Online Pharmacy Technician Training | 糖心社交
Get the Knowledge and Skills Needed for Certification and Career Success
Explore the essential knowledge and skills used by pharmacy technicians with our flexible online training. The course covers medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, medication processing and safety, pharmacy regulations, patient care, and other key areas of pharmacy practice.
You will also put key concepts into practice through an online lab module focused on prescription processing, medication dosing, and pharmacy procedures. This hands-on component helps connect what you learn throughout the course to practical pharmacy tasks.
After successfully completing the training, you will be prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and pursue the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. An exam voucher is included.
Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of pharmacy technicians to grow 6% nationally through 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 44,700 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians is $45,750.
Demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase as an aging population and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions contribute to the continued need for prescription medications. Pharmacy technicians are also expected to take on greater responsibilities within pharmacy operations as pharmacists increasingly provide patient care services.
The median annual salary of pharmacy technicians in Wisconsin is $45,970, or $22.10 per hour, according to recent BLS wage data.
Pharmacy Technicians FAQs
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists to help prepare and dispense prescription medications. Depending on the work setting and state regulations, responsibilities may include processing prescriptions, measuring and packaging medications, maintaining patient information, managing inventory, communicating with patients and healthcare professionals, and completing administrative tasks.
Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of healthcare and retail environments. Common settings include pharmacies and drug retailers, hospitals, grocery stores, and general merchandise retailers. Responsibilities may vary by setting and applicable state regulations.
Many pharmacy technician training programs can be completed in one year or less. This online Pharmacy Technician course provides 12 months for completion, allowing you to progress through the training at your own pace. The total time needed to become a pharmacy technician may vary based on your pace, Clinical Experience requirements, certification exam preparation, and any licensing or registration requirements in your state.
Not all states require a pharmacy technician license, so you should check your state Board of Pharmacy website for more information. In Wisconsin, pharmacy technicians must be registered or licensed. For more information, see the
This course prepares you to take the PTCE. After meeting PTCB eligibility requirements and successfully passing the exam, you can earn the CPhT credential. An exam voucher is included with the course.
Course Learning Objectives
· Develop an understanding of the pharmacy technician role, including essential professional skills and communication expectations
· Understand pharmacy regulations and standards designed to support patient safety, quality care, and proper medication handling
· Build knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical terminology and foundational anatomy and pharmacology concepts
· Develop skills in pharmaceutical calculations and medication dosing
· Learn how to identify medication orders and accurately interpret prescription forms
· Understand medication processing, storage, handling, and quality assurance procedures
· Apply pharmacy procedures through hands-on practice in an online lab environment
· Prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
To register for this course, you must be 18 years of age or older. You should be proficient in keyboarding, have a basic understanding of word processing, have a command of English grammar and punctuation, and have a basic understanding of high school math.
Pharmacy technician requirements vary by state. Before registering, you should review your state's Board of Pharmacy requirements to ensure this course meets the requirements where you intend to work.
This course does not meet state requirements for students intending to work in North Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, or West Virginia. PTCB credentials are designed for use in the U.S., and PTCB exams are generally administered in the U.S. Active members of the U.S. military and their spouses are eligible to test internationally.
Upon successful course completion, you will receive an exam voucher for the PTCE.
Certification Prep and Training Opportunities
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) credentials pharmacy technicians who are qualified to support pharmacists and patient care teams across pharmacy practice settings.
This course prepares you to take the PTCE and pursue the CPhT credential. The curriculum provides training in pharmacy procedures, medication processing, and other knowledge and skills relevant to pharmacy technician practice.
As part of the course, you will also have the opportunity to apply for a hands-on, 130-hour Clinical Experience. Clinical Experience requirements vary by state, and placement is not guaranteed. Participation may require a background check, drug screening, professional liability insurance, immunization requirements, and other state or pharmacy requirements.
Instructor Details and Course Format
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.
Lorraine Zentz
Lorraine Zentz holds a bachelor's degree in science, with a focus on biology and chemistry, and a master's degree in education, specializing in curriculum and instruction. She is a licensed educator in Colorado for middle and high school science and math. Lorraine is the original author of the Cengage Pharmacy Technician Program and has facilitated students since 2003. With over 30 years of experience working in hospital pharmacies and a passion for teaching, she remains deeply committed to both fields.
Lorinda Lohner
Lorinda Lohner holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and an MBA, bringing over 25 years of combined experience in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. For more than 15 years, she has served as a Pharmacy Technician Program Director and professor, leading ASHP-aligned programs and designing curricula for high schools, colleges, and technical institutions across Nevada. She creates digital pharmacy education programs used by students nationwide.
Her work bridges academic excellence with real-world practice, preparing the next generation of pharmacy professionals through innovative, evidence-based instruction. Lorinda is dual-certified by both the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and has been honored as a National Master Teacher. Prior to her academic career, she spent a decade in the multinational pharmaceutical sector, where she held leadership roles in marketing and business development.
Jeffery Simmons
Jeffery Simmons holds a Master of Education in Learning and Technology and brings 19 years of experience as a pharmacy technician and 14 years in pharmacy training and education. For more than six years, he served as an Academic Program Director, directing an ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician program. He currently serves as Manager of Design & Development at CVS Health, where he specializes in instructional design and curriculum development aligned with ASHP and Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) standards.
Jeff has delivered career-aligned training through online, hybrid, in-person, and simulation models. Credentialed as a State Certified Pharmacy Technician in South Carolina and by the PTCB, his work bridges academic excellence with real-world pharmacy practice, preparing the next generation of pharmacy professionals.
Medical Terminology Instructors
Our medical terminology course section is taught by multiple experienced instructors. See here for a full list of these instructors.
Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with students in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have about the course content.
Registration Information
This course is 100% online and self-paced. You will have 12 months to complete the course and can start when you are ready.
