Online Pharmacy Technician Schools
Pharmacy technicians are skilled professionals who assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing prescription medicines. You can become one by pursuing a pharmacy technician training program at a vocational school or community college. These institutions are usually far more affordable than four-year colleges, giving you a direct path to valuable savings.
Explore educational and career paths, compare programs, and connect with study opportunities at top-ranked pharmacy technician schools.
Degree at a Glance
- Typical Program Length: 1-2 years
- Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Top Skills Gained: Medication packaging and labeling, customer service and communication, medicine transcriptioning, apothecary unit conversions, sterilization techniques, process documentation
- Popular Concentrations: Certification-track Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) prep programs
The Best Online Pharmacy Tech Schools
Allen County Community College — Most Affordable Online Pharmacy Tech Program
- Iola, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Cheapest Tuition Rates for All Online Students
Allen County Community College offers an affordable online pharmacy tech program with flexible payment options, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships. The full-time estimated tuition is $8,662-$9,272 for in-state students and $10,187-$11,102 for out-of-state students, though this does not reflect the actual amount most students pay. Earn an associate degree and gain essential skills for a career in the pharmaceutical field.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $75-85
Out-of-State | $100
Why Students Choose Allen:
- Financial Support: Access various scholarships, including the full-ride Kansas Promise Scholarship, with varying requirements.
- Dual Awards: Earn both a pharmacy technician certificate and an associate degree.
- Transfer Opportunities: Ability to transfer credits to universities like Kansas State, Pittsburg State, and the University of Kansas to complete a bachelor's degree.
Know Before You Enroll:
- You may need to take a placement test to choose your classes. If you need accommodations, contact an ADA coordinator at Allen at least two business days before the test.
- To qualify for federal financial aid, students must enroll in an eligible program, attend half-time, meet academic standards, and follow transfer and course requirements.
83%
$2,380
48%
$2,660
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,817
- Institution Type
- Public
North Central Missouri College — Most Flexible Online Pharmacy Tech Program
- Trenton, MO
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Two-Year, Asynchronous Online Format Designed for Better Work-Life Balance
North Central Missouri College offers a flexible online pharmacy technician program to maximize the work-life balance of its students. The two-year program can be completed on campus or online in an entirely asynchronous format. NCMC's program covers all essential pharmacy tech duties, preparing you for career advancement opportunities in various healthcare settings.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $179-$184
Out-of-State | $294
Why Students Choose NCMC:
- Convenient Learning Opportunities: Study at your own pace from the comfort of your home while balancing work and family and saving on transportation, meals, and childcare.
- Self-Guided: Complete all coursework entirely online on your own time. With no set class times, you can study whenever it fits your schedule.
- Scholarship Funding: You may qualify for scholarships, including health sciences and the A+ Scholarship, which may cover 100% of tuition depending on your eligibility.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Online courses are text-based with no spoken lectures, which requires self-motivation and self-discipline.
- Placement test scores will determine if you need to take a developmental studies course alongside your pharmacy technician coursework.
69%
$5,100
71%
$6,300
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,847
- Institution Type
- Public
Spokane Community College — Best Pharmacy Tech Program for Hybrid, Interactive Learning
- Spokane, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers Synchronous, Hybrid, and In-Person Learning Options
Spokane Community College offers a pharmacy technician program with extensive live interaction and online learning opportunities. You can select from flexible options, including synchronous, hybrid, and in-person learning formats. The program offers comprehensive training, includes clinical hours, and prepares you for certification in Washington state.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $65-$132
Out-of-State | $67-$179
Why Students Choose SCC:
- Flexible Options: Join classes live in-person, online, or a mix of both for a flexible schedule you can switch as often as you like.
- Comprehensive Education: Learn all aspects of pharmacy, from drug products to Washington pharmacy law, for careers in community and hospital pharmacies.
- Immersive In-Person Experiences: Includes a mix of hands-on lab practice, clinical pharmacy training, and classroom instruction.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Admission requires a high school diploma, GED, background checks, interviews, and recommendations.
- English and Math placement tests are not a requirement for SCC's pharmacy tech program.
51%
$3,195
N/A
$4,089
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 6,286
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
The average salary for certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) is $53,000 per year — 18% higher than the average annual salary of $44,800 for all pharmacy technicians reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Why Become a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians appear poised for solid career growth as an aging U.S. population will likely drive higher demand for prescription medications. You can train to become a pharmacy technician quickly, and online schools often allow incoming students to start immediately without any need to wait for the next term or semester.
The career path compares favorably to other healthcare careers with low barriers to entry, such as the medical assistant and medical coding tracks.
Career Outlook for Pharmacy Technician Graduates
The BLS forecasts a higher-than-average 6% job growth rate for pharmacy technicians from 2024-34. This aligns with many other healthcare careers, which have high growth projections amid an aging U.S. population.
According to May 2024 BLS data, pharmacy technicians earn an average annual salary of $44,800 per year. However, some employment settings have higher average pay rates. You can target these industries for externships and employment to improve your salary outlook.
The following table profiles the five top-paying industries for pharmacy technicians as of May 2024:
| Industry | Annual Median Salary, May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch | $62,750 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $62,410 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Use Hospitals | $55,550 |
| Insurance and Employee Benefit Funds | $55,450 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $53,530 |
Pharmacy Technician Licensing and Certification Requirements
Most states require pharmacy technicians to hold a license or professional certification. Requirements vary by state, but the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s CPhT credential is a widely used standard.
If you plan to pursue a professional certification, consider earning a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. These four-year programs deliver deeper, more complete coverage of pharmacy science and can support your success on the PTCE and ExCPT examinations.
As an alternative, you can also seek out certification-track associate degree programs.
To research licensing or certification requirements, connect with your state’s credentialing body through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Ways to Save on a Pharmacy Technician Degree
Many schools price their pharmacy technician programs at affordable rates, but you can still take advantage of several strategies that can help you save. Consider these options:
Attend a Community College: According to National Center for Education Statistics data for in-state students, public two-year colleges cost an average of 63% less than public four-year colleges in the 2022-23 school year.- Study Online: Research the cost of online colleges before making your school choice. Online learning offers multiple avenues to significant savings, compared to the cost of in-person attendance.
- Choose a Self-Paced Program: The less time you spend in school, the less your diploma or degree will cost. Some online pharmacy technician programs have self-paced formats, which allow you to move through material more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
BLS data from May 2024 cites a national average salary of $44,800 per year for pharmacy technicians. In September 2025, Payscale listed an average salary of $53,000 per year for professionals with CPhT certification. Your location and employment industry can also affect your pay potential.
Related articles that may interest you
Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees 2025
Affordable online associate degrees prepare you for entry-level careers and further studies. Popular degree choices include business, nursing, and more.
Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs
Key Takeaways Accelerated online associate degrees allow students to complete their studies in as little as 12 months by undertaking a more rigorous curriculum and heavier course loads. These programs are particularly beneficial for military service members and individuals seeking careers in healthcare or business, offering a fast track to enhance job prospects and earning …
Online Veterinary Tech Schools
Earning a veterinary technician degree can lead to new and exciting career opportunities. Here, we list the best online vet tech schools.