Health Sciences Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Program

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, generally speaking, pharmacy technicians need only a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, many states and employers also require you to take classes and/or pass a certification exam to work in this field, in addition to passing a background check. Completing a pharmacy technician program — like the one offered at UMA — can help students stand out among those who only finished high school. Read our guide about How to Pursue Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in 5 Steps for helpful tips.

Apart from the on-site externship, the thing about online courses is that they enable you to fit your coursework into a flexible study schedule!³

The answer to this question varies, in part, based on the state/employer where you plan to work. Each state has its own pharmacy regulations, and some employers may require certification. To better understand the requirements in your state, you must check with your designated Board of Pharmacy. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy offers an online list, which may be a good place to start. If you have a specific potential employer in mind, you may want to research that employer's minimum requirements for pharmacy technicians.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers a Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. Our program is designed to prepare students to sit for this exam, if they are eligible, while they pursue their associate degree. We also share the differences between a certified and uncertified pharmacy technician if you'd like to learn more.

Only you can determine which school will best fit your needs. Factors to consider include whether it can help you achieve your career goals, how much money you want to spend on a training program, whether the school will help you after graduation when you're attempting to find a job, and other factors you may be looking for. Our staff is here to answer any questions you may have when determining if UMA is a good fit for you.

When researching pharmacy technician programs, it's helpful to look at all of the “extras” these programs offer above and beyond a degree. For instance, UMA graduates have access to 24/7 tech support while taking classes, and our Career Services team works with them to brush up on resumes and interview skills so they can pursue a new role with confidence. UMA's Learner Services team also assists students with certain obstacles that might stand in the way of completing their education.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires individuals to complete a PTCB-recognized training program or have an equivalent level of work experience to take the certification exam. Therefore, if you complete UMA's Health Sciences – Pharmacy Technician associate degree program, for instance, the training program takes 18 months to complete.2 Then you would need to take the exam, if eligible, the timing of which may vary depending on when the exam is next offered.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, generally speaking, pharmacy technicians need only a high school diploma or its equivalent to work in this position. However, many states also regulate this field, so completing a training program and/or passing an exam may be required as well. Employers may also require certification and/or formal training.

Ultimate Medical Academy is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES.org), a national accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Though UMA is not a university or college, we offer online diplomas and degrees as well as blended healthcare programs, some of which offer on-site externships/practicums and certification preparation — all intended to put you in a position to pursue a healthcare career after graduation.