Are you searching for the best pharmacy technician schools? You’re in the right place. Choosing the right educational program is critical when starting towards a new career, but with so many options available, the decision can be overwhelming. To help you navigate through this, we’ve researched and evaluated numerous programs and compiled a list of the top five pharmacy technician schools for 2024. These programs are designed to give you the best foundation for a successful career as a pharmacy technician.
Ranking Criteria for Pharmacy Technician Schools
Before diving into our top picks, it’s important to understand the criteria we used to rank these schools. Our goal was to identify programs that offer the best combination of quality, affordability, and career readiness. Here are the key factors we considered:
1. Cost
Cost is a significant consideration for most students. With rising tuition fees, no one wants to be saddled with massive student loans. Our rankings favor programs that offer affordable tuition without compromising the quality of education.
2. Course Length
When it comes to formal training for pharmacy technicians, spending years in school is unnecessary. Most programs can be completed within a few months. We prioritized programs that offer shorter, more intensive courses, allowing you to start towards your career sooner.
3. University Certification in Healthcare
A certificate from a nonprofit university carries considerable weight in the healthcare industry. Employers respect formal training from reputable institutions, and having a university certificate can set you apart from other candidates. Programs that offer a nonprofit university certificate were ranked higher on our list.
4. Certification Preparation
The majority of employers prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians. According to a recent survey, 90% of employers encourage or require certification for pharmacy techs. The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification, issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), is highly sought after. Programs that prepare students for the PTCB certification scored higher in our rankings.
5. Practical Experience
Hands-on experience is invaluable in any healthcare role. Employers often prefer candidates who have practical experience in a real pharmacy setting, even for entry-level positions. Programs that offer externships or internships, providing students with practical experience, were ranked higher.
Now that we’ve covered the criteria, let’s dive into the top five pharmacy technician schools for 2024.
5. Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University offers an online certificate program for pharmacy technicians that spans nine months. This for-profit university prepares students for the PTCB certification, which is a significant advantage for those looking to become certified pharmacy techs. However, there are a few downsides to consider.
The program is 100% online, but the classes are scheduled, meaning you must adhere to a fixed timetable. This could be a drawback if you need more flexibility in your schedule. Additionally, Rasmussen does not offer any externships or internships, so students will need to arrange hands-on experience independently.
The cost of the program is another consideration. Tuition can go as high as $13,300, making it the most expensive option on our list. While the program does prepare you for certification, the high cost and lack of practical experience opportunities place it at number five in our rankings.
Pros:
- Prepares students for PTCB certification.
- 100% online coursework.
Cons:
- High tuition costs.
- Scheduled classes offer less flexibility.
- No externship or internship opportunities.
4. Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers an online career diploma program for pharmacy technicians. This 13-month program is designed to prepare students for the PTCB certification and includes an externship opportunity, which is a major plus for gaining practical experience.
Penn Foster’s program is convenient and affordable, but it does have some drawbacks. The 13-month duration is longer than other programs on this list, which could be a disadvantage if you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly. Additionally, Penn Foster is a for-profit institution, and some students may have reservations about attending a for-profit college due to past controversies involving such institutions.
Another point of concern is the refund policy. While the best programs on our list offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, Penn Foster only provides a six-day refund period. This short window may not give you enough time to evaluate whether the program is the right fit for you.
Pros:
- Prepares students for PTCB certification.
- Includes an externship opportunity.
- Convenient and affordable online learning.
Cons:
- Longer course duration.
- Short refund period.
- For-profit institution.
3. San Diego State University Global Campus
San Diego State University (SDSU) Global Campus offers an online and self-paced pharmacy technician program. This program allows you to study at your own pace and is accessible for 12 months, giving you ample time to complete the coursework. Upon completion, students are prepared for the PTCB certification, which is a key advantage.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. SDSU does not offer an externship placement, which means students will need to find their own opportunities for hands-on experience. Additionally, the tuition is around $3,200, which is on the higher side compared to other options on our list. While the program does offer a university certificate, the cost and lack of practical experience opportunities placed SDSU in the third position.
Pros:
- Self-paced learning.
- Prepares students for PTCB certification.
- University certificate upon completion.
Cons:
- Higher tuition costs.
- No externship placement.
2. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges offer an online and self-paced pharmacy technician program similar to SDSU. The program features a thorough curriculum designed to prepare students for the PTCB certification exam. One of the standout features of this program is the externship opportunity, which allows students to gain practical experience in a real pharmacy setting.
With a tuition cost of just under $3,000, this program is an affordable option for many students. The combination of online, self-paced learning and an externship opportunity makes it an excellent choice for busy adults who need flexibility in their education.
While this program is a strong contender, it falls short of our top pick due to its slightly higher cost and less extensive support services.
Pros:
- Prepares students for PTCB certification.
- Includes an externship opportunity.
- Affordable tuition.
- Self-paced learning.
Cons:
- Slightly higher tuition compared to our top pick.
1. Preppy’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Program (Top Pick)
Our top pick for the best pharmacy technician school in 2024 is Preppy’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Program. This program is a standout for several reasons. It is a 100% online pharmacy technician program, self-paced and allows you to typically complete the course in as little as two months. This means you can start towards your career much faster than with other programs.
Preppy’s online pharmacy tech classes prepare students for the PTCB certification exam and are in partnership with Auburn University, a 150-year-old accredited nonprofit institution. Upon completing the program, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from Auburn University, which is a significant boost to your resume.
But that’s not all. Preppy also offers an externship opportunity at a pharmacy local to you, allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience. Additionally, if you choose the pay-in-full option, you receive a free laptop, which you can keep even after completing the program.
One of the most unique aspects of Preppy’s program is the job assistance services. If you’re eligible to work in the U.S., their partners will assist you in finding a job upon completion of the program, giving you a significant edge in the job market.
As for cost, Preppy’s program is the most affordable on our list, with tuition priced at $1,599. This price includes all training materials. You can also opt for a payment plan, which requires six monthly payments of $229.99, making it accessible to most students.
Pros:
- Fast completion time (you could complete in as little as two months).
- Prepares students for PTCB certification.
- University certificate from Auburn University.
- Externship opportunities.
- Free laptop with full payment.
- Job assistance services.
- Most affordable option on our list.
Cons:
- None significant.
Top Pharmacy Technician Schools – Conclusion
In conclusion, all the pharmacy technician programs on our list offer valuable training and certification opportunities, but Preppy offers one of the best online pharmacy technician programs for 2024. With its fast completion time, university certification, externship opportunities, and affordable tuition, it provides everything you need to start towards your career as a pharmacy technician quickly and effectively.
If you’re ready to embark on a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, consider enrolling in one of these top programs. Each offers unique advantages, so choose the one that best fits your needs and career goals. Happy learning, and here’s to your future success as a pharmacy technician!
Also read: Top 5 Medical Assistant Programs
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s 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.
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