How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician?

Considering a career as a pharmacy technician? You’re making a great choice Pharmacy techs play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring patients receive the correct medications This rewarding career offers job security, good pay, and room for advancement.

If you’re wondering, “how long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?” you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk through the typical education and training requirements so you can get a clear picture of the timeline.

An Overview of Pharmacy Technician Training

There are a few potential paths to becoming a pharmacy tech

• On-the-job training
• Pharmacy technician certificate or diploma program
• Associate’s degree

The timeline varies based on which option you choose. Let’s break them down.

On-the-Job Training

Some pharmacies hire employees with no formal training and provide in-house instruction This entails learning through observation and hands-on work alongside experienced pharmacy techs and pharmacists

Timeframe: A few weeks to a few months of onsite training

Considerations: You’ll learn through real-world experience, but the training is less structured. You likely won’t be eligible for certification without formal education.

Pharmacy Technician Certificate or Diploma

Certificate and diploma programs offer training targeted specifically to becoming a pharmacy tech. They’re often available at community colleges and take 1-2 semesters to complete.

Timeframe: Approximately 9-12 months

Considerations: A quicker path than an associate’s degree. Prepares you well for national certification exams. Credits may transfer if you later pursue a higher degree.

Associate’s Degree

Associate’s degree programs in pharmacy technology take 2 years and provide comprehensive training in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and customer service. They include both classroom and lab learning.

Timeframe: Approximately 24 months

Considerations: Provides robust training for increased job prospects and earning potential. General education credits may transfer to a 4-year program.

Timeline for Pharmacy Technician Certification

Gaining national certification as a pharmacy technician can improve job opportunities and earning potential. Organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offer certification exams.

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for the PTCB exam. Candidates can qualify through:

• Completing an accredited pharmacy technician training program
• Gaining relevant work experience

So if you complete a 9-month pharmacy tech program, you could potentially earn certification within a year of graduating high school.

Those with an associate’s degree or who take longer routes may wait 2+ years post-high school to become certified. However, a degree strengthens your chances of passing the exam.

Timeline for Pharmacy Technician Licensing

Some states require pharmacy techs to hold a license or registration to practice. This involves submitting an application and fee along with proof of qualifications like education, training, and certification.

Licensing timeframes vary by state. But the process typically takes 4-12 weeks after submitting a completed application. Some allow temporrary licensure for new grads.

So a license may add around 1-3 months to your timeline beyond earning certification. It’s wise to research your state’s specific requirements.

In Summary: Minimum Timeframes

• No formal training: A few weeks to months of onsite instruction
• Certificate program: 9-12 months
• Associate’s degree: 24 months
• Certification: Up to 1-2 years post-high school
• Licensure (if required): 1-3 months after certification

The shortest path is an on-the-job training program. But keep in mind, you may need to pursue formal education and sit for certification exams later to advance your career.

Earning a certificate or degree combined with certification provides maximum employability. But balancing work and education can extend the timeline.

Many complete certificate programs right after high school, then gain work experience before pursuing an associate’s degree. There’s no single “best” timeline – choose the path that fits your needs.

Factors That Impact Timeframes

While we’ve outlined minimum timeframes, your personal timeline depends on your unique circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:

• Enrollment availability: Programs often have set start dates. You may need to wait for an upcoming enrollment period.
• Program format: On-campus vs online. Online programs offer more schedule flexibility.
• Prerequisites: Programs may require certain courses, scores, or credentials. This can add time upfront.
• Study schedule: Attending full or part-time. Part-time adds time but accommodates working students.
• Experience: Some states allow work experience to substitute for education requirements.

Creating an education plan and researching program timelines and requirements will help estimate your personal timeline.

It’s Worth the Investment

Becoming a pharmacy technician does require dedication. But the rewarding patient care, sense of purpose, job stability, and fair pay make it an excellent career path.

Whether you choose an abbreviated on-the-job route or pursue advanced education, your training time will pay off. Approach each step thoughtfully, and before you know it, you’ll be embarking on this high-demand, meaningful healthcare career.