Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
Classes Start September 23
Train for a Career as a Pharmacy Technician in our 9-Month Certificate Program
ABHES Accredited
On Campus | Hybrid*
At a Glance
~9 Months
Course length
376-416
Class hours**
224
Lab hours
160-240
Externship hours**
*Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
**Hours vary by location
About the Pharmacy Technician Program
Pharmacy Technicians are key medical professionals who work under the direct supervision of licensed pharmacists to prepare and dispense prescription medications, manage pharmacy inventory, and deliver exceptional patient service. They help ensure medication safety and accuracy across community, hospital, and clinical pharmacy settings. Through hands-on pharmacy lab simulation, computerized prescription processing training, and a supervised clinical externship, Pima Medical Institute’s Pharmacy Technician program gives you the pharmaceutical knowledge, dosage calculation skills, and professional readiness to excel in the pharmacy field.
Where the Pharmacy Technician Program Can Take You
Certification
Pima Medical Institute's Pharmacy Technician certificate program prepares graduates to apply to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).*
Entry-level roles
Pharmacy technician, pharmacy clerk, or IV-certified pharmacy technician across hospitals, retail or mail-order pharmacies, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, in-home health environments, and other healthcare facilities
Career advancement
Move into lead or senior tech roles or pivot into pharmaceutical sales or pharmacy management
*Certification and state registration requirements vary.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
MATH
Four dedicated math courses across the program building calculation accuracy for dosing, compounding and dispensing
PHARMACOLOGY
Four sequences of pharmacology covering drug classifications, brand/generic names, interactions and indications
OPERATIONS
Inventory management, drug storage and prescription adjudication
COMPLIANCE
Pharmacy laws and ethics and patient safety
CLINICAL
Pharmacy laboratory skills and sterile compounding protocols and aseptic technique (USP <797> / USP <800> guidelines)
COMMUNICATION
Interpersonal communication, patient safety and error prevention protocols
Program Objective
Pima Medical’s Pharmacy Technician certificate program gives you the technical and professional foundation to launch an entry-level career. Through hands-on training, classroom instruction and a real-world externship, you can be job-ready in as few as nine months. This program prepares graduates to apply to sit for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (CPhT), administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
The program covers the full scope of the pharmacy technician role, from preparing and compounding medications, counting tablets and labeling bottles to receiving and verifying prescriptions, managing drug inventory and processing patient transactions. You will also build the customer service and communication skills needed to work effectively with patients, pharmacists, physicians and other members of the care team across retail, hospital, and other pharmacy settings.
Hybrid Learning Options
All courses are taught on campus to ensure you get the hands-on clinical experience this program requires. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses, combining in-person instruction two days a week with online learning three days a week. Externship hours are completed fully in person.
*Not all programs offer hybrid learning options; hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Find a Campus Near You
Pima Medical Institute has campuses across the West, each offering hands-on Pharmacy Technician training built for immediate workforce entry.
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Continuing Your Pharmacy Technician Education
At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online associate degree in Health Care Administration, an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Get the skills needed to move up within the healthcare industry, with the flexibility of virtual instruction. Work on your degree anywhere, anytime.
Job Outlook
6% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow faster than average over the next 10 years, with a median pay of $43,460 per year. *
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Pharmacy Technicians,
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm (visited June 07, 2026).
What careers can you pursue with a Pharmacy Technician certificate?
The Pharmacy Technician certificate program prepares students to apply for roles including:
- Pharmacy Technician
- IV-Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmacy Clerk
- Compounding Pharmacy Technician
- Hospital Pharmacy Technician
- Specialty Pharmacy Technician
These careers may exist in a variety of health care environments including retail and community pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens and independent pharmacies), hospital and medical center inpatient pharmacies, long-term care and assisted living pharmacies, mail-order and specialty compounding pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and clinic pharmacies
Career Services
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
Student Services
Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.
Application Process
- Submit the form below
A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
- Chat with our team
They’ll ask about your goals, your background, and what’s drawing you to healthcare. From there, they’ll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
- Attend your campus tour
Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We’ll walk you through programs and what to expect.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
Pharmacy Technician Certificate Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Additional requirements may apply by campus
Tuition & financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and payment plans are available for those who qualify to help make your education affordable.
FAQs About our Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
What Is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician is a trained health care professional who works alongside pharmacists to help prepare and dispense medications for patients. Pharmacy technicians serve as a key link between pharmacists, physicians and patients, helping to ensure that the right medications reach the right people safely and efficiently. As demand for prescription medications continues to grow, pharmacy technicians play an increasingly important role in keeping pharmacies and health systems running smoothly.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications across retail pharmacies, hospitals, and other health care settings. Their responsibilities include compounding medications, counting tablets, labeling bottles, verifying prescriptions, managing drug inventory and operating automated dispensing equipment. They also receive and process written and electronic prescriptions, handle refill requests, and complete patient purchase transactions. Strong communication skills are essential, as pharmacy technicians regularly interact with patients, pharmacists and physicians throughout the course of the workday.
