If you want to work in a pharmacy setting but you have no means yet to pay for a four-year college degree, you can explore pharmacy technician associate degrees that some colleges offer. You can choose from various pharmacy technician programs that will prepare you for a variety of career opportunities in the healthcare industry.
Continue reading to find detailed information on the best colleges for pharmacy technician associate degrees and the most common pharmacy technician associate degree requirements you need for school admission. Let’s dive in.
What Is a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians, commonly known as pharmacy techs, are a type of health professional who works with pharmacists in hospitals, drug stores, or other medical facilities. They help prepare and distribute medicines to ensure patients receive the best possible healthcare. They use technology to keep patient records accurate, place pharmacy orders, and package medications.
What is a Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree?
A pharmacy technician associate degree is a two-year program that offers pharmacy technician training to work in a retail pharmacy or any other pharmacy setting. This associate degree provides you with the necessary knowledge and laboratory skills for helping pharmacists distribute medication and other healthcare products to patients. It can also be your stepping stone to a four-year college degree for medical professionals.
Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Requirements
The pharmacy technician associate degree program has a minimum education requirement of a high school diploma or general education development (GED). Other than this, admission requirements, such as GPA criteria, differ depending on your school of choice. You may check the website of your preferred college to determine the requirements for your program application.
How Much Does a Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of tuition for a two-year program was $3,621 between 2019 and 2020. There may be variations according to which school you select for your pharmacy technician associate degree. Keep in mind that this cost may also vary depending on location, living conditions, and travel expenses.
Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Pharmacy Technician Degree
Students can choose from a variety of flexible payment plans that schools offer to make their education more affordable. You can also sign up for work-study options, where you can earn money while completing your education. As a prospective student, you also have access to financial aid options, such as loans or grants from federal and nonfederal institutions.
Best Pharmacy Technician Associate Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
| Allen County Community College | Pharmacy Technician Applied Science Associate Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| American National University | Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Atlanta Technical College | Pharmacy Technology Associate Degree | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Augusta Technical College | Pharmacy Technology, Associate of Applied Science Degree | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Casper College | Pharmacy Technology Associate Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| Imperial Valley College | Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of College and Universities |
| North Seattle College | Pharmacy TechnicianAssociate of Applied Science Degree | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Remington College | Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Renton Technical College | Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science Degree | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| San Jacinto Community College | Health Science Pharmacy Technician Pathway, Associate of Applied Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Colleges for Pharmacy Technicians: Top Pharmacy Technician Associate Programs
Below, you’ll find some of the pharmacy tech colleges and programs that will help you in your school search and spark your interest in the medical career you want to pursue. These degrees will provide you with a variety of employment opportunities or the ability to transfer credits for a four-year degree.
Pharmacy Technician Applied Science Associate Degree | Allen County Community College
This degree assists pharmacy tech students in developing skills through hands-on training. They learn practical skills like handling questions about over-the-counter medications or fulfilling orders for prescription medications. Apart from pharmacy technician courses, there are also health science and general education subjects included in the coursework.
Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree | American National University
This degree for pharmacy technicians prepares students to assist pharmacists in performing their daily roles, such as giving medications and healthcare. Apart from studying core courses like pharmacology or pharmacy law and ethics, prospective students will also get hands-on training in an actual pharmacy. Students can then continue to a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Pharmacy Technology Associate Degree | Atlanta Technical College
The associate pharmacy technology program at Atlanta Technical College equips students to be job-ready with practicum assignments included in its coursework. Once they graduate, they can work in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and clinics. Students will also be ready to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination as soon as they complete the degree.
Pharmacy Technology, Associate of Applied Science Degree | Augusta Technical College
Students with proper entry-level skills to work in a retail or hospital pharmacy department should pursue a pharmacy technology associate degree at Augusta Technical College. Here you’ll study occupation-focused courses, such as pharmacy tech fundamentals and principles of dispensing medication. Graduates qualify as pharmacy techs, where they can prepare medicine under an experienced pharmacist’s supervision.
