Ten Best 3-Month (12-Week) Pharmacy Technician Programs Online

Is it not amazing how you can become a pharmacy technician in just 3 months? If you want to delve into this exciting aspect of healthcare, an online 3-month pharmacy technician program is what you need.

A pharmacy technician works alongside the pharmacist to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the pharmacy. The roles you play as a pharmacy technician are essential. They include assisting the pharmacist, managing medication, rendering customer service, and performing administrative duties.

How can you choose the best 3-month pharmacy technician program? How lucrative is this career? I will guide you through all of these in this article. You will see how this 12-week online pharmacy technician program can fast-track your aspirations at your convenience.

You can also check out the 20 Best 3–6 Months Online Diploma Courses.

How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Technician Program Online

Choosing the best 3-month pharmacy technician program online requires careful consideration of several factors. You must ensure the program has the qualities to give you the best education and training. The following headers are the most important criteria to consider.

Accreditation

Look for programs accredited by recognized accrediting bodies, such as the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Accredited programs usually have higher standards of quality. They are also more respected by employers.

Cost

Compare the tuition and fees of different programs. Consider your budget and be sure the program can fit into it. You can also search for financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, or employer-sponsored tuition assistance.

Type of Program/Flexibility

When considering the type of program, check your schedule and personal commitments. Choose a program that offers flexibility in class schedules and pacing to accommodate your needs.

Reputation of School

Before selecting any 3-month pharmacy technician program online, check for reviews. Checking reviews gives you an insight into the reputation of the school. You should also seek advice from professionals about the program provider or school.

Job Placement Assistance

Another essential factor to consider before choosing a 3-month pharmacy technician program online is job opportunities. Check if the program assists with job placement or externship opportunities, as practical experience is crucial for your career.

Licensure and Certification

Whatever 3-month pharmacy technician program online you want to choose, ensure that it prepares you for the pharmacy technician certification exam required in your state. Programs with a high rate of students successfully obtaining certification should also be higher on your list of program choices.

Duration

You should also consider the length of the program. Some are shorter and more intensive, while others have a longer duration. Choose one based on your interests and availability.

Career Goals

Make sure you know what you want. Have your goals at your fingertips and ensure the 12-week pharmacy technician program online you choose aligns with them.

How To Become A Pharmacy Technician Online

Research Requirements

The first thing to do is research the requirements for pharmacy technician certification in your state or country. However, most places require the completion of an accredited 3-month pharmacy technician program online and passing a certificate exam.

Choose an Accredited Program

The next thing to do is to select a 3-month pharmacy technician program online accredited by organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Enroll in the Program

Once you have selected a reputable 3-month or 12-week pharmacy technician program online, enroll through their admissions process.

Attend Classes and Complete Coursework

The classes are 100% online, making them very convenient. You can attend classes without having to leave your house. However, you must pay attention in these classes and complete assignments to get the most from the program.

Gain Practical Experience

Many programs need a specified number of hours of practical pharmacy practice. Some online programs can help you locate a local pharmacy for this purpose.

Prepare for Certification Exam

Once you have completed the 3-month pharmacy technician program online, the next step is to prepare for the pharmacy technician certification exam. Common exams include the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

Pass the Certification Exam

Of course, the only way to receive the certificate is to pass the exam. Passing the exam is a crucial step toward becoming a certified pharmacy technician. The exam is usually not as difficult as you may think. With good attention in classes, and some extra reading hours, you are good to go.

Apply for Certification

After you pass the exam, apply for certification through the appropriate agency or board in your local area.

Maintain Certification

It is also essential to note that to maintain your certification, you must complete continuing education requirements or renew it periodically, depending on your local regulations.

Apply for Jobs

Once certified, search for pharmacy technician job opportunities in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare settings.

How Many Weeks are in 3-Month Pharmacy Technician Programs?

A 3-month pharmacy technician program online comprises 12 weeks of coursework and training. You can also refer to the program as a 12-week pharmacy technician program online. However, the duration may vary slightly depending on the type of program and the institution.

Within the 12 weeks, you will have to complete the entire coursework. The coursework comprises topics that are essential areas of knowledge for a pharmacy technician. The areas include pharmaceutical laws and ethics, drug classification, pharmaceutical compounding, customer service, and communication, among many others.

The online classes take different forms depending on the course provider. Some may be video courses, while others may combine some readable materials with video courses.

However, the uniting factor for all 12-week pharmacy technician programs is that they only take 12 weeks to complete. Despite the short time, the course topics are rich and all-encompassing. At the end of the course, you will have learned all you need to know as a pharmacy technician.

Read also: 21 3-Month and 6-Month Certificate Programs That Pay Well.

10 Best 3-Month (12-Week) Pharmacy Technician Programs Online

Certified Pharmacy Technician

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: Health Career Certs
• Cost: $2,400

The Certified Pharmacy Technician Program by Health Career Certs offers a 125-lesson course. It is a fully online, self-paced course.

This 12-week pharmacy technician program online prepares you for two exams: the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Exam by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Health Career Certs also offer you a golden opportunity to gain externship experience. They offer you a place at CVS/Walgreens, or a hospital pharmacy to gain real-time work experience.

