If you want to start a career as a pharmacy tech, you could consider getting formal education through a pharmacy tech school.
While getting a formal education is a great idea, getting it through a pharmacy tech school is not.
Why? We’ll discuss that in this article.
But first, we’ll walk you through why getting a formal education is the right choice.
Plus, we’ll also discuss the various options you have to get your pharmacy tech education, along with their pros and cons.
Lastly, we’ll introduce you to a self-paced pharmacy tech training program that could help you to start your career faster, without student loan debt, from the comfort of your home.
So, let’s dive in.
Importance of Formal Education to Start a Pharmacy Tech Career
If you’re planning to become a Pharmacy Technician, it might seem tempting to jump into the field with informal experience.
While some social media influencers could suggest you could just train on the job, the truth is, most employers today look for candidates who’ve completed formal training.
Let’s take a closer look at why getting formal education is a great idea:
#1 It Gives You the Core Knowledge
Pharmacy Technicians are responsible for handling medications, assisting pharmacists, and ensuring patient safety.
These aren’t tasks you can pick up randomly; they require a strong understanding of drug classifications, dosages, labeling, and more.
A formal training program provides this core knowledge in a structured way, helping you avoid mistakes and build confidence in your role from day one.
#2 It Makes You Certification-Ready
Most employers today prefer or require Pharmacy Technicians to be certified, often through the PTCB’s Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
To pass the CPhT exam, you need more than just experience—you need to fully understand pharmacy laws, safety standards, compounding techniques, and calculations.
A formal training program prepares you directly for this certification, increasing your chances of passing on your first try and qualifying for better jobs.
#3 It Shows Employers You’re Serious and Well-Prepared
Healthcare is a serious field, and employers are always looking for candidates who are qualified, reliable, and ready to contribute.
Completing a formal program shows that you’ve invested time and effort into your career. It signals to hiring managers that you’re not just looking for a job, you’re committed to becoming a capable, long-term healthcare professional.
Pharmacy Tech School
In today’s competitive healthcare job market, formal education isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. To get a formal education, your first major decision will be choosing the right educational path.
One approach to get formal training is through Pharmacy Tech schools:
Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology
An associate degree is a two-year college program offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities.
It includes both pharmacy-specific training and general education courses like English, math, and science.
However, this route takes a longer time, typically 18 to 24 months to complete. It also comes with a higher price tag, ranging anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the school.
The great thing about a degree is that it may give you academic credibility. But, there also exists a faster, affordable approach to get that credibility.
We’ll discuss that later.
Full-time Certificate or Diploma Programs
Certificate or diploma programs are shorter, career-focused options. These programs are offered by vocational schools, technical colleges, and increasingly, through online platforms.
These programs typically take around 12 months to complete and are much more affordable, costing anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the provider.
So, these are the two programs you get in a Pharmacy Tech School. But, are they worth it? We’ll find out in the next section.
Why Getting Formal Education through a Pharmacy Tech School is Not an Ideal Choice?
By now, you must have understood why formal education is important. But, like most of us, you’ve also probably been told that the best way to get it is by enrolling in a traditional school.
In today’s world, where AI is transforming everything from healthcare to education, that approach might just be a little old school.
Problems of a Pharmacy Tech School:
#1 Expensive Tuition
Pharmacy Tech schools, especially those offering associate degrees or diplomas through in-person programs, often come with a hefty price tag.
Most programs cost upwards of $10,000—and that’s just tuition. For someone trying to start a stable career without piling on financial pressure, that’s a steep climb.
So, these expensive tuition costs can become a major barrier, forcing you to drop out of school.
#2 Added Expenses Leading to Student Loan Debt
Beyond tuition, you’ll need to factor in additional costs like books, lab fees, transportation, housing (if you’re relocating), and more.
Depending on the program, lab fees can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the total cost. Textbooks alone can cost several hundred dollars per semester, making education even more expensive.
Since most of us do not have the savings to cover these costs upfront, we often rely on student loans to finance our education. While loans provide temporary relief, they come with long-term consequences.
