, students may choose to complete a pharmacy technician associate’s degree program, which takes about two years.

• What kind of math is on the pharmacy tech test?

  • There are four main components in pharmacy math: weight, volume, time, and temperature. You will also need to know algebra, how to work through complex word problems, and conversions.