PENNSYLVANIA ONLINE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN TRAINING

Become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania

Complete Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician training requirement with a PTCB-recognized education and training program that is 100% online and self-paced.
  • Meets Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician training requirement
  • PTCB-recognized education/training program
  • 100% online and self-paced
  • Most students finish in 2–3 months
  • $249.99 total course tuition
No textbooks to purchase. No externship fees. No additional course fees.

Pennsylvania pharmacy technician training and registration requirements

If you want to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, the requirements recently changed. As of June 28, 2025, pharmacy technicians must register with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy, and completing a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program is one of the requirements for full registration.

Pennsylvania recognizes several types of qualifying training programs, including PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Programs. Pharmacy Technician Academy offers PTCB-recognized training that satisfies Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician training requirement for registration.

Our program is 100% online and self-paced, so you can complete your required pharmacy technician training from home without attending campus classes or completing an externship. Completing the program also meets the education requirement for eligibility to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) if you choose to pursue national PTCB certification.

Pennsylvania requirements at a glance

To become a registered pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, you generally must:
  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program
  • Complete Pennsylvania’s other registration requirements
  • Apply for Pharmacy Technician registration through PALS
For application instructions, fees, trainee registration, and a complete explanation of the state’s requirements, visit our Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide.

How to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania

Becoming a registered pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania involves completing the state’s training and registration requirements. Here’s how the 1st Pass CPhT Course fits into your path from training to registration.
1

Complete qualifying training

Pennsylvania requires pharmacy technicians to complete a Board-approved training program as part of the registration process. The 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program and qualifies under Pennsylvania’s recognized training pathway.
2

Finish online coursework

Work through the course entirely online and at your own pace. After successfully completing the program, you'll receive a certificate of completion documenting your pharmacy technician training.
3

Apply for your license

Complete the state’s remaining requirements and apply for Pharmacy Technician registration through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Pennsylvania applicants must meet the state’s age, education, training, and other application requirements.
4

Consider certification

Completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course also makes you eligible to take the PTCE. Passing the exam earns you the nationally recognized Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
  • Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician registration and national PTCB certification are separate credentials. PTCB certification is not required for Pennsylvania registration, although some employers may prefer or require national certification for certain positions.
FLEXIBLE, AFFORDABLE TRAINING

Why choose Pharmacy Technician Academy?

Pharmacy technician training doesn’t have to mean spending thousands of dollars or rearranging your life around a traditional school schedule.

Our program is designed to provide the training you need in a flexible, affordable format while preparing you for both Pennsylvania registration and optional national certification.

PTCB-recognized training

The 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program that satisfies Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician training requirement

100% online

Complete the entire course online from home. No campus attendance or scheduled classroom sessions.

Completely self-paced

Study when it works for you. There are no live class times, so you can learn around work, family, and other responsibilities.

No externship required

Complete your training without arranging an unpaid externship or traveling to a clinical site.

Finish in 2–3 months

Many students complete the program within two to three months, while still having the flexibility to work at their own pace.

Instructor support

Our instructors are pharmacists with Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees who can help explain difficult concepts and answer questions about the course material.
TRANSPARENT, AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable Pharmacy Technician Training in Pennsylvania

Starting a new career shouldn’t require spending thousands of dollars on tuition. Pharmacy Technician Academy was created to make high-quality pharmacy technician education affordable and accessible, while providing the training students need to meet Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician training requirement and prepare for the PTCE.
Complete Course Tuition:
$249.99
One straightforward price for the complete 1st Pass CPhT Course.
Our goal is simple: provide an affordable, flexible way to complete your pharmacy technician education without sacrificing the quality of the training or support you receive.

Additional costs to know about

Pennsylvania pharmacy technician registration

Paid directly to the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy when you apply for Pharmacy Technician registration.

PTCB Certification Exam (PTCE)

Paid directly to PTCB if you choose to pursue national Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification after completing the course.

