Have you ever wanted to become a Pharmacy Technician and are now confused about whether to get a Pharmacy Technician Certificate or Certification? Or both?

But is a certificate really necessary?

And how to get one?

We know that with so much jargon out there, it can become stressful or confusing while trying to choose what to do and what not to do. That is why we’re here to help you.

In this article, we will discuss everything you would need to know about a pharmacy technician certificate, what exactly it is, how to get a pharmacy tech certification, which is the best program for that, and more.

So let’s start digging.

Pharmacy Technician Certificate

What is a Pharmacy Technician Certificate?

If you’re here, you might want to know what a pharmacy technician certificate is or how you can get one. Let us answer that for you.

A pharmacy technician certificate is an educational credential that you get after you complete some type of pharmacy tech training. For example, if you choose to enroll in an online training program for pharmacy technicians, you will most likely receive a certification of completion after you complete the course.

This is true for a full-time program at a university or community college. So, a pharmacy technician certificate is what you get after completing a training program.

Read More: What is a Pharmacy Technician? 

What is the Difference Between a Pharmacy Technician Certificate vs Certification?

Both the terms sound similar, and hence you might be wondering if they are even different. We understand the confusion, and we’re here to help you with that.

So what is the difference between a certificate and a certification for pharmacy technicians?

As mentioned earlier, a certificate is something that you get after you complete a training program in pharmacy tech. A certification, on the other hand, is a credential you earn after you pass a certification exam, usually offered by legitimate and nationally recognized authorizations like the PTCB or the NHA.

Earning a certification after passing the exam implies that you have become a certified pharmacy technician, whereas earning a certificate means you have completed a training program in pharmacy tech.

Pharmacy Technician vs Certificate

How to Get a Pharmacy Technician Certificate?

Now that you know the difference between a pharmacy technician certificate and a certification, you must be wondering how to get a pharmacy technician certificate.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Enroll in the right training program

There are three main ways in which you can complete your pharmacy technician training, by getting an associate degree, getting a diploma, or by completing an online training program.

Choosing the right training program can often be stressful, but it is also very important. This is because the right training program will equip you with all the necessary knowledge and skills you would need as a pharmacy technician on a daily basis.

2. Avoid Expensive Programs

Another important thing to avoid is expensive pharmacy technician training programs.

You need to ensure that the training program you choose is well within your budget, as spending thousands of dollars on education and having to take up student loans might not be feasible for everyone

3. Avoid Long Course Duration

The next thing to look out for while choosing a training program that is best for you is to search for programs that allow you to complete your training faster.

Completing your training faster will allow you to obtain certification faster and enter the workforce much quicker.

4. Choose an Online Program

Completing your pharmacy tech training via an online training program might be the best choice for you, and it is also the most recommended. But why?

Because of the numerous advantages attached to an online program. Let us look at a few of them in brief:

  • Highly affordable – While other methods have significantly high tuition fees, which can range from $8,000 to $30,000, online programs are generally the cheapest. The tuition fee for online programs can range between just $1,500 to $2,500
  • 100% Online – There are some online training programs that offer self-paced programs and complete freedom in the way that you can choose to learn anytime and from anywhere.
  • Offers externship opportunities – Most online programs also offer externship opportunities after you complete their course, which can be highly beneficial.

Read More: How to Get Pharmacy Technician Certificate

#1 RECOMMENDED PHARMACY TECH CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

So, now you might be wondering, which program fulfills all the above-mentioned criteria? We have one for you, and it’s the best!

Preppy literally has everything we covered above.

Here’s everything you need to know about this program:

100% Online

Preppy offers a 100% online training program for pharmacy tech, which means that you have the option to learn from anywhere, from your favorite coffee shop/bookstore to your room, and at any time.

Faster Course Completion

Choosing Preppy will also allow you to complete your course much faster. Where you only get to complete an associate degree or diploma in 1 to 2 years, with Preppy, you can complete it in as little as 2 months!

Accredited Program

The best part about this program is that Preppy offers this course in partnership with an accredited university, so you receive a university certificate after you complete the course.

Externship Opportunity

Preppy also offers externship opportunities once you finish their course, so you get to apply your learned knowledge and skills in a real-life pharmacy setting.

Highly Affordable

One of the main advantages of going for Preppy is its insanely low pricing, wherein the tuition fee is as little as $1599!

Apart from these advantages, Preppy also offers additional perks, such as:

  • Free Laptop that is yours to keep even after you finish the program, and
  • 24/7 Support so that you can get the help you need, any time, even at 3 am.

Find About More About Preppy: Click Here


About the Author
Grant founded OnlineDegree.com with a purpose-driven mission: make college accessible and affordable for everyone. After graduating college with an overwhelming amount of debt, he was determined to change how students embark on their education. He's a frequent speaker and author in higher education, and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader's Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.