Student debt can take years, even decades, to pay off, making it difficult to enjoy financial freedom early in our careers.
#3 Takes Longer to Complete
Most traditional Pharmacy Tech schools stretch over 18 to 24 months. That’s a long time if your goal is to land a job and start earning quickly.
The longer duration of a pharmacy tech school means that you spend more time in a classroom instead of gaining real-world experience in your chosen field. Moreover, it means delaying entry into the workforce.
#4 Lack of Flexibility—Not Suitable for Busy Adults
Most pharmacy tech schools follow a strict academic calendar with fixed class times, making it difficult with busy schedules to keep up.
You could be someone working full-time, raising a family, or juggling other responsibilities, so sticking to fixed class schedules could be extremely difficult for you.
Moreover, missed classes, long commutes, and strict deadlines make things harder to keep up, often leading to burnout or dropouts.
Ultimately, while Pharmacy Tech schools do offer formal education, they come with challenges that might outweigh their benefits.
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, you need to choose a modern alternative that fits into your life, not the other way around.
Other Options to Get Pharmacy Tech Education
You now understand why getting formal education through a pharmacy tech school is not ideal. You simply don’t want to commit years and thousands of dollars to a traditional school.
However, there are some other options to get formal education and the skills you need to enter this field. Let’s discuss them:
On-The-Job Training
One option is on-the-job training, where some pharmacies may hire you without formal education and train you while you work. While that might sound ideal, it’s becoming increasingly rare.
Most employers today prefer candidates who already have some training or certification. And even if you land such a role, there’s no guarantee that the training will be structured or that you’ll be prepared to pass the certification exam.
So, just like traditional programs, this option doesn’t seem practical at all.
Online Programs
Online programs are the most modern and efficient solution because they’re accessible, flexible, and often more affordable than traditional classroom programs.
They allow you to learn at your own pace and fit your studies around your schedule, perfect if you’re working or managing other responsibilities.
Now, when it comes to online education, not all programs are the same.
There are a few types of online pharmacy tech courses, and understanding the differences can help you choose the right path:
Hybrid Programs
They combine online learning with occasional in-person sessions. While they offer some flexibility, they may still require commuting and fixed schedules, which can be limiting.
Live Online Classes
They are conducted in real-time via video conferencing. They bring classroom-like interaction to your screen but still tie you to specific class times, which may not work for everyone.
Self-Paced Programs
These are the most flexible options. You learn on your schedule, move as fast or slow as you need, and often complete the program in just a few months. These programs are ideal for busy adults, and the right one can even prepare you for national certification and include externship opportunities.
So if you’re looking for a practical, faster, and flexible path to becoming a Pharmacy Technician, self-paced programs could be the perfect choice.
Why an Online Program is the Best Choice to Get Pharmacy Tech Training?
Life today is busy and unpredictable. Whether you’re working full-time, raising kids, managing a household, or juggling all of the above, finding time to sit in a classroom for months or years just isn’t realistic for most people.
That’s exactly why online pharmacy technician programs are becoming the go-to choice for aspiring pharmacy techs.
Here’s why:
#1 They are Affordable
Let’s be honest—traditional pharmacy tech schools can be expensive. Associate degree programs offered by community colleges or universities can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, not to mention added fees, books, and transportation.
In contrast, a good online pharmacy tech program typically costs under $2,000. That’s a fraction of the cost, and many online programs even include extras like certification prep and externship opportunities.
If you’re looking to avoid student loan debt while still getting quality training, an online program is the clear winner.
#2 They are Faster
Traditional programs often take 1 to 2 years to complete. That’s a long time to wait if you’re eager to start earning and building a career.
Some online programs can be completed in as little as 2 to 6 months. And because you can study at your own pace, you have the option to finish even faster if you’re motivated.
That means you could be ready to sit for your certification exam and apply for jobs in a matter of months, not years.