How Do I Get Certified as a Pharmacy Technician After Graduation?
Graduates of Pima Medical’s institutionally accredited, state-licensed program are eligible to apply to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE), administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Passing the exam earns you the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, the most widely recognized pharmacy technician certification in the country. Per the PTCB, many states and employers now require or prefer the CPhT for employment, and our admissions representatives can walk you through your specific state’s requirements.
Graduates of Pima Medical Institute’s Pharmacy Technician program are prepared to sit for national and statewide credentialing exams.
Credential | Organization |
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) |
ExCPT Certified Pharmacy Technician | National Healthcare Association (NHA) |
State Registration/License | State Board of Pharmacy |
*Availability and requirements vary by state.
What experience will I gain in the externship?
Students complete 160-240 hours of supervised clinical externship divided between community/retail and institutional/hospital pharmacy settings.
During externships, students have the opportunity to:
- Apply compounding, dispensing, and computer entry skills in live pharmacy environments
- Work alongside licensed pharmacists and experienced pharmacy technicians
- Experience hospital automated dispensing systems and institutional workflows
- Build direct professional networks for immediate employment after graduation
Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy technician?
Most states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed or registered with the State Board of Pharmacy, and many require national certification (such as PTCB CPhT) within a specified timeframe of employment.
How long is Pima Medical Institute’s Pharmacy Technician program?
Pima Medical Institute’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate program can be completed in 9 months.
*Individual completion times may vary.
What is the difference between being registered and being certified as a pharmacy technician?
Registration means you have filed with your state board of pharmacy and are legally permitted to work. Certification means you have passed a nationally recognized exam, typically the PTCE through the PTCB, and earned the CPhT credential. Many states require both. Pima Medical’s program prepares you for certification, and our admissions representatives can walk you through your specific state’s requirements.
What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist?
A pharmacist holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and is licensed to verify prescriptions, counsel patients, and oversee pharmacy operations. A pharmacy technician works under a pharmacist’s supervision, handling tasks like filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and assisting patients. Pharmacy technicians typically complete a certificate program and certification exam rather than a multi-year degree.
What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacy assistant?
A pharmacy assistant handles administrative and customer service tasks such as stocking shelves, answering phones, and processing payments. A pharmacy technician is a trained health care professional who prepares and dispenses medications, manages controlled substance inventory, and works directly with pharmacists on patient care. Most states require pharmacy technicians to complete a formal training program and pass a certification exam, while pharmacy assistants typically do not have those requirements.
Is a pharmacy technician the same as a pharmacy clerk?
No. A pharmacy clerk is a retail, non-clinical role focused on customer service and store operations. A pharmacy technician is a trained and typically certified health care professional who works in the dispensary, prepares medications, and supports pharmacists in clinical tasks. The responsibilities, required training, and earning potential of the two roles are significantly different.
Do pharmacy technicians need a degree, or is a certificate enough?
A certificate is enough to enter the field. Most employers look for a completed program from an accredited school and a passing score on the CPhT exam. Pima Medical’s nine-month Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program meets both requirements. Students who want to advance into supervisory or administrative roles later can explore Pima Medical’s online Health Care Administration programs.
What are the admissions requirements for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program?
Pima Medical Institute programs generally require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. No prior health care experience is required. Requirements can vary slightly by campus and state, so we recommend visiting our Admissions Requirements page or call (800) 477-7462 to speak with someone directly.
Does Pima Medical offer financial aid for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program?
Yes. Pima Medical Institute participates in federal financial aid programs. Eligible students may qualify for federal grants, federal student loans or other assistance. The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Visit our Financial Aid Programs page to learn more.
Can I enroll in the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program while working full time?
Many students do work while enrolled. The program is approximately nine months and is delivered on campus, with hybrid learning options available at select locations for added scheduling flexibility. Our student services team is available throughout the program to help you stay on track.
Can pharmacy technicians specialize in specific areas?
Yes. After earning the CPhT credential and gaining work experience, pharmacy technicians can pursue advanced specializations including sterile compounding, oncology, nuclear pharmacy, hospital pharmacy and pharmacy informatics. Most specializations require additional certification beyond the CPhT. Pima Medical’s certificate program provides the foundational knowledge needed to pursue these advanced paths over time.
Where can I study to become a pharmacy technician near me?
Pima Medical Institute offers the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program at campuses in seven states.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Career Prep Sequence
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
Professional Sequence IV
Externship
Career Prep Sequence
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
Professional Sequence IV
Externship
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Disclosures And Accreditations
We have partnered with PioneerRx Pharmacy Software to provide students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a simulated, real-world pharmacy management system.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Pharmacy Technician program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington, and meets applicable licensure requirements in those states. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Certificate Programs
Contact information for state licensing boards in which Pima Medical Institute has determined the program does not meet state licensure requirements or where Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the program meets state licensure requirements can be found below.
State Licensing Board Contact Information – Pharmacy Technician