How to become a Pharmacy Technician

We have been getting a lot of questions about how to become a pharmacy technician. Well, the interesting thing about this career is that there are a lot of ways to become a pharmacy tech! In this article we are going to review each of the primary paths that people follow to get started in this great career. To get additional tips and strategies we interviewed a dozen techs, and you will see quotes from them describing the steps they took to becoming a pharmacy technician.

Here are the top 5 ways to become a pharmacy technician:

1 – Take pharmacy technician classes.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

Becoming a pharmacy technician is a great way to enter healthcare without years of schooling, but most people overlook one key step: certification. To get started, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or GED, and many states now require certification, often through the PTCB exam. While some people enter the field through on-the-job training, many employers prefer candidates who complete a pharmacy technician training program, especially those that include externships, which provide real-world experience in a pharmacy setting. This path not only builds confidence but also prepares you for certification, which can significantly improve your job prospects.

One common entry point is working as a pharmacy assistant, where you can gain exposure to pharmacy workflow before advancing into a technician role. Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists by preparing medications, managing inventory, and assisting customers, though responsibilities can vary depending on the setting. In retail environments, roles may overlap, while in hospitals, responsibilities tend to be more specialized.

When applying for jobs, most candidates now apply online, especially for large chains and hospital systems. While visiting a pharmacy in person can still help in some cases, it’s more effective to apply online and follow up professionally; if you do visit, speaking with a store manager may be more realistic, as they can connect you with the pharmacy manager. Strong candidates highlight relevant training, certification progress, or healthcare interest rather than relying on a quick in-person pitch.

If you’re starting with no experience, completing a training program or earning certification first is often the most reliable path into the field. Networking can also help—knowing someone in healthcare can open doors—but the most consistent strategy is building qualifications that employers value.

If you’re serious about becoming a pharmacy technician, your next step is preparing for certification. Practicing with realistic questions and understanding exam topics can make a major difference in passing the PTCB and getting hired.

Start practicing for the PTCB exam with free questions and explanations here.