What's included with your tuition

  • Complete 16-module online training program
  • Digital course materials
  • Video instruction
  • Interactive learning activities
  • Pharmacotherapy and brand/generic flashcards
  • Module quizzes and exams
  • Comprehensive final exam
  • PTCB exam preparation
  • Instructor support
  • Certificate of completion

Why is our tuition only $249.99?

Because affordability is part of how we designed the program.
Traditional pharmacy technician programs can cost thousands of dollars and may require students to attend scheduled classes or travel to a campus or clinical site. Pharmacy Technician Academy was built specifically to deliver pharmacy technician education online.

By offering a self-paced online program without the overhead associated with physical classrooms and scheduled instruction, we're able to keep our costs lower and pass those savings on to our students.

Our goal isn't to make pharmacy technician education more expensive than it needs to be. It's to give students an affordable, flexible path to getting the education they need to start their careers.

A simpler path to pharmacy technician training

You don't need to rearrange your work schedule, commute to campus, or spend thousands of dollars to complete qualifying pharmacy technician training in Pennsylvania.
COMPREHENSIVE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN TRAINING

What you’ll learn in our pharmacy technician course

The 1st Pass CPhT Course is a comprehensive 16-module pharmacy technician training program designed to build the knowledge and skills needed for pharmacy practice while preparing students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Pharmacology & Medications

Learn commonly used medications, including brand and generic names, drug classes, indications, side effects, interactions, and important medication information.

Pharmacy Law & Regulations

Understand the federal laws and regulations pharmacy technicians need to know, including controlled substances, prescription requirements, recordkeeping, and pharmacy practice standards.

Pharmacy Calculations

Build confidence with the calculations used in pharmacy practice, including dosage calculations, conversions, days’ supply, concentrations, quantities, and other common pharmacy math.

Pharmacy Operations

Explore day-to-day pharmacy workflow, inventory concepts, medication storage, and the technician's responsibilities within the pharmacy team.

Medication Safety

Learn how pharmacy technicians help prevent medication errors, recognize potential safety issues, use appropriate error-prevention strategies, and protect patients throughout the medication-use process.

PTCE Preparation

Reinforce what you’ve learned with module quizzes and exams, interactive learning activities, flashcards, and a comprehensive final exam designed to help prepare you for the PTCE.
Learn from experienced PharmD instructors.
    Learn connected concepts together.
Instructor access included

Have a question? Ask a pharmacist.

Every enrolled student has access to our PharmD instructors. If you need help understanding course material or have questions about working in pharmacy, you can reach out for guidance.

What makes our curriculum different?

Learn pharmacy from pharmacists

The course is designed and taught by Doctors of Pharmacy (PharmDs).
Our instructors include pharmacists with board certifications and years of real-world pharmacy and management experience. This gives you the opportunity to learn from professionals who understand the material from both an academic and practical perspective.

Our instructors know what pharmacy technicians need to understand for the PTCE and, just as importantly, how those concepts apply in real-world pharmacy practice.

And that expertise isn't limited to the lessons. When you enroll, you have access to our PharmD instructors for questions about the material, difficult concepts, and the pharmacy profession.

Learn connected concepts together

Pharmacy topics don't exist in isolation, so we don't teach them that way.
The 1st Pass CPhT Course uses an integrated curriculum approach modeled after teaching methods used in professional pharmacy education. Instead of teaching subjects such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, medication safety, and calculations as completely separate topics, we teach related concepts together when they naturally connect.

By repeatedly connecting related concepts throughout the course, you have more opportunities to reinforce what you've already learned and build a stronger understanding of how pharmacy practice works as a whole.
For example: While learning about pain medications, you may also review controlled-substance classifications, DEA requirements, medication safety, and the pharmacy laws that apply to those medications.

Learn on your schedule

Your training should fit your life, not the other way around.
The 1st Pass CPhT Course is completely online and self-paced, with no scheduled class times. You can log in and study when it works for you, whether that means evenings, weekends, during a lunch break, or whenever you have time available.

