Making the decision to become a pharmacy technician can lead to a fulfilling career path, and training can be completed relatively quickly. You can receive your education either in an associate degree program or a certificate program at a vocational or trade school. Learn about your options and find the best program for your lifestyle, budget, and needs.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Associate Degree?
Getting your associate degree as a pharmacy technician generally takes 2 years to complete. By enrolling in a community college program, you will typically take different courses in addition to those relevant to becoming a pharmacy technician. These courses could include mathematics, English, or science.
Your associate degree can also prepare you to take certification exams if you wish to become a certified pharmacy technician in the future. Classes will cover the strict guidelines and regulations that pharmacies will have in place.
How Long Do Certification Programs Take?
Enrolling in an accredited certificate program can have you career-ready in as few as 6-9 months. It is important to note that any program you enroll in should be accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
Like associate degree programs, classes will cover guidelines and regulations of pharmacies, and prepare you for future certification. Pharmacy technician certificate programs are just as thorough as associate degree programs, but they are shorter programs on average.
Pharmacy Technician Schools
We work with many partner schools that offer both classroom learning and online options. Listed below are some schools offering pharmacy technician programs.
North-West College - As a leader in allied health education, North-West College offers pharmacy technician training programs throughout California.
More than 50,000 students have graduated from North-West College. North-West offers financial assistance to qualifying students, along with academic advising and tutoring services to provide students with any needed guidance toward success.
Southern Careers Institute - With a variety of programs in medicine, including pharmacy technician training, Southern Careers Institute offers online and classroom options.
For over 60 years, Southern Careers Institute has maintained a reputation of excellence in medical careers. The SCI career services team is committed to helping graduates break into employment opportunities.
Wichita Technical Institute - Wichita Technical Institute has produced top graduates for nearly 7 decades throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
WTI prioritizes continuous curriculum upgrades to maintain latest industry standards, lab instruction and instrumentation, and collaboration with industry professionals. For students who qualify, WTI provides financial aid, along with an extensive list of partner employers.
Become a Pharmacy Technician Today!
If working with medication and bettering the lives of patients alongside skilled pharmacists sounds ideal to you, now is a great time to begin your career.
By enrolling in a certificate program, you could be career-ready in as few as 6-9 months. Or, if you choose to get an associate degree in pharmacy technology, you could be career-ready in 2 years. Both will set you up for success in the field, whichever you choose depends on your preferences.
Find a pharmacy technician training program near you today!
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