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A Timeline for Becoming a Pharmacy Tech

Pharm techs help licensed pharmacists with the preparation and dispensing of prescription medications. They also assist with inventory control, insurance claims, and – if they work in retail pharmacies or drug stores – often provide some level of customer service.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? The answer can depend on several factors, including the requirements set by individual employers and states.

Pharmacy Technician Requirements Vary by Employer and State

The (BLS) reports that pharm techs don’t always need formal education or training to enter this field, so a high school diploma and on-the-job training may be enough.¹ At the same time, some employers require or prioritize candidates who have completed a training program.

Additionally, many states regulate the pharmacy technician role, with some requiring healthcare professionals in these positions to be certified.1 Completing an education or training program is typically required to apply for certification exams.

For example, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires that you complete formal training or have an equivalent amount of work experience — a minimum of 500 hours — before you can apply for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to become a certified pharmacy technician or CPhT.²

How Long Is Pharmacy Tech School?

The length of time it takes to complete a pharmacy technician program can vary. Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers a Health Sciences – Pharmacy Technician Associate of Science / Associate of Applied Science Degree program that can be completed in 18 months or more.³ Other pharmacy technician degree programs may take longer, while a diploma or certificate program might be completed in less time.

Some pharmacy technician programs offer the ability to do your coursework online.⁴ One benefit of this approach is that it enables you to learn from the convenience of home. There’s no commuting to and from campus to take pharm tech classes, which not only saves time but can also save wear and tear on your vehicle.

When taking an online pharmacy technician program, you can also do your studies at a time that works for you.⁵ If you learn best early in the morning, for instance, taking an online program offers this ability. But if you learn best later at night, you can do that, too.

How Long Does Pharmacy Technician Certification Take?

Answering this question requires understanding the certification process, which can vary depending on the CPhT certification you pursue.

Here are two certification processes to consider:

PTCB certification process

To apply for the through the PTCB, you must first meet this organization’s eligibility criteria. This includes:²

• Being a U.S. resident, or a resident within a U.S. territory
• Completion of an approved pharm tech training program or a minimum of 500 hours of work experience in this role
• Passing a background check, both regarding criminal actions and any actions taken by the State Board of Pharmacy against a previous registration or license

Once you meet the required qualifications, you can apply to the PTCB for CPhT certification. If you are approved, you will receive notice that you can schedule your exam.

Exams are administered all year long and offered in more than 1,400 locations nationwide, as well as being available online.² How quickly you complete your certification exam depends on the type of test you sign up for and, if taking the in-person test, the amount of testing available in your area.

The next step is to take the PTCE on the day you are scheduled. It takes roughly two hours to complete this 90-question multiple-choice exam. While you receive your unofficial test score immediately upon completion, your official exam results take roughly 3 weeks to receive.²

NHA Certification Process

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers certification through the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians(ExCPT). To take the requires a high school diploma and one of the following:⁶

• Completion of a pharmacy technician training or education program within the past five years
• One year of supervised pharmacy-related work experience totaling at least 1,200 hours in the past three years

If you meet all the necessary qualifications, which are contained within the , the same basic steps are followed as with the PTCE exam. You apply to take the exam, set the date, and then take the 100-question test either in person or online. With the NHA, you receive your official results within two days.⁶

How Long Does It Take to Get a Pharmacy Tech License?

License requirements vary by state. Check with your state’s licensing agency to learn what is required to serve in a pharm tech role based on where you intend to work.

If you plan to be a pharmacy technician in Florida, for instance, licensing requirements are dictated by the . To obtain a Registered Pharmacy Technician license in Florida, you must be at least 17 years old and have completed an approved pharmacy technician training program. Initial applications can take up to 30 days to review, after which you are notified whether it is approved.⁷

Taking the time to learn your state’s license requirements can help you map out exactly what you need to do to begin working as a pharm tech. It also reduces the likelihood that you’ll get ready to enter this field only to learn that you don’t have the qualifications you need to obtain the necessary registration or license.

Begin the Path to Pharmacy Technician Training Today

If you’re ready to pursue pharm tech training, UMA is here to help. Our Health Sciences – Pharmacy Technician Associate of Science / Associate of Applied Science Degree program can help you prepare to work as a pharmacy technician. It covers topics important to this role, such as those related to pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, and drug dosing and interactions. It also includes preparation to sit for both the PTCE and ExCPT exams, if eligible.⁸

As a learner at UMA, you also gain the support of teams of dedicated people who are here to help you succeed both as a student and in your career search. Our Student Services can help with enrollment, answer questions about coursework, and guide you through the financial aid process, if you qualify. We also have a Career Services team to assist with resume development, interview preparation, and can aid in your job search.

At UMA, our goal is to provide our learners with all the information they need to choose the career for them. So, if you’re still not sure whether this is the healthcare path for you, it might help to take a look at a day in the life of a pharm tech. We also share three steps to becoming a pharmacy technician if you’re ready to get started. Either way, we have you covered!