Because you're not tied to a fixed classroom schedule, you control your pace. Move quickly through material you already understand and spend additional time reviewing topics that are more challenging.
2-3
Months
Typical completion time
Many students complete the course in approximately 2–3 months, but your schedule is ultimately up to you.

Study anywhere

Access your course online and continue your training from home or wherever your schedule takes you.

Set your own pace

No live classes or fixed weekly meeting times. Spend more time on difficult topics and move faster through material you already know.

Fit training around your life

Continue working, caring for family, and managing your other responsibilities while completing your training.

Pharmacy technician career opportunities in Pennsylvania

Pharmacy technicians are an important part of the healthcare team, with opportunities available in pharmacies, hospitals, health systems, specialty settings, and other healthcare organizations throughout Pennsylvania.

Typical wage for certified pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania

Projected nationwide growth in pharmacy technician jobs

Pharmacy technicians currently employed across Pennsylvania

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics pharmacy technician employment data, more than 20,000 pharmacy technicians work across Pennsylvania, with opportunities available in community pharmacies, hospitals, health systems, long-term care facilities, specialty pharmacies, and other pharmacy settings throughout the state.

Pharmacy technician salaries in Pennsylvania vary based on experience, employer, work setting, location, and other factors. The average pharmacy technician wage in Pennsylvania is approximately $19.57 per hour, or about $40,710 per year for full-time work. Technicians at the 90th percentile earn approximately $23.93 per hour, demonstrating the range of earnings within the profession.

Want to explore wages in more detail? Our Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician Salary Guide includes salary percentiles, regional wage data for cities across Pennsylvania, and information about the factors that can influence pharmacy technician pay.

Pharmacy technicians work for major employers throughout Pennsylvania

With more than 20,000 pharmacy technicians working across the state, Pennsylvania offers opportunities across a wide variety of pharmacy settings. Pharmacy technicians work for national pharmacy chains, grocery pharmacies, hospitals, major health systems, specialty pharmacies, long-term care providers, and other healthcare organizations throughout Pennsylvania.

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Is the 1st Pass CPhT Course right for you?

The 1st Pass CPhT Course is designed for students who want an affordable, flexible way to complete qualifying pharmacy technician training in Pennsylvania without attending scheduled classes or completing an externship.

This course may be a great fit for you if:

  • You want to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania.
  • You want to complete your pharmacy technician education entirely online.
  • You need to fit your training around work, family, or other responsibilities.
  • You prefer learning at your own pace instead of attending scheduled live classes.
  • You want a program that does not require an on-site externship.
  • You’re considering taking the PTCE to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
  • You're comfortable learning independently but want access to pharmacist instructors when you have questions.

When might another program be a better fit?

Our self-paced online format offers a great deal of flexibility, but it may not be the best learning environment for every student. Another program may be a better fit if:
  • You prefer scheduled, live classroom instruction with an instructor teaching at set times.
  • You specifically want an in-person college, vocational-school, or campus experience.
  • You want a training program that includes an externship.
  • You know that you perform better with a highly structured weekly schedule and fixed class deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pharmacy Technician Academy’s 1st Pass CPhT Course accepted in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pharmacy Technician Academy’s 1st Pass CPhT Course is accepted for pharmacy technician training in Pennsylvania. The course is a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program, which is one of the training pathways recognized by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy.

Completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course satisfies Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician training requirement for full registration. You will still need to meet the state’s other registration requirements and submit your application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).

Can I complete my pharmacy technician training online in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Programs as a qualifying pharmacy technician training pathway, and the 1st Pass CPhT Course is both PTCB-recognized and completely online.

You can complete the course from home and study on your own schedule. There are no scheduled classroom sessions or campus attendance requirements.

Does the 1st Pass CPhT Course require an externship in Pennsylvania?

No. The 1st Pass CPhT Course does not require an externship or clinical placement.

The program can be completed entirely online without arranging training hours at a pharmacy or traveling to a clinical training site. After successfully completing the course, you can use your completed training toward Pennsylvania’s Pharmacy Technician registration requirements.

