Arizona Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification
If you decide to pursue a career as an Arizona pharmacy tech, expect to be in a job that offers financial stability, room for advancement, and the opportunity to help others. There will be many different environments where you can work including hospitals, retail stores, research facilities, grocery stores, and more.
As a pharmacy technician in Arizona, you’ll have the ability to work in the fast-growing healthcare industry with the level of patient involvement that makes you comfortable. Working in the pharmacy of a busy hospital in a large metro area, for example, means that you’ll have limited interactions with people who need medication. A retail pharmacy or grocery store chain, on the other hand, means that you’ll have frequent contact with those who must pick up their medicines.
Arizona Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements
The state of Arizona has established specific requirements that must be met before you can become employed as a pharmacy technician. It’s important to note that if you are participating in a training program to become a pharmacy technician, you need to apply for registration as either a certified pharmacy technician or a pharmacy technician trainee prior to finishing the education program’s experiential component.
The following are Arizona’s pharmacy technician requirements, according to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Application fee required
- Must have a United States birth certificate
- Must submit a completed registration application
- Must obtain Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification by satisfactorily completing the PTCE exam
- Provide declaration of any previous misdemeanor or felony charges
Pharmacy technicians who hold certification from the PTCB are recognized by both the state and employers as having the proper credentials. The two-hour-long computer-based exam is comprised of 90 questions that have multiple choice answers. Candidates are tested on their knowledge of three principal areas including supporting pharmacists, pharmacy administration, and inventory management and control.
Arizona Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook
Like the rest of the healthcare industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the next decade will see an increase in the demand for these medical professionals. Not only will you be able to offer your expertise and help people have a better quality of life, but you’ll also have room for advancement, plenty of work opportunities, and an attractive salary.
According to the BLS, the median yearly salary for a pharmacy technician in May 2019 was $33,950. For those positions that were paid hourly, the median rate was $16.32 per hour.
For the decade between 2019 and 2029, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow at a rate of about four percent. Already in 2019, there were 422,300 pharmacy technicians jobs. The BLS expects that 15,200 more jobs within the industry will be added during this time.
As a pharmacy technician, you’ll be able to secure a job in the high-demand healthcare industry. This will provide you with job security, an attractive rate of pay, and the ability to help others live their best lives.
Arizona Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs
Avondale, AZ
Estrella Mountain Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician
Online Learning - Website
- Online self-paced program.
- Includes PTCE exam voucher.
- 12 months to complete.
- Hands-on online lab module.
- Covers medical terminology.
- Teaches pharmaceutical calculations.
- Prepares for CPhT credential.
- Open enrollment starts anytime.
Coolidge, AZ
Central Arizona College
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 26 total certificate credits
- 2.5 GPA admission requirement
- $75 per credit hour
- Comprehensive pharmacy skills training
- Online and campus options
- Practicum experience included
- Prerequisite: HS diploma/GED
Flagstaff, AZ
Coconino Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- No Prerequisites Required
- Complete in One Year
- PTCB Exam Preparation
- Virtual Externship Included
- Learn Pharmacy Laws/Ethics
- Covers Pharmaceutical Calculations
- 12% Job Growth Projected
Holbrook, AZ
Northland Pioneer College
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Certification
Campus Based - Website
- Two-semester program.
- 15-credit certification.
- Includes 120-hour internship.
- Prepares for PTCB certification.
- Basic keyboarding skills required.
- CPR/First Aid certification needed.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Scholarships available.
Kingman, AZ
Mohave Community College
- Associate - Pharmacy Technology
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year AAS degree.
- Hands-on laboratory training.
- Clinical externship included.
- Covers pharmacy law and ethics.
- Focus on pharmaceutical calculations.
- Prepares for diverse pharmacy settings.
- No prior felony convictions required.
- Students must be 18 for externship.
Phoenix, AZ
Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Program
Campus Based - Website
- 8-month diploma program.
- Flexible scheduling options.
- Hands-on training in pharmacology.
- Modern facilities and labs.
- Financial aid available.
- Accredited by ASHP.
- Off-campus clinical externship.
- Small class sizes.
GateWay Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate of Competency (CCT) in Accelerated Pharmacy Technician
Campus Based - Website
- Two-semester fast track program
- 424 total clock hours
- 160-hour externship included
- Prepares for national certification exams
- Entry-level pharmacy practice skills
- No federal financial aid available
- Requires 18+ years old
- Background check required
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate of Competency (CCT) in Pharmacy Technician
Campus Based - Website
- 602 total clock hours
- 200-hour clinical practicum
- Meets PTCB certification requirements
- Arizona state-specific program
- Entry-level pharmacy roles
- Background check required
- Must be 18+ to enroll
- Prepare top 200 drug knowledge
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Completion
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 9-credit accelerated program
- 200-hour hands-on externship
- PTCB and NHA certification prep
- Approximately $1,500 total cost
- One semester completion possible
- Job growth 19% in Maricopa County
- Prepares for certification exams
Tempe, AZ
Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Program
Campus Based - Website
- 8-month program duration
- ASHP accredited program
- No enrollment waitlist
- Hybrid learning format
- Two campus locations available
- Clinical externship included
- Financial aid available
- New sessions start frequently
Bryan University
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Undergraduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 24 Total Credits
- 8 Weeks per Course
- 130-Hour Externship
- Free Pharmacy Technician Kit
- PTCB Certification Exam Prep
- Job Market Growing 6-8%
- Flexible Two Courses at Time
Rio Salado College
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician
Campus Based - Website
- 602 total clock hours
- 200-hour clinical practicum
- Meets PTCB exam requirements
- Arizona state licensure preparation
- Entry-level pharmacy practice
- Career average salary $39,240
- Certification exam preparation
- Multiple pharmacy settings training
Tucson, AZ
Pima Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technology Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Requires meeting with program director.
- Assessments in reading, writing, math.
- Must be 18 or older.
- Arizona level 1 fingerprint clearance.
- Proof of high school diploma.
- Health insurance required.
- Eligible for PTCB exam.
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
- Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid delivery method.
- Approximately 9 months duration.
- Prepares for CPhT certification.
- Hands-on training included.
- Covers pharmacy laws and ethics.
- Teaches medication preparation.
- Inventory management skills.
- Real-world lab simulations.