Becoming a pharmacy technician offers a solid career path in healthcare with a relatively quick entry into the workforce.
Education and Training
If you want to jump start your career in a stable job environment with competitive wages, and opportunities for growth, then enroll in a pharmacy tech training program.
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.
More Local Programs
- Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lester
- Allentown
- Erie, Forty Fort, Scranton
- Bristol
All-State Career School
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
Online classes with externship opportunities at Walgreens, CVS etc
FORTIS College
Trains students for entry level positions in the industry and provides career service assistance.
Pennco Tech
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.
Pennsylvania Requirements
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.
Certifications
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.
Other skills and qualifications that are good to have include:
- Detail-oriented
- Customer Service
- Organization
- Understanding of Basic Reading & Math
- Ability to Pass a Criminal Background Check
Salary
How Much Can You Make?
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $18.33 | $38,120 |
| Altoona | $17.90 | $37,240 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick | $18.45 | $38,380 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro | $19.82 | $41,230 |
| East Stroudsburg | $17.64 | $36,690 |
| Erie | $17.39 | $36,180 |
| Gettysburg | $17.28 | $35,950 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $18.72 | $38,940 |
| Johnstown | $16.07 | $33,430 |
| Lancaster | $18.57 | $38,620 |
| Leba | $18.83 | $39,170 |
| Northern Pennsylvania | $18.12 | $37,680 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $19.69 | $40,950 |
| Pittsburgh | $19.20 | $39,940 |
| Reading | $18.02 | $37,490 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton | $17.40 | $36,180 |
| Southern Pennsylvania | $17.81 | $37,040 |
| State College | $18.28 | $38,020 |
| Western Pennsylvania | $17.65 | $36,710 |
| Williamsport | $17.66 | $36,730 |
| York-Hanover | $17.85 | $37,130 |
Occupation: Pharmacy Technicians(SOC Code292052)
source: data.bls.gov
Job Description
A pharmacy technician is a demanding and rewarding job that requires strong attention to detail and the ability to perform a wide range of tasks at a high level.
What Do They Do?
Individuals in this role can expect to perform tasks such as preparing requests for both new prescriptions and refills, packing and labeling prescribed medications, processing insurance claims, and filling automated dispensing machines.
Work Environment
The work environment for a pharmacy tech can vary. Many pharmacy technicians work in places like retails stores, nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities.
Workers in this field tend to spend most of the day on their feet completing duties as needed, so those interested in becoming a pharmacy tech should be able to go long hours without sitting down.
Much like other professions in the healthcare field, pharmacy technicians will also regularly deal with patients.
Whether they’re answering questions or explaining different aspects of the prescribed medicine, being able to interact with people in a friendly and professional manner is important to the job.
What Employers in Pennsylvania Are Seeking in Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technician roles in Pennsylvania demand a blend of technical proficiency, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills. Across the state, leading employers such as Penn Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Mount Nittany Health, SpecialtyRx, and A-Line Staffing Solutions are seeking professionals who can contribute to efficient medication management, ensure patient safety, and support interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Core Qualifications and Requirements
Employers consistently highlight a set of fundamental qualifications for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania:
Education & Certification:
- A high school diploma or GED is a baseline requirement across most job postings.
- While some entry-level roles accept candidates without certification, most employers expect or require Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) within 6 months of hire, as seen with Penn Medicine.
- CHOP and SpecialtyRx prefer candidates with pharmacy technician diplomas or relevant technical degrees, though they remain open to hiring individuals with only a high school education and providing on-the-job training.
Technical Skills:
- Medication preparation and distribution: Pharmacy technicians at CHOP and SpecialtyRx are responsible for accurately preparing, labeling, and distributing both patient-specific and bulk medications. This includes experience with non-sterile compounding (USP795) and the handling of controlled substances.
- Data entry and prescription processing: Roles such as those at DHI365 require proficiency with pharmacy management systems (e.g., Meditech, Parata). Accuracy in data entry and the ability to manage inventory are key skills.
- Inventory management: Technicians are expected to monitor medication stock, remove expired products, and rotate inventory. Positions at Mount Nittany Health and A-Line Staffing Solutions emphasize knowledge of automated dispensing systems and the ability to replenish and track floor-stock medications.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
- Pharmacy technicians frequently liaise with nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare staff. At CHOP, technicians are responsible for communicating with internal and external customers, ensuring clear documentation and accuracy in medication orders.
- Customer service skills are especially vital in long-term care settings, where technicians like those at DHI365 may interact directly with patients during medication deliveries.
Crossover into Other Disciplines
Pharmacy technician roles in Pennsylvania increasingly overlap with related healthcare disciplines. This crossover expands the scope of responsibilities and provides career growth opportunities:
🔹 Healthcare Technology:
- Many employers, such as SpecialtyRx, expect technicians to operate advanced medication dispensing systems, including the Parata machine, which automates prescription fulfillment. This reflects the growing reliance on technology in medication management.
🔹 Inventory and Supply Chain Management:
- At facilities like Mount Nittany Health, technicians play a key role in pharmaceutical inventory control, ensuring efficient stock management and minimizing wastage. This introduces skills relevant to logistics and supply chain operations.
🔹 Patient Care and Medication Safety:
- CHOP’s pharmacy technicians are deeply involved in patient safety initiatives, adhering to LEAN principles and participating in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. This fosters collaboration with nursing and clinical teams, creating crossover opportunities into clinical coordination or patient safety roles.
Employer-Specific Expectations
Different organizations emphasize unique aspects of the pharmacy technician role:
- Penn Medicine: Known for its academic and research-focused environment, Penn Medicine values pharmacy technicians who can adapt to inpatient hospital settings, where attention to detail and compliance with strict pharmaceutical protocols are essential.
- CHOP: As a pediatric healthcare leader, CHOP requires pharmacy technicians to have a precise understanding of pediatric dosing and medication safety. Their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion makes them attractive to candidates seeking a values-driven workplace.
- Mount Nittany Health: In contrast, this health system prioritizes sterile product handling, precise inventory management, and strong collaboration with nursing staff, making it an ideal fit for technicians seeking hospital experience.
- SpecialtyRx & DHI365: These long-term care pharmacies place a strong emphasis on prescription delivery, data entry, and inventory control. Technicians here may also cross over into logistics or patient support roles, offering a hybrid experience of pharmacy and customer service.
Key Takeaway: What Employers Value Most
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.