Can I take the 1st Pass CPhT Course if I don’t have pharmacy experience?

Yes. No previous pharmacy experience is required to enroll in the 1st Pass CPhT Course. The program starts with the basics and gradually builds your knowledge as you progress through the course.

The curriculum is designed for students who are new to pharmacy, introducing foundational concepts before moving into more advanced topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, medication safety, pharmacy calculations, and pharmacy operations.

How much does online pharmacy technician training cost in Pennsylvania?

The full cost of Pharmacy Technician Academy’s 1st Pass CPhT Course is $249.99. This includes access to the complete 16-module online training program, digital course materials, video instruction, learning activities, flashcards, module assessments, the comprehensive final exam, instructor support, and your certificate of completion.

There are no required textbooks or externship fees. Pennsylvania pharmacy technician registration and the optional PTCB certification exam are separate expenses and are not included in course tuition.

How long does the 1st Pass CPhT Course take to complete?

Most students complete the course in approximately two to three months.

The program is self-paced, however, so your actual completion time will depend on your schedule and how much time you devote to studying. There are no scheduled class times, allowing you to move through the program at a pace that works for you.

Can I complete the 1st Pass CPhT Course while working full time?

Yes. The 1st Pass CPhT Course is completely self-paced and does not have scheduled class meetings, making it possible to complete your pharmacy technician training while working full time.

You can study in the evenings, on weekends, during days off, or whenever your schedule allows. You have 6 months of course access, giving you the flexibility to fit your training around work, family, and other responsibilities.

Does completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course make me eligible to take the PTCE?

Yes. The 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program, so completing the course meets PTCB’s education and training requirement for eligibility to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

This gives the course a dual benefit for Pennsylvania students. It satisfies Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician training requirement for registration while also providing the education needed to pursue national PTCB certification.

After completing the course, you can apply to take the PTCE if you choose to pursue the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Pennsylvania registration and PTCB certification are separate credentials, and PTCB certification is not required for Pennsylvania registration.

Do I need to be PTCB certified to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania does not require pharmacy technicians to earn PTCB certification for state registration.

Pennsylvania requires pharmacy technicians to register with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy and meet the state’s registration requirements, including completing an approved pharmacy technician training program. PTCB certification is a separate national credential and is not required for Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician registration.

However, some employers may prefer or require national certification for certain pharmacy technician positions. Students who choose to pursue certification can earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential by meeting PTCB’s eligibility requirements and passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

What are the requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania?

To become a registered pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program, and meet the state’s other registration requirements.

After completing the required training and other requirements, you can apply for Pharmacy Technician registration through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).

The 1st Pass CPhT Course satisfies Pennsylvania’s pharmacy technician training requirement through the state’s PTCB-recognized education and training pathway.

For application instructions, fees, trainee registration information, and a complete explanation of the requirements, visit our Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. After successfully completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course, you will receive a certificate of completion documenting that you completed a PTCB-recognized pharmacy technician education and training program.

Your certificate provides documentation of your completed training as you work through Pennsylvania’s Pharmacy Technician registration process. You can also share it with prospective employers when applying for pharmacy technician positions to demonstrate that you have completed formal pharmacy technician training.

Ready to Start Your Pharmacy Technician Training?

Complete your Pennsylvania pharmacy technician training online with the 1st Pass CPhT Course and study on your own schedule.
$249.99
Complete course tuition
  • 100% Online
  • Self-paced
  • PTCB-recognized
  • No externship required
Start today and complete your training on your own schedule.
Still have questions? Contact us

Sources & Important Information

The information on this page regarding pharmacy technician laws, regulations, registration requirements, fees, and related requirements is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may change at any time.

While we make every effort to keep this information accurate and up to date, students should verify current requirements directly with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy and the official laws and regulations linked below before making decisions based on this information. Individual eligibility and registration decisions are determined by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy.

Sources: Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy • 49 Pa. Code § 27.701 • 49 Pa. Code § 27.702 • Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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