Do You Need a Degree to Become a Pharmacy Technician?

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

| Update: June 8, 2026

No, you do not need a college degree to become a pharmacy technician. Most states require a high school diploma or equivalent, plus completion of a training program and state licensure. In a small number of states, an associate degree can satisfy the training requirement, but it is never the only option.

At UEI College, we prepare students for pharmacy technician careers through a diploma program that can be completed in as few as 10 months. 

What Education Do Pharmacy Technicians Need?

Requirements vary by state, but most include: 

  • A high school diploma or GED 
  • Completion of a training program or documented work experience 
  • State registration or licensure 
  • National certification (required in some states, optional in others) 

A two- or four-year degree is rarely part of the equation. 

What Are the Training Pathways for Pharmacy Technicians?

There are three main training pathways. 
On-the-job training No None (workplace training) Varies by employer and state
Diploma program No Diploma Less than a year
Associate degree program Not typically required Associate degree About 2 years

On-the-job training is available in states where formal program completion is not required. 

Diploma programs represent the primary formal training route. These programs typically run less than a year, combining classroom instruction with hands-on practice. Most also include an externship in a working pharmacy before graduation. 

Associate degree programs qualify as a training pathway in some states. Some states recognize a two-year associate degree alongside diploma programs and on-the-job training routes. 

Does National Certification Matter?

National certification can strengthen your qualifications, and many employers prefer or require it. In some states, certification is a licensing requirement. In others, including California, it is one of several qualifying pathways but not the only option. 

The two most widely recognized credentials are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and the National Healthcareer Association's ExCPT. Neither requires a college degree for eligibility. Both require either completion of a recognized training program or a minimum number of documented work hours. 

If you are interested in pursuing national certification after completing your training, requirements vary by state. Confirm specifics with the campus before enrolling. 

What a Diploma Program Covers

At UEI College, the Pharmacy Technician program includes: 

  • Hospital procedures and sterile preparations, including aseptic technique and IV preparation 
  • Internal medicine, covering body systems, medical terminology, and medication applications 
  • Pharmacy Law for both retail and institutional settings 
  • Pharmacology and compounding, including drug classifications and medication preparation 
  • Drug administration and information, covering how medications are dispensed and documented 
  • Retail pharmacy procedures, including prescription processing workflows 
  • Additional pharmacy settings and OTC medications, covering over-the-counter drugs, alternative medicine, and operations across different pharmacy environments 
  • Health insurance and billing, covering how to process claims and manage insurance documentation 
  • A 120-hour externship, completed at an approved pharmacy site in the community 

The externship is the final module of the program. Students spend that time in a working pharmacy, either retail or hospital, under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. 

Graduates can pursue positions including Retail Pharmacy Technician, Mail Order Pharmacy Technician, Inpatient Pharmacy Technician, and Outpatient Pharmacy Technician. In California, graduates must also register with the California Board of Pharmacy before working in the field. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are clear answers to the most common questions about becoming a pharmacy technician. 

Can I Become a Pharmacy Technician Without Any Formal Training? 

You need to meet your state's registration requirements, and national certification is required in most states before working as a registered pharmacy technician. A formal training program consolidates the knowledge and documented hours the process requires. 

How Long Does It Take to Complete Pharmacy Technician Training? 

Diploma programs typically run less than a year. UEI College's Pharmacy Technician program can be completed in as few as 10 months. 

Do I Need to Be Certified Before I Can Start Working? 

It depends on the state. Some states require certification before you can register as a pharmacy technician. Others allow you to work as a trainee while you complete a program. Check your state board of pharmacy for current requirements. 

To learn more about UEI College's Pharmacy Technician program, visit our Pharmacy Technician program page or contact us about enrollment. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, including federal grants, student loans, and scholarships. 

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Contact your local UEI College campus for the most current pricing. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. 

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

Joseph Cockrell is a seasoned strategic communications leader with over 25 years of experience, coupled with a distinguished graduate-level education. A former professional journalist, Joseph excels in media relations, crisis communications, corporate reputation management, strategic communications planning, and marketing. Renowned for his proficiency as an expert storyteller, Joseph possesses a unique ability to craft compelling written and video content of the highest caliber. With an extensive background in navigating complex communication landscapes, he brings unparalleled insight and skill to elevate brands and effectively convey impactful narratives.

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