Becoming a pharmacy technician in Georgia is a fast-paced and affordable path into healthcare, with most certificate programs completed in 4 to 12 months and costing between $1,500 and $4,000.
This career path promises steady growth, job security, and opportunities for advancement within the healthcare sector.
Compare the Top Pharmacy Tech Programs
Most employers prefer to hire candidates with a formal education, so earning a pharmacy tech certificate or diploma might be a smart option for aspiring pharmacy techs in GA.
Trade Schools with Pharmacy Tech Programs
- Norcross
- Augusta
- Smyrna
- Augusta, Columbus, Macon
Ashworth College (Rating: 2.7 out 5)
Penn Foster’s Pharmacy Technician Career Diploma is a fully online, self-paced program designed to be completed in as little as 4 months on a fast track, though students typically finish in about 8 to 10 months. The curriculum focuses on practical skills like aseptic operations and drug dispensation, directly preparing students to sit for both the PTCE and ExCPT national certification exams. This flexible format allows you to balance your studies with personal commitments while gaining the technical knowledge necessary for a variety of healthcare settings.
Augusta Tech (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Pharmacy Technology Diploma program at Augusta Technical College, offered at the Piedmont Summerville site, spans five semesters and requires 56 credit hours. This program equips students with advanced skills needed for retail and hospital-based pharmacy settings, focusing on medication preparation under a pharmacist's supervision. Graduates are eligible to register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy and can complete the program, including 428 clinical hours, within five semesters. The program is accredited by the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
The Pharmacy Technician program at Fortis is a comprehensive training course that typically takes about 9 months (36 weeks) to complete. The curriculum blends traditional classroom instruction with hands-on skill development, specifically preparing graduates to sit for national certification exams like the PTCE or ExCPT. By the end of the program, students are equipped for entry-level roles in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and clinical settings across several states, including Alabama, Maryland, and Louisiana.
Miller-Motte College (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
18 month Associate of Science in Pharmacy Technician online degree.
Choosing the Best Pharmacy Technician School in Georgia
Choosing a pharmacy technician program is the first step toward a stable career in Georgia’s growing healthcare field. With a projected job growth rate of over 24% through 2030, the state offers numerous pathways depending on your preferred learning style, budget, and timeline.
TLDR: Which School is Right for You?
Choose Ashworth College if you need a fully online, self-paced diploma that you can finish in as little as 4 months.
Choose Augusta Tech if you want an ASHP-accredited diploma with extensive clinical hours (428 hours) for hospital-based roles.
Choose FORTIS College if you prefer a traditional 9-month campus experience that balances classroom theory with hands-on skill development.
Choose Miller-Motte College if you want to earn an Associate of Science degree through a 18-month online program to boost your long-term advancement potential.
Key Factors for Your Decision
When comparing schools in Georgia, consider how these specific program features align with your lifestyle and the requirements of the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.
1. Accreditation and Certification Prep While Georgia only requires state registration to work, many employers—especially large health systems like Northside or Piedmont—prioritize “Certified” technicians.
Based on local Google reviews, students often select programs like Augusta Tech because they are ASHP-accredited, which is the industry gold standard. Most programs, including FORTIS College, specifically design their curriculum to prepare you for national exams like the PTCE or ExCPT.
2. Clinical Hours and Hands-on Training The “practical” side of pharmacy work—such as aseptic operations and medication preparation—is best learned in the field. Augusta Tech stands out with 428 clinical hours, providing deep exposure to both retail and hospital environments.
If you are looking for a shorter commitment, FORTIS College offers a 36-week program that integrates hands-on development directly into its classroom instruction.
3. Program Duration and Flexibility Your timeline is a major factor. If you are already working or have family commitments, the self-paced nature of Ashworth College allows for maximum flexibility. On the other hand, if you want a more robust academic credential, the 18-month Associate degree at Miller-Motte College provides a deeper dive into pharmacy science and management.
The Online Training Option
If you live outside of major hubs like Atlanta or Augusta, online training is a highly effective alternative. Georgia residents can utilize programs like Ashworth College to complete all theoretical coursework from home.
