Pharmacy Technician
Build the knowledge and practical skills needed to support pharmacists, prepare prescriptions and help patients receive medications safely. This online certificate can help AdventHealth employees explore a detail-focused role in hospital, community and other pharmacy settings.
- CredentialCertificate
- Duration6 months
- Tuition$4,000
What Is the Pharmacy Technician Program?
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to help prepare and dispense medications. They may receive prescription requests, measure medications, prepare labels, maintain patient records, process insurance claims and manage inventory.
This role combines careful technical work with communication and customer support. Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists and care teams maintain accurate medication records and provide patients with timely service.
Pharmacy technicians support medication services across several healthcare environments. As an AdventHealth employee, you may use this training to explore pharmacy opportunities across the network. Available roles vary by location, qualifications, licensure and current staffing needs. Pharmacy technicians may work in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community and retail pharmacies, clinics, and nursing homes and other healthcare settings.
Where in the AdventHealth Network Can You Work?
The Pharmacy Technician program is designed to give you a comprehensive foundation — covering both the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to step confidently into your new role.
Through a structured, self-paced curriculum built around real-world application, you'll graduate with credentials that employers recognize and trust.
Becoming a Qualified Pharmacy Technician
This program prepares you to enter the pharmacy field and pursue national certification. You'll learn pharmacy terminology, medication preparation, prescription processing, inventory management, pharmacy law and the differences between retail and hospital settings.
This program prepares learners to pursue the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's Certified Pharmacy Technician credential and references preparation for the NHA ExCPT exam. Completing the program does not automatically award certification or guarantee examination eligibility. The primary certification is the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
PTCB eligibility pathways: Candidates must reside in the United States or its territories, comply with PTCB policies, disclose applicable criminal and state-board actions and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Candidates must also qualify through one of these pathways: complete a PTCB-recognized education or training program, or be within 60 days of completion when applying; or complete at least 500 hours of equivalent pharmacy technician work experience.
Learners should review the certifying organization's current eligibility, examination and renewal requirements before applying.
You Will Learn To:
- Define the differences between retail and hospital pharmacy settings
- Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct
- Explain federal and state laws that govern pharmacy practice
- Interpret physician orders and prescriptions
- Accurately count, weigh, pour and mix medications
- Prepare prescription labels and package prescriptions
- Process insurance claims and manage inventory
- Maintain patient profiles and computerized records
- Receive prescription requests from patients and doctors' offices
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- No prior professional experience necessary
- Basic computer literacy and familiarity with common software applications
- English proficiency
- Externship recommended or required, typically 120-200 hours depending on the partner institution
- Clinical or externship placement may involve additional screening and compliance costs. Learners should confirm current placement, state registration and certification requirements before enrolling.
Provided Courseroom Materials
- Expert-led, video-based training
- RX-3000 Student Workbook and Simulation Manual
- The Pharmacy Technician eBook
- Simulation Kit
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Disclaimer: Clinical site availability confirmation is required prior to enrollment.
Is This Program Right for You?
The Pharmacy Technician certificate is built for motivated learners ready to advance — no prior experience needed. Flexible scheduling lets you study on your terms.
Request InformationWhat You'll Learn
4 modules covering everything you need to succeed.
Pharmacy Settings and Professional PracticeModule 01
- Retail and hospital pharmacy settings
- Ethical conduct and professionalism
- The pharmacy technician's role under pharmacist supervision
Pharmacy Law and Prescription ProcessingModule 02
- Federal and state pharmacy laws
- Physician orders and prescriptions
- Prescription requests from patients and doctors' offices
Medication Preparation and Dispensing SupportModule 03
- Counting, weighing, pouring and mixing medications
- Prescription labels and packaging
- Generic and brand-name medications
Patient Records, Billing and InventoryModule 04
- Patient profiles and computerized records
- Insurance claim processing
- Medication inventory management
What Can You Do With a Pharmacy Technician Certificate?
The pharmacy knowledge and practical skills developed through this program can help you explore roles supporting pharmacists and medication services.
Careers to Explore
The pharmacy knowledge and practical skills developed through this program can help you explore roles supporting pharmacists and medication services. Job duties, registration and certification requirements vary by employer and jurisdiction.
As a graduate you may be eligible for these careers:
- Pharmacy Technician
Growing Demand for Pharmacy Technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the pharmacy technician field is expected to increase over the next decade.
Get Certified & Stand Out to Employers
Complete your certificate and validate your skills with an industry-recognized credential. Select program tiers include a complimentary exam voucher toward your Certificate certification.
Request InformationYou will receive a complimentary voucher for each of these certification exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills does a pharmacy technician need?
Pharmacy technicians need basic pharmacology knowledge, organization, attention to detail and clear communication. They must also follow pharmacy law, medication-safety procedures and professional standards.
What is the typical schedule for a pharmacy technician?
Many pharmacy technicians work full time. Because some pharmacies operate around the clock, schedules may include evenings, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays.
What are the benefits of being a pharmacy technician?
The role can provide experience in medication services, patient support and healthcare operations. It may also help you build skills that support future growth in pharmacy or other healthcare fields.
What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist?
Pharmacy technicians work under a licensed pharmacist's supervision to receive requests, prepare prescriptions and complete related support tasks. Pharmacists verify prescriptions, provide clinical medication expertise and carry responsibilities that require pharmacist education and licensure.
Do I need to maintain my pharmacy technician certification?
Yes. National credentials have renewal and continuing-education requirements. Because those rules can change, review the certifying organization's current requirements before relying on older renewal guidance.
Accreditation & Licensed Certifying Bodies
AdventHealth University is institutionally accredited and its programs align to recognized certifying bodies — the legitimacy your next employer expects.
Ready to Advance Your Career?
Take the next step. Request information about the Pharmacy Technician certificate and an advisor will reach out to help you get started.
Request Information