GES117 Pharmacy Technician
Prepare for pharmacy technician certification online through the University of Memphis and develop skills for a healthcare career. PTCE exam voucher included.
Online Pharmacy Technician Certification Training
Build Practical Skills for a Career in Pharmacy
Ready to take the next step toward a career in pharmacy? Through flexible online training from the University of Memphis, you will develop your knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmacy calculations, medication processing, pharmacy regulations, patient care, and other concepts used in pharmacy practice.
This online pharmacy technician training program combines foundational knowledge with hands-on practice through an online lab module. You will apply what you learn to prescription processing, medication dosing, and other pharmacy procedures.
The course also prepares you 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.
What the Future Looks Like
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.
In the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metropolitan area, the median annual pharmacy technician salary is $45,260, or $21.76 per hour, according to recent BLS wage data. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians across Tennessee is $41,920.
Pharmacy Technician Course and Career FAQs
What is a pharmacy technician? What does a pharmacy technician do?
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to help provide prescription and over-the-counter medications to patients. These professionals may process prescriptions and refills, manage medication inventory, assist with insurance claims, provide information to patients, maintain organized pharmacy work areas, and follow applicable laws and confidentiality requirements. Depending on the pharmacy setting, they may also help compound or mix certain medications.
Where do pharmacy technicians work?
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.
How do I get a pharmacy technician license?
Pharmacy technician licensing and registration requirements vary by state, and not every state requires a license. Depending on where you plan to work, you may need to complete an approved training program, pass an exam, earn certification, register with your state Board of Pharmacy, or meet other requirements. Review the PTCB State Regulations and Map and your state's Board of Pharmacy requirements to determine the steps that apply to you.
How long does it take to complete pharmacy technician training?
Our Pharmacy Technician course is self-paced and able to be completed in fewer than 12 months. Once you are certified, you'll have the qualifications you need to find an entry-level job in any pharmacy.
What certification does this pharmacy technician course prepare me for?
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 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
- Gain 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)
Requirements for the Course and Certification
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.
To participate in required competency activities and receive instructor feedback, you will need access to a video camera, such as a phone or other device, and the ability to upload video as an .mp4 file. These activities must be completed successfully as part of the course.
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.
Certification Preparation
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.
Meet Your Instructors
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 and Enrollment
This course is 100% online and self-paced. Start whenever you are ready.