#3 Convenient and Flexible
One of the biggest benefits of online pharmacy tech training is flexibility. With traditional schools, you’re stuck with fixed schedules, commutes, and strict attendance rules. If you miss a class due to work or family obligations, you risk falling behind.
On the other hand, self-paced online programs let you learn whenever and wherever works for you. Whether it’s early morning, late at night, or during nap time, you’re in control.
This makes online training the best option for busy adults who need education to fit around their lives, not the other way around.
So, if you’re serious about becoming a Pharmacy Technician but can’t commit to the time, cost, and rigidity of traditional schooling, an online program is your best bet.
What to Look for in an Online Pharmacy Tech Program?
If you’re planning to become a Pharmacy Technician through an online program, you’re already heading in the right direction.
But not all online programs are created equal. Some are overpriced. Others lack essential features like certification prep or externships.
So, before you enroll, you need to know what to look for in the right program. Here are the key features:
- Your program should have a self-paced format
- The tuition should be affordable, ideally under $2,000
- You should get an Externship opportunity, ideally somewhere near you
- The course meets industry standards, so you could become ready for the PTCB’s CPhT certification exam
- The program should complete faster, ideally in as little as 2 to 3 months
Is There a Program That Ticks All These Boxes?
Yes—there is ONE. And not only does it check every box listed above, it also offers even more advantages to start your Pharmacy Tech journey the smart way.
Introducing Preppy’s Self-Paced Pharmacy Technician Program
Preppy is flexible, affordable, and designed to fit your busy life—even if you’re working, taking care of your family, or juggling other responsibilities.
Here’s what makes Preppy a great choice:
100% Online and Self-Paced
You get to learn at your own speed, on your own schedule. Since the course is fully online, you can study anytime, anywhere. It’s perfect for people who need flexibility.
Finish in as Little as 2 Months
While many traditional programs take 1–2 years, Preppy’s course can be completed in as little as 2 months. That means you can start working and earning much sooner.
Get Real Pharmacy Experience
Preppy offers an externship opportunity, which gives you real hands-on training in a pharmacy. You could also get the externship near your location, making the process easy and convenient.
You Could Become Certification Ready
Preppy’s course is meticulously designed to meet PTCB standards, so you could become ready to sit for the CPhT certification exam, offered by the PTCB.
This certification is widely recognized and highly sought after in the pharmacy technology field, making it a vital step in a successful career.
Affordable Tuition
You don’t have to go into student debt to get trained. Preppy’s program costs just $1,599, making it one of the most affordable pharmacy tech training options out there.
Earn a University Certificate
After finishing the program, you could get a university certificate from Texas A&M International University. This gives your resume academic credibility and helps you stand out.
24/7 Student Support
Preppy provides round-the-clock support to ensure you never feel stuck. Whether you need help with coursework, technical issues, or require guidance, our team is always available to assist.
A Special Bonus
When you pay your tuition in full, you’ll receive a free laptop—yours to keep even after completing the program. This added perk makes studying even more convenient.
So, if you’re looking for a faster, easier, and more affordable way to start this career, Preppy’s Self-Paced Pharmacy Tech Program could be the perfect fit.
In Conclusion
Pharmacy tech schools have long been the traditional route to enter this growing field. But as we’ve explored, that path often comes with high tuition costs, student loan debt, and a rigid schedule that may not work for busy adults.
But in today’s world, where flexibility, speed, and affordability matter more than ever, Online programs, especially self-paced ones, offer a smarter, more accessible way to start working sooner.
So, if you’re ready to take the first step toward your pharmacy technician career, without the hassle of long-term school commitments, there’s no better time to enroll in an online program.
Lastly, if you’re looking for an online program that checks all the boxes, Preppy’s self-paced pharmacy tech training program could be a standout choice.
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you with education in a few months through immersive online training.
Healthcare, IT, Business, Trades…Preppy gets you ready for the trending careers in our modern economy.
Our team of higher education and startup veterans has created the best solution so everyone can obtain the emerging careers of today and tomorrow.
We look forward to speaking with you. You may also call 800-729-1317.