Pharmacy Technology Associate Degree | Casper College
In its pharmacy technician program, Casper College emphasizes that students need to build pharmacy tech skills required in the field. It should be a healthy balance of classroom and technical training. So, the learners’ coursework covers practical classes like pharmacy calculations, simulation laboratory, and experiential training. The whole course takes two years to complete, with 15-17 credit hours per semester.
Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree | Imperial Valley College
Imperial Valley College’s pharmacy technician associate program prepares students for the national certification exam for entry-level pharmacy technician positions. Pharmacy technology, calculations, and pharmacology are some of the core courses in this program. They equip students with the foundations they need for a bachelor’s degree or an entry-level job.
Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science Degree | North Seattle College
Through its associate degree program, North Seattle College aims to help aspiring pharmacy techs increase their competency and prepare them for their role. Here, they learn the fundamentals of pharmacy, such as pharmacy records management, over-the-counter drugs, and ethics. Students get their Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science after completing 94 credits.
Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree | Remington College
This school’s pharmacy technician associate degree equips students with essential knowledge in medicine and healthcare to help kickstart their careers. The curriculum covers both theoretical and practical topics, from anatomy and physiology to health science procedures and billing and coding. You’ll learn to keep accurate patient records and how to perform other administrative duties.
Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science Degree | Renton Technical College
The pharmacy technician associate program at Renton Technical College has core courses in the profession’s fundamentals and ethics, medicine preparations, and record keeping. Students also get to learn other skills needed in the professional world, such as leadership, human relations, and customer service. The school offers a transfer option as soon as a learner completes 100 credits.
Health Science Pharmacy Technician Pathway, Associate of Applied Science | San Jacinto Community College
The 60-credit hour pharmacy technician associate degree at San Jacinto College helps students meet their goals for continuing education or immediate employment. With this program, students learn from courses like the essentials of medical terminology and drug classification. The program also has dedicated hours for a pharmacy technician certification review.
Best Online Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
| Barton County Community College | Associate of Science in Pharmacy | Higher Learning Commission |
| Central Piedmont Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree – Pharmacy Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Daymar College | Pharmacy Technology Associate Degree | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| North Central Missouri College | Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| North Dakota State College of Science | Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technician | Higher Learning Commission |
| San Francisco State University | Pharmacy Technician | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| South College | Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Pharmacy) | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Spokane Community College | Associate in Applied Science – Pharmacy Technician | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Stratford University | Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician | Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges andSchools |
| Ultimate Medical Academy | Associate of Science in Health Sciences / Pharmacy Technician | Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Best Colleges for Pharmacy Technicians: Top Online Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Programs
Below are some of the top online schools and pharmacy technician associate degree programs where you can apply to jumpstart your pharmacy tech distance education. Online courses are beneficial to students because they are self-paced and flexible, and give you a chance to improve your income potential.
Associate of Science in Pharmacy | Barton County Community College
Barton County Community offers this online associate degree as a pre-professional pharmacy program. Here, students learn more about science courses related to pharmacies such as microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. With this online degree, students can opt to proceed with an advanced degree or work as pharmacy technicians in retail or other settings.
Associate in Applied Science Degree – Pharmacy Technology | Central Piedmont Community College
With this online associate program at Central Piedmont Community College, students learn a breadth of subjects, from introduction to pharmacy tech to trends in pharmacy. Graduates of this program can take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to become licensed pharmacy technicians.
Pharmacy Technology Associate Degree | Daymar College
You can acquire your online pharmacy technology associate degree under Daymar College’s online program. You’ll get training on prescriptions and drug administration. You can also build a solid foundation in pharmaceutical terminology and recordkeeping, which will prove useful once you land a pharmacy technician job.
Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology | Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Minnesota State University can provide pharmacy technology associate education with a combination of online courses and lab hours in-campus. The curriculum undergoes review by a board to make sure that learners get the skills expected by employers in the pharmacy industry. Students need 60 credit hours to complete this program.
Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science Degree | North Central Missouri College
This school’s associate degree for pharmacy technicians has core courses on pharmacy practice and internship alongside general education courses. At the end of this program, students can practice for an entry-level job in the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll need a total of 60 credit hours to complete this program in about two years.
Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technician | North Dakota State College of Science
The online associate degree program for pharmacy technicians at this college teaches students about medical terminology, pathology, and nutrition. It also teaches students soft skills like customer service and communication, which are valuable for graduates pursuing a pharmacy tech career.
Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Pharmacy) | South College
South College’s associate degree in health science has a focus on pre-pharmacy. This program offers fundamental courses on pharmacy, including prescriptions, pharmacy law, and drug administration and safety. Students can move on to advanced degrees in related studies after completing this degree.
Associate in Applied Science – Pharmacy Technician | Spokane Community College
This school’s online associate program for pharmacy technicians prepares students to be responsible healthcare professionals. It covers courses on inventory management, pharmacy law and ethics, hospital and community drug dispensing, and management. Students must finish 20 credit hours of mandatory courses and five credit hours of electives to complete the program.
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Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician | Stratford University
Stratford University’s Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician degree trains pharmacy technicians to assist experienced pharmaceutical professionals. In this program, students learn pharmacy calculations, pharmacy informatics and technology, and patient care management as part of their core courses.
After completing the degree, graduates can get an entry-level in various healthcare institutions, such as hospitals, care facilities, and clinics.
Associate of Science in Health Sciences / Pharmacy Technician | Ultimate Medical Academy
This academy’s online associate degree prepares students to get entry-level jobs as pharmacy technicians. The courses are a good mix of theoretical and practical knowledge. Apart from learning technical skills in pharmacy, students also become job-ready through courses on patient relations, diversity in the workplace, and working with people.
What’s the Average Pharmacy Technician Degree Salary?
Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians is $35,100.
Top Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
| Medical Records and Health Information Technician | $45,240 |
| Dental Assistant | $41,180 |
| Medical Assistant | $35,850 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $35,270 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $35,100 |
Best Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Jobs Explained
Medical Records and Health Information Technician
- Average Salary: $45,240
- Job Outlook: 9%
- Number of Jobs: 416,400
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Massachusetts, Minnesota
Medical records and health information technicians are responsible for organizing and managing health data. They ensure that paper files and electronic systems information retains quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security.
Dental Assistant
- Average Salary: $41,180
- Job Outlook: 11%
- Number of Jobs: 330,200
- Highest-Paying States: Minnesota, North Dakota, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina
Dental assistants are responsible for various administrative activities inside a clinic, including patient care, record keeping, and appointment scheduling. They also assist dentists with drug administration during dental surgery.
Medical Assistant
- Average Salary: $35,850
- Job Outlook: 18%
- Number of Jobs: 720,900
- Highest-Paying States: Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Connecticut
Medical assistants work in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, performing administrative and clinical activities. Their responsibilities vary according to the practice’s location, specialty, and size.
Medical Transcriptionist
- Average Salary: $35,270
- Job Outlook: -7%
- Number of Jobs: 52,400
- Highest-Paying States: California, New Jersey, Washington
Also known as healthcare documentation specialists, medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings related to medical information and transform them into written reports. They can also review and edit medical records using speech recognition software.
Pharmacy Technician
- Average Salary: $35,100
- Job Outlook: 4%
- Number of Jobs: 419,300
- Highest-Paying States: Alaska, California, Oregon, Maine, Vermont
Pharmacy techs assist pharmacists giving medications to patients and providing advice to use them safely. They may also keep the medical records of patients using software that track drug administration history.
Should You Get an Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technician?
Yes, you should get an Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technician, whether you want to pursue a four-year college program later on or apply for an entry-level role. With this degree, you’ll get proper training on how to assist licensed pharmacists. You’ll also have the edge to learn medical and pharmaceutical technologies to help you land your dream pharmacy technician career in the healthcare industry.
Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree FAQ
It takes about two years for students to finish an online associate program for pharmacy technicians. Through accelerated programs, students can earn their pharmacy technician online associate degree in 18 to 20 months.
Students interested in this field should pursue science classes, such as chemistry and biology in high school.
Yes, it is. If you’re detail-oriented, skilled in mathematical calculations, and enjoy interacting with patients, you may consider becoming a pharmacy technician.
Yes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an average of 31,700 opportunities for pharmacy technicians from 2020 to 2030.
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