Becoming a pharmacy technician offers a solid career path in healthcare with a relatively quick entry into the workforce.
Becoming a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania is a stable entry point into healthcare, with most programs requiring 4 to 12 months to complete and costing between $3,200 and $15,000.
Top Pharmacy Tech Schools in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lester
- Allentown
- Erie, Forty Fort, Scranton
- Bristol
All-State Career School (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
The Pharmacy Technician Training program at All-State Career in Maryland offers a diploma designed to prepare students for entry-level roles assisting pharmacists in hospitals, clinics, retail, and pharmaceutical companies. With the healthcare industry increasingly relying on pharmacy technicians, the program provides career support through job leads, interview training, and career fairs. Graduates gain the skills needed to meet the growing demand in this rapidly expanding field.
Blackstone Career Institute (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
Blackstone Career Institute offers a flexible, self-paced Pharmacy Technician program that the average student completes in 4 to 12 months, though you are permitted up to 18 months to finish. The 810-hour curriculum, which includes a required 160-hour clinical externship at partners like CVS or Walgreens, prepares graduates to sit for nationally recognized certifications including the PTCE (PTCB) and the ExCPT (NHA). Upon passing these exams, you earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, ensuring you meet the professional standards favored by employers in retail and hospital settings.
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.
Pennco Tech (Rating: 4 out 5)
Pennco Tech’s Pharmacy Technician program in NJ and PA equips students with essential skills in prescription filling, medication measurement, and patient record management. The curriculum covers medical terminology, medication effects, and healthcare ethics, and includes a professional internship to prepare students for certification. Graduates are qualified for roles in pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare settings.
Choosing the Best Pharmacy Tech Program in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is currently undergoing a major shift in how pharmacy technicians are regulated. As of 2025, the State Board of Pharmacy requires all technicians to be registered, making formal education more important than ever.
Whether you are looking for a quick entry into a retail pharmacy or a specialized role in a hospital system, choosing a program that fits your timeline and career goals is the first step toward success in the Keystone State.
TLDR: Which School is Right for You?
Choose Pennco Tech if you want a highly-rated campus experience in Bristol with strong job placement “for life.”
Choose Blackstone Career Institute if you need a self-paced, 810-hour program that includes a guaranteed clinical externship at major retail partners.
Choose FORTIS College if you prefer a comprehensive 9-month training course that balances classroom theory with hands-on skill development.
Choose All-State Career School if you are looking for a diploma program with a heavy focus on career support, including interview training and job fairs.
Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating programs in Pennsylvania, keep these state-specific factors in mind:
1. State Registration Requirements As of June 28, 2026, all pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania must be registered with the State Board. Most programs listed above are designed to meet the Board’s training standards, which include 14 core competency areas.
Based on local Google reviews, students often appreciate schools like Pennco Tech for their ability to navigate these regulatory hurdles seamlessly.
2. Certification Preparation While registration is mandatory, National Certification (CPhT) is what many top employers, such as UPMC or Penn Medicine, look for.
Programs like Blackstone Career Institute and FORTIS College explicitly prepare you for the PTCE (PTCB) or ExCPT (NHA) exams. Achieving this credential not only makes you more competitive but can also exempt you from certain state-mandated training hours.
3. Hands-On Externships The clinical externship is where you apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Blackstone Career Institute requires a 160-hour externship, often placed at CVS or Walgreens. This experience is vital for mastering tasks like medication measurement and sterile compounding.
The Online Training Alternative
If you need maximum flexibility, online training is a widely available and effective option in Pennsylvania. Programs such as the self-paced course from Blackstone Career Institute allow you to complete the 400 to 810 hours of required coursework from home. This is ideal for those balancing work or family, provided you can commit to the required in-person clinical hours to round out your training.
FAQs About Pharmacy Tech Training
How Will a Training Program Help You?
In addition to learning everything about becoming a pharmacy tech, you will be prepared to take the the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
At the same time, you will be studying at your own pace since it is an online course.
How Long Does the Program Take
12 months to complete a 400 hour course.
How Much Does Training Cost?
Around $3200 which can be financed.
What Are the Requirements to Enroll in a PA Program?
You Can Get Started After High School
Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania does not require pharmacy techs to obtain a license in order to find employment.
Those who want to enter the workforce as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania can begin their journey right after high school.
How Old Do You Have to Be?
Workers who intend to enter the field should be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
Instead of a license, individuals can look to get employed with a pharmacy in their area in accordance with the requirements of the job description.
Are Certifications Required?
Certain local and hospital pharmacies may require a PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) certification, while some pharmacies offer training under a qualified pharmacist.
License Not Required But Helps
Although Pennsylvania does not require a license to become a pharmacy tech, there are steps you can take to give yourself an edge over other job seekers.
Taking the PTCB certification gives applicants a better understanding of how to effectively work with pharmacists and provide better care for patients.
What Do Employers Look For?
Pennsylvania employers are seeking pharmacy technicians who:
- Are certified or willing to obtain certification within a short timeframe.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in medication preparation, distribution, and inventory management.
- Exhibit accuracy and attention to detail in handling prescriptions and controlled substances.
- Are comfortable with healthcare technology and pharmacy management systems.
- Possess strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
- Show adaptability and openness to crossover opportunities into supply chain, patient care, or healthcare technology roles.
By aligning with these expectations, pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania can build rewarding careers with opportunities for growth into leadership or specialized healthcare roles.
4 Main Steps to Become a Pharmacy Tech in PA
To become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, you must navigate the state’s recently established mandatory registration system. Unlike in the past, all technicians now have a hard deadline of June 28, 2026, to be registered with the State Board.
Step 1: Complete a Board-Approved Training Program
The most critical requirement for new technicians is completing a training program that covers 14 core competencies, including pharmacy law and compounding. You can enroll in campus-based programs like FORTIS College or Pennco Tech, which offer hands-on labs.
Alternatively, online training through Blackstone Career Institute is a popular, flexible option that allows you to fulfill these hours remotely. Note that if you have worked at least 1,500 hours over two years, you may be eligible to waive this step via a grandfathering clause.
Step 2: Complete Mandatory Child Abuse Training
Pennsylvania law requires all healthcare registrants, including pharmacy technicians, to complete 3 hours of approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting. This must be finished before you submit your application.
Many providers offer this training for free online, and you must receive a certificate of completion to upload during the state registration process.
Step 3: Pass a Criminal Background Check
Safety is a priority in Pennsylvania pharmacies. You must undergo a state and federal criminal background check, which typically involves a fingerprinting appointment through a vendor like IdentoGO.
This step ensures you have no disqualifying felonies or drug-related misdemeanors on your record, as you will be working directly with controlled substances.
Step 4: Register via the PALS System
The final step is to create an account on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). You will fill out the online application, upload your proof of training and child abuse certification, and pay a $30 registration fee.
Once the Board reviews your documents and background check, you will be issued your official registration, allowing you to legally practice in the state.