For more information about the program, see Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

Pharmacy Tech Specialist Certificate

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: Franklin University
• Cost: $2,700

In this 3-month pharmacy technician program online, you learn skills that make you a competent assistant in any pharmaceutical organization. The program also prepares you for the certification exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. At the end of the program, you become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

The following are the major areas of training you receive via this program:

• Acceptance and handling of prescription requests from patients as well as those supplied electronically by doctors’ offices.
• Counting, weighing, and pouring drugs, as well as application of accurate drug combinations.
• Precise prescription labeling and packaging of drugs.
• Inventory management.

Other areas of training you receive are in Anatomy and Physiology, medical terminologies, and pharmaceutical technician principles and practices.

For more information about the program, see Online Pharmacy Tech Certificate Program and Classes.

AlliedRx Pharmacy Technician Online Program

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: AlliedRx
• Cost: $1,350

AlliedRx offers a 3-month pharmacy technician program online. The program offers video learning. However, you also have access to readable materials and a virtual tutor.

One advantage of this program is the lifetime access you have to the learning materials, even after you have completed the program. You can access the course from a computer, laptop, or mobile device.

The program prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which has recognition in all states in the USA.

The following are some essential areas of pharmacy technician training you learn in the program:

• Preparation, ordering, and stock prescription of medication
• Patient and dosage forms, and the several routes of administration
• Community and institutional pharmacy setting
• Top 200 drugs
• IV flow rates
• Drug compounding
• Brand and generic prescription drugs

You will also learn to apply all the theories and principles associated with the Pharmacy Technician profession to overall patient care.

For more information about the program, see AlliedRx Pharmacy Technician Online Program.

Online Pharmacy Technician Program — Ashworth College

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: Ashworth College
• Cost: Varies (about $1,200)

The 3-month pharmacy technician program online offered by Ashworth College equips you with the skills needed for success on the job. It is a self-paced online course that prepares you for two certificate exams: the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Exam for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The course content covers areas such as pharmacology and pharmaceutical calculations. The following are some of the courses offered in this program:

• Drug Classification and Pharmaceutical Calculations
• Pharmacology
• Community and Hospital Pharmacy Practice
• Laboratory Simulation and Certification Preparation

Ashworth College has a partnership with Walgreens and CVS/Pharmacy. The partnership offers you the opportunity to gain externship experience at these companies.

For more information about the program, see Online Pharmacy Technician Program – Ashworth College.

Online Pharmacy Technician Course — Advanced eClinical

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: Advanced eClinical
• Cost: $3,000

The Online Pharmacy Technician Course is a 12-week pharmacy technician program online. It is also a self-paced course.

The program is open for pre-med, pre-pharmacy, or pre-PA students seeking a career as a pharmacy technician. You can access the course via your computer or mobile device.

The course curriculum is as practical and interactive as possible. It uses clinic skills simulations and real-life patient case studies so that you get the best training. It also engages students with 3D animated demonstrations, interactive flashcards, and progress-tracking tools for a wholesome learning experience.

At the end of the course, you take the National HealthCareer Association exam to become a nationally recognized Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

For more information about the program, see Online Pharmacy Technician Certification.

Certificate Pharmacy Technician Course — Pharmacy Trainer

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: Pharmacy Trainer
• Cost: $695

The Certificate Pharmacy Technician Course is a PTCB-approved 12-week pharmacy technician program online. It is also one of the most affordable online pharmacy technician programs.

You can pay the whole $695 once or over 4 installments ($173.75). This makes it easier for people struggling financially.

You can take the course using a computer or your mobile device. Learning is more personal as each student has an instructor. You receive lectures via live recordings. You can also attend online conferences with your instructor.

To learn more about the program, see Certified Pharmacy Technician Course.

UI Health Care Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
• Cost: $3,000

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics prepares you for a successful pharmacy technician career through this rich training program. It is a 12-week pharmacy technician program online. However, some parts of the training are offered in person.

The program has 3 delivery formats:

• Didactic/Online: it takes approximately 130 hours to complete.
• Simulation: it takes approximately 66 hours and is in-person training
• Experiential: it is an in-person training in a pharmaceutical setting that takes approximately 224 hours to complete.

You will receive a total of 420 hours of training, which you can complete within 12–15 weeks. Once you complete the course, you are eligible to sit for the national certification exam prepared by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

To learn more about the program, see Pharmacy Technician Training Program.

SCC Pharmacy Technician Program

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: St. Charles Community College
• Cost: $800

The Pharmacy Technician Program at St. Charles Community College provides in-depth training to prepare you to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Upon completion of the program, you receive a certificate of completion from St. Charles and then prepare for the national certificate exam.

The lectures come in 3 different formats: Online classes, mandatory Zoom sessions, and mandatory on-campus labs.

Unlike other programs that are only eligible for those 18 and older, you can register for this 3-month pharmacy technician program online if you are at least 17 years old.

To learn more about the program, see Pharmacy Technician.

