Online Pharmacy Tech Certification: Overview of Requirements

Pharmacy technicians participate in the process of prescription drug delivery to patients. Online pharmacy technician training programs are available; however, prospective students must tune in to education and certification requirements according to state board of pharmacy guidelines.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

In order to work as a pharmacy technician, entry routes and minimum requirements vary. Some pharmacy technicians may be trained on the job, while others may seek formal education and certification. Yet, according to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), most pharmacy technicians are trained on the job.
State boards of pharmacy differ in requirements for working as a pharmacy technician in terms of type of education and program, continuing education, on-the-job training and certification. For example, according to state requirements outlined by the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians, the state of California requires an associate's degree in pharmacy technology from an accredited program, but the state of Kentucky does not.

Online Pharmacy Technician Programs

Academic programs that train pharmacy technicians are available as online associate degrees, certificates or diplomas. The curriculum for pharmacy technician training discusses an orientation to the pharmacy technician profession. Students study the effects of various substances on the major functional systems of the human body. They explore concepts in assisting with pharmacists and reviewing medication orders.
Programs also investigate the legal and administrative issues crucial to the profession. Assignments, discussions and exams are completed using online learning systems, such as Blackboard. Students watch lectures and complete coursework at their own pace; however, assignments and examinations have specified timelines.

Earning the Certified Pharmacy Technician Credential

To become certified, two organizations offer exams leading to the certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) credential; the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Once initially certified, pharmacy technicians must maintain the credential through continuing education every two years. In addition, both organizations offer publications, online practice tests and online training courses to help students to prepare for the certification exam. Most preparation materials are fee based.