how to become a pharmacy technician without going to school

As you may assume from the title of our article, it is not obligatory to have formal post-secondary education to be able to work in this medical field.

Some people will consider it great that they do not necessarily have to attend college or a vocational school to start working as pharmacy techs.

We are glad to tell you that this is a profession that allows an easier start than many others in health care.

Requirements for Becoming a Pharmacy Tech

Future pharmacy techs will only need to complete high school and receive a high school diploma, or its equivalent.

So as to become a pharmacy tech, there is no requirement to acquire formal training, as you can receive on-the-job training from your employer once you get a job.

There, you will learn your duties as a pharmacy technician.

However, sometimes it is not enough to have only a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

There are some states that require pharmacy tech to be certified.

Still, it is not necessary to go through school to get certified, and all you need to do is to give a closer look at the pharmacy tech requirements of your state.

Also, you can check whether certain employers require a certificate so as to put yourself ahead of other candidates when applying for a job.

Training Programs

You can always choose to be trained to become a pharmacy technician.

However, you need to have in mind that the level of commitment and knowledge gained through this training is not the same as completing a college degree or attending advanced education courses.

So, it not obligatory to complete a training program through a community college or vocational school, but you are suggested to take part in a training program through a pharmacy.

These programs can be found easily, as numerous pharmacy retailers, including Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid, offer pharmacy technician training programs.

They are diverse, as CVS offers on-the-job training, while Walgreens has Walgreens University, which provides a pharmacy tech training program, which will prepare you for the certification through PTCB.

Rite Aid's pharmacy tech training program is comprised of courses and workbook exercises with hands-on training in stores.

If going to school is not what you are looking for, you can choose the option of online training with hands-on experience in a pharmacy.

There is a chance to get educated through CareerStep Online Training Solutions, and then finish an externship with CVS or Walgreens.

Certification

For people who do not want to attend training, there is an option of getting certified with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which does not require any schooling.

However, you will need to take an exam.

In 2020, the eligibility requirements have changed, so you will need to include a PTCB-recognized training or education program or equivalent work experience to be allowed to take the exam.

To become PTCB certified, an applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent, provide disclosure of criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions, comply with certification policies, and pass the exam.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) costs $129.

Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) is another certification for pharmacy techs provided by the National Healthcareer Association.

It requires the completion of a training program after reaching a high school degree or equivalent.

Also, those who have one year of work experience act as the equivalent to training are eligible to take the exam.

The ExCPT exam currently costs $117.

Our advice is to learn about the requirements of your state and only then determine your way to becoming a pharmacy tech.