TKHCI National Certification Pharmacy Technician Course

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: Top Knowledge Health Care Institute (TKHCI)
• Cost: Not specified

The National Certification Pharmacy Technician Course is a 12-week pharmacy technician program online approved by the PTCB. It is an evening class taught by a live instructor throughout the year. The classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

You must be up to 18 years old to enroll in the course. You must also have a laptop or desktop computer fitted with a camera.

The following are the topics in the course curriculum:

• Pharmacy Law and Ethics.
• Medications and Drug Classifications.
• Prescription Processing and Preparation.
• Drug Compounding.
• Medication Safety and Error Prevention.
• Pharmacy Calculations.
• Pharmacology.

To learn more about the program, see National Certification Pharmacy Technician Course.

HVCC Pharmacy Technician Program

Here is an overview of the program:

• Course provider: Hudson Valley Community College
• Cost: $1,750

The Pharmacy Technician Program at HVCC is a 3-month pharmacy technician program online. The course takes place exclusively online.

The lecture schedule includes a 3-hour compulsory real-time session with a live instructor twice per week. You also participate in live discussions with your instructor and fellow students.

The program runs for a total of 13 weeks. It prepares you for the certification exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

To learn more about the program, see Pharmacy Technician | HVCC.

Read also: 34 Best 4–6 Week Certificate Programs Online that Pay Well.

Is Pharmacy Technician A Diploma Program?

Yes, pharmacy technician programs are diploma or certificate programs. Like these 14 Short Certificate Programs, pharmacy technician programs are short programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as pharmacy technicians.

While some pharmacy technician programs may result in a diploma, others may award a certificate upon completion. A 3-month pharmacy technician program online also makes you eligible to take a certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

List of All Courses Under Pharmacy Technician

• Introduction to Pharmacy Practice
• Pharmaceutical Calculations
• Pharmacy Law and Ethics
• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy Dispensing Procedures
• Prescription Processing
• Drug Classification and Dosage Forms
• Pharmacy Inventory Management
• Compounding Medications
• Pharmacotherapy
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) Preparation
• Customer Service Skills
• Healthcare Ethics and Professionalism
• Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals
• Pharmacy Software and Technology
• Clinical Experience or Internship

How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Earn?

The salary of a pharmacy technician depends on several factors. The factors include level of experience, location, education, and certification.

However, an entry-level pharmacy technician who has just completed a 3-month pharmacy technician program online can earn up to a $30,000 annual salary.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for a pharmacy technician is $36,740, or $17.66 per hour.

If you stay in the Philippines, check out the Top 37 Courses/Jobs with High Salary in the Philippines.

Can A Pharmacy Technician Become A Pharmacist?

Absolutely! Many students who completed a 12-week pharmacy technician program online later became pharmacists.

However, the process of becoming a pharmacist takes extra determination. You must complete a bachelor’s degree and attend a pharmacy school before you can sit for the state licensing exam to become a licensed pharmacist. The process may vary with location, but if it is what you want, it is worth a try.

What Do Pharmacy Technicians Do?

A 3-month pharmacy technician program online grooms you to carry out all the functions of a pharmacy technician effectively, but what are those functions? As a pharmacy technician or an aspiring one, the following are your roles:

• Counting, measuring, and packaging drugs in their accurate dosage for patients.
• Handling prescription orders from patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
• Inventory Management.
• Interaction with patients about dosage instructions and potential side effects.
• Compounding of specialized medications, such as intravenous (IV) preparations or customized dosage forms.
• Record-keeping, filing, and maintenance of pharmacy databases.
• Assisting Pharmacists by working closely with them to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the pharmacy.

What are the Differences Between Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists?

The basic function of a pharmacy technician is to assist the pharmacist. However, there are several other differences between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist.

Firstly, while a pharmacy technician may require only a 12-week pharmacy technician program online, a pharmacist holds at least a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy.

Furthermore, the pharmacist has the final say in the pharmacy. A pharmacist can make clinical decisions about drug therapy and adjust drug dosages. They also offer expert advice on medication management.

On the other hand, pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists and follow specific protocols.

The pharmacist bears the ultimate responsibility for the safe and accurate dispensing of medications. They ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The pharmacy technician only assists. The individual does not have the same level of legal responsibility as pharmacists.

Where Do Pharmacy Technicians Work?

Pharmacy technicians can work for several organizations. Unlike some people may think, the job of a pharmacy technician does not end in a pharmaceutical laboratory. A pharmacy technician can work in the following places:

• Retail and hospitality pharmacies.
• Long-term care facilities.
• Pharmaceutical companies.
• Mail-order pharmacies.
• Pharmacy Benefit Management companies.
• Government agencies.
• Home healthcare.
• Research and education

FAQs On 3-Month (12-Week) Pharmacy Technician Programs Online

Conclusion

A 3-month pharmacy technician program online offers you a fast-track route to a promising career in healthcare. The online nature of the program also makes it more convenient.

A 3-month or 12-week pharmacy technician program online provides the essential knowledge and skills required for the role. It also enables you to enter the workforce quickly. However, it is necessary to consider the accreditation, cost, and reputation of the school, among other factors before choosing any pharmacy technician program.

Ultimately, your success as a pharmacy technician depends on your commitment to the course in the classroom and practice. Once you put in your best, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

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