Pharmacy technicians generally are trained on-the-job and work under the supervision of pharmacists, but employers consider education and credentials when making hiring decisions. Online pharmacy tech certification programs prepare students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board credentialing exam. Online education providers such as ed2go and Allied Schools offer pharmacy technician programs ranging from 120 to 300 hours of online coursework and training.
Online pharmacy technician certification programs require students to earn passing grades in coursework such as drug dose calculations, medical terminology, drug interactions and inventory management. Programs also educate students about different types of pharmacies including hospital- and community-based pharmacies and retail drug stores.
Online pharmacy technician programs can be completed in as little as six months. Pharmacy technician programs like ed2go provide externships for students to gain hands-on experience and to network with potential employers. Allied School's pharmacy technician program features a "Pass or Don't Pay" policy that waives the exam fee in the event that a student does not pass the PTCB credentialing exam.