These online diplomas focus on the technical knowledge required for national certification, though you should ensure any online program you choose provides a path to complete the clinical experience required for some advanced roles.
FAQs
How Do You Benefit from Pharmacy Tech Training?
Most courses will prep you to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
How Long Does a PT Program Take?
Typically 1 year. If you’re pursuing a degree, you’ll need to attend classes for at least 2 years.
How Much Does it Cost?
Tuition, books, and study materials for a pharmacy tech school program in Georgia typically cost slightly under $3,500 to $5,000, depending on where you enroll.
Longer associate’s degree programs typically cost more than a certificate or diploma.
What Do You Study?
During an educational program, you might take classes on basic pharmacology topics, including:
- Pharmacy Law
- Institutional and Community Pharmacy Practices
- Pharmacy Terminology
- Drug Classifications
- Pharmacy Mathematics
- Computerize Drug Delivery Systems
Hands-On Training
Depending on where you enroll, your course might also include a hands-on training component or an internship at a local pharmacy.
Georgia Pharmacy Tech Requirements
Georgia allows uncertified applicants to qualify for pharmacy tech jobs in Georgia.
However, if you plan to work at a pharmacy in a healthcare facility, like a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility, having an official pharmacy technician certification might improve your chances of getting the job.
Certified Pharmacy Technicians
According to the Georgia Board of Pharmacy, aspiring pharmacy techs in GA can obtain their Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential through one of the following agencies:
- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Certification Criteria
In order to be eligible to take the certification exams through these agencies, you must meet the following three criteria:
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Pay the required exam fee
The PTCB also requires applicants to pass a criminal background check. Meanwhile, the NHA requires you to submit proof of graduation from an accredited pharmacy tech program or documentation showing at least 1,200 hours of supervised work experience.
Qualifying for your License
If you qualify, you can register for your PTCB or NHA licensing exam. Once you pass, you can begin applying for pharmacy tech jobs in Georgia.
State Registration
Whether you earn a certificate, obtain a CPhT credential, or learn through on-the-job training, you must register with the state Board of Pharmacy. You can complete your registration by applying online and filling out the required Pharmacy Technician Application Supplement packet.
Registering with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy
Applicants will also need to do the following:
- Provide proof of identity, certifying that you are at least 17 years old
- Submit documentation showing that you are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from, a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent program
- Pass a criminal background screening
- If currently employed as a pharmacy tech, submit the license number of the pharmacy where you work
- If certified, provide a copy of your PTCB or NHA certificate
- Pay the non-refundable $100 application fee
4 Main Steps to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Georgia
Becoming a pharmacy technician in Georgia is a relatively straightforward process compared to other states, focusing heavily on state registration and employer-based standards.
Step 1: Complete an Educational or Training Program
While Georgia does not strictly mandate a formal degree for registration, most competitive candidates complete a training program to gain technical skills. You can enroll in a campus-based diploma program like the one at Augusta Tech, which provides extensive clinical hours, or a 9-month program at FORTIS College.
Online training is also a major trend in the state; Ashworth College offers a self-paced online diploma, and Miller-Motte College provides an 18-month Associate of Science degree entirely online, allowing you to study while managing other responsibilities.
Step 2: Obtain National Certification (Optional but Recommended)
Although the Georgia Board of Pharmacy does not require national certification for your initial license, becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is highly beneficial. Passing the PTCE or ExCPT exam allows you to work in more advanced clinical settings and often permits a higher pharmacist-to-technician ratio in the pharmacy.
Programs at Ashworth College and FORTIS College are specifically designed to prep you for these national exams.
Step 3: Pass a Criminal Background Check
Georgia law requires all pharmacy technician applicants to be at least 17 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED (or be currently enrolled in high school). As part of the application, you must undergo a criminal history background check, which includes fingerprinting through a state-approved vendor like IdentoGO. This ensures that all personnel handling controlled substances meet the state’s fitness and safety standards.
Step 4: Register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy
The final requirement is to submit an official application for registration to the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. This involves completing an online application and submitting a supplemental packet that includes proof of your age, education, and background check results.
There is typically a $100 registration fee. Once the Board processes your application and issues your registration number, you are legally authorized to work in any pharmacy setting across the state.