Online pharmacy technician training programs are ideal for those seeking a flexible, affordable way to launch a healthcare career. Whether you’re a working professional, a busy parent, or a recent high school graduate, these programs prepare you for roles as pharmacy technicians, who earn a median salary of $40,300. With the help of these training programs, you’ll gain the skills and certifications needed to thrive in this growing field, learning prescription preparation, medication safety, and patient interaction.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Pharmacy Technician Training degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 33 Online Pharmacy Technician Training Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
North Central Missouri College
Intelligent Score: 99.85In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$170 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
16 credits
Southeast Community College
Intelligent Score: 98.42In-state: $15,098
Out-of-state: $15,602
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $102 per credit
Out-of-State: $123 per credit
Online, On-campus
American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
30 credits
Aiken Technical College
Intelligent Score: 98.29In-state: $18,156
Out-of-state: $19,730
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 500 or higher
ACT: 22 or higher
Resident: $189 - $204 per credit
Non-Resident: $267 per credit
Online, On-campus
American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
39 credits
North Dakota State College of Science
Intelligent Score: 97.9In-state: $17,689
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
In-State: $144.34 - $161.66 per credit
Out-of-State: $173.21 per credit
Online, On-campus
American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
44 credits
Allen County Community College
Intelligent Score: 97.46In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$60 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
31 credits
State Fair Community College
Intelligent Score: 96.95In-state: $17,464
Out-of-state: $19,000
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-District: $167 per credit
In-State: $225 per credit
Out-of-State: $287 per credit
Online
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
18 credits
Sinclair Community College
Intelligent Score: 96.44In-state: $15,526
Out-of-state: $19,273
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-County: $126.03 per credit
In-State: $173.28 per credit
Out-of-State: $329.40 per credit
Online, On-campus
American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
33-34 credits
Northwest Iowa Community College
Intelligent Score: 95.44In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$195 per credit
Online, On-campus
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
39 credits
Rasmussen University
Intelligent Score: 95.18In-state: $30,870
Out-of-state: $30,870
In-state: $23,715
Out-of-state: $23,715
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Barton Community College
Intelligent Score: 94.32In-state: $32,590
Out-of-state: $32,590
In-state: $10,238
Out-of-state: $10,238
SAT: 930-1120
ACT: 17-22
$150 per credit
Online
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
29 credits
University of Alaska Anchorage
Intelligent Score: 93.69In-state: $36,848
Out-of-state: $50,432
In-state: $39,954
Out-of-state: $39,954
SAT: 1030-1250
ACT: 18-25
In-State: $234 - $351 per credit
Out-of-State: $800 per credit
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
16 credits
Lakeshore Technical College
Intelligent Score: 92.28In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $138.90 per credit
Out-of-State $208.35 per credit
Online, On-campus
American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
32 credits
North Central Kansas Technical College
Intelligent Score: 90.61In-state: $26,631
Out-of-state: $26,631
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
North Seattle College
Intelligent Score: 88.1In-state: $27,447
Out-of-state: $27,936
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$128 per credit
Online, On-campus
American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
49 credits
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Intelligent Score: 87.14In-state: $19,084
Out-of-state: $24,932
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Vance-Granville Community College
Intelligent Score: 84.69In-state: $20,936
Out-of-state: $25,544
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-State: $76 per credit
Out-of-State: $268 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
13 credits
Stanly Community College
Intelligent Score: 84.37In-state: $18,588
Out-of-state: $25,039
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $76 per credit
Out-of-State: $268 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
40 credits
Foothill College
Intelligent Score: 84.15In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,900 program cost
Online, On-campus
American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
52 credits
What You Should Know About an Online Pharmacy Technician Training Program
If you’re interested in the medical field, there are similar options you could pursue. You can join a program for medical assistants, dental assistants, medical records and health information technicians, or medical transcriptionists. Consider whether you’d rather work more with patients or behind the scenes in records.
Typically, most states require potential pharmacy technician students to have a high school diploma or GED. Moreover, some states or employers may need pharmacy technicians to be certified. In that context, only two organizations, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), can provide certification.
The employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow 7% by 2033. As the general population continues to age, their dependence on prescription medications will eventually increase, leading to an increased need for pharmacy technicians.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online pharmacy technician training programs:
- How long does it take to complete this program? How long it takes to finish pharmacy technician training depends on the program’s requirements. However, most programs can be completed with one year of study.
- Am I eligible for this program? You will likely need a high school diploma or GED to qualify for a pharmacy technician training program.
As you look for a pharmacy technician training program, remember to keep track of all the deadlines and materials needed for the application and financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Pharmacy Technician Training Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online pharmacy technician training program?
Most graduates pursue roles as pharmacy technicians, working alongside pharmacists to prepare prescriptions, manage inventory, and assist customers with their medication needs. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, organized, and possess excellent communication skills.
With demand for pharmacy techs projected to grow, nearly 47,400 job openings are expected annually over the next decade, making this a stable and in-demand profession. This training will provide you with the knowledge and skills to enter the workforce quickly, offering a direct route to meaningful, hands-on work in pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
Are online pharmacy technician training programs as credible as on-campus programs?
These programs are often just as credible as their on-campus counterparts, offering the same curriculum and expert faculty. The primary difference is the format — online learning provides flexibility, making it an excellent option for students juggling work, family, and other commitments.
Accreditation is essential for ensuring program quality. All of our programs maintain accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), which only accredits programs including at least 600 hours of instruction over a minimum of 15 weeks.
How long does it take to complete an online pharmacy technician training program?
It typically takes at least 15 weeks to complete an online pharmacy technician training program, though many programs require two semesters. The duration depends on the number of credits required, ranging from 15 to 39, varying by institution. Shorter programs may focus on essential skills and certification prep, while longer ones often include more comprehensive coursework and practical training. This flexibility allows you to choose a program that fits your schedule and career goals, whether you’re looking for a fast-track option or a more in-depth experience.
Are there specialization options within online pharmacy technician training programs?
Specialization options within these programs are rare, as they usually offer a fixed curriculum designed for quick completion and certification readiness. This streamlined learning format focuses on building core competencies like prescription preparation, medication safety, and inventory management.
While specializations may not be available, it’s essential to carefully review the curriculum of any program you’re considering. Look for features aligning with your career goals, like externship opportunities or hospital or retail pharmacy training.
What is the cost of an online pharmacy technician training program?
The cost of an online pharmacy technician training program will vary by institution, but the average for similar programs was $3,885 during the 2022-2023 academic year. It’s important to note, though, that tuition structures can differ — some programs charge per term for a flat rate, while others use a per-credit model, which may be more common in comprehensive programs requiring more credits.
When comparing programs, it’s essential to consider the tuition and what’s included, such as certification exam fees, materials, or internship opportunities, to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.