How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

Updated October 20, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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You know that feeling when you walk into a pharmacy and everything’s running smoothly prescriptions ready, customers calm, pharmacists focused?
That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the work of pharmacy technicians, the quiet professionals keeping things organized, accurate, and moving.

If you like helping people, staying organized, and being part of something that genuinely matters, becoming a pharmacy tech might just be your lane. Let’s walk through how to make it happen.

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?

Pharmacy technicians are the link between patients, doctors, and pharmacists. They prepare medications, manage inventory, handle insurance, and make sure every prescription is filled safely and correctly.

A Day in the Life:

  • Counting, labeling, and packaging prescriptions
  • Measuring dosages and preparing medications under pharmacist supervision
  • Processing insurance claims
  • Communicating with doctors’ offices
  • Managing inventory and keeping detailed records

It’s part science, part logistics, part people skills and every day, you’re helping someone get better.

Pharmacy Technician Salary & Job Outlook

Quick Facts Pharmacy Technicians
2024 Median Pay $43,460 per year / $20.90 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education High school diploma or GED
Work Experience Required None
Training Time 6 months – 1 year
Job Outlook (2023–33) 6% growth (Faster than average)
Employment Change (2023–33) +31,500 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Pharmacy Technicians

Between an aging population and new prescription technologies, pharmacy techs are in high demand especially those with certifications.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician (5 Steps)

Here’s the play-by-play to start your journey.

  1. Get your high school diploma or GED
    This is the foundation math, communication, and science will all come in handy.

  2. Complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program
    These programs usually take 6 months to 1 year and teach medication prep, dosage forms, and pharmacy law.

  1. Get certified
    Most employers prefer and many states require certification. The top exams are:

    • PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) – Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
    • NHA (National Healthcareer Association) – ExCPT Certification

  2. Register or get licensed in your state
    State rules vary some require background checks or continuing education. Check your state’s licensing board.

  3. Start working and growing your skills
    Pharmacy techs work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, mail-order companies, and clinics. With experience, you can move into lead tech or supervisory roles.

steps-to-become-a-pharmacy-technician

Certification & Licensing Requirements

Certification helps you stand out, even if your state doesn’t require it.

Top Certifying Organizations:

  • PTCB – Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
  • NHA – ExCPT

Requirements for Certification:

  • Complete an approved training program or equivalent work experience
  • Pass a national certification exam
  • Meet your state’s licensing or registration requirements

Once certified, you’ll need to renew every two years with continuing education.

Skills That Make a Great Pharmacy Tech

  • Attention to detail (because one decimal can change everything)
  • Empathy and communication
  • Basic math and data entry
  • Organization and multitasking
  • Dependability and discretion

The best pharmacy techs are part problem solver, part people person, part perfectionist.

Pros & Cons of the Pharmacy Technician Career

Pros:

  • Fast entry into healthcare
  • Strong job stability
  • Nationwide demand
  • Clear growth paths and specializations

Cons:

  • Repetitive work at times
  • Requires standing for long periods
  • Must stay precise under pressure

Start Your Pharmacy Tech Journey

If you want a career that’s meaningful, stable, and doesn’t take years of school, becoming a pharmacy technician might be the perfect fit.

You’ll help real people every single day and that’s something you can feel proud of.

The first prescription you’ll ever fill? It’s for your own future.

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.