Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Florida
Currently, the need for pharmacy technicians is increasing. For this reason, the need to study pharmacy technician is advised. So if you desire to know the accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Florida. We got you covered!
In order to have a great start at pharmacy schools, most prospective applicants first receive formal training at a pharmacy technician school. Most opt for a one-year certification or diploma program, but associate degree programs are also available.
This article aims to provide a complete guide to becoming a pharmacy technician, as well as the best and accredited pharmacy technician schools in Florida. But before we go into that fully, you need to understand some other important factors. Such as information on education and certification, specific pharmacy tech requirements, pharmacy technician salaries, and job prospects.
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Contents
Why Choose Pharmacy Technician?
Basically, Pharmacy technicians are responsible for filling prescriptions, organizing inventory, handling insurance claims/payments. And also by working with clients to make sure they understand their medications and instructions.
Above all, Pharmacy technicians (also called pharmacy techs) are an integral part of any pharmacy team. I believe you must have probably seen these associated health professionals working with pharmacists in retail stores. But they are also in hospitals and pharmacies in long-term care facilities.
When it comes to changing careers, you’ll always want to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. You must be sure that if you are going to make sacrifices, you are working to achieve something worthwhile.
There are many reasons to become a pharmacy technician, including job security and a good salary. Also, it’s a rewarding and satisfying career.
Advantages of being a pharmacy technician so good?
Firstly, some choose a career as a pharmacy technician, as this can be a great first step in becoming a certified pharmacist. More training is needed to become a certified pharmacist, but pharmacy technicians analyze tasks more closely and can gain valuable experience.
Secondly, others are attracted to the profession of pharmacy technician because it offers the opportunity to work in the health industry without having to perform clinical tasks. There is no blood or fracture to handle. However, pharmacy technicians play an important role in the health industry.
Thirdly, the health care industry is growing rapidly and careers in this labor sector generally pay more than the national average salary. A pharmacy technician works in the health care industry and benefits from rapid growth, but there is no need to go to school for several years, as is the case with other careers in the health industry.
Another advantage of being a pharmacy technician is that it offers the opportunity to work closely with a variety of people. Pharmacy technicians not only work closely with a licensed pharmacist but also work with a variety of clients, helping them make prescription orders and submit insurance forms.
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How Long Does it Take to be a Pharmacy Technician?
Frankly, a Pharmacy Technician occupies a position that requires great precision and attention to detail. As well as an understanding of basic pharmacology, experience in the distribution of medications. And a thorough knowledge of legislation and pharmaceutical ethics.
So how long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? Not as much as most people think! In fact, with the pharmacy technician flexible online course, you can complete your training and start applying for a job in just four months.
To be effective and excel in their work, pharmacy technicians must have at least formal training. But how long is a school of pharmacy technicians?
A traditional university establishment with standardized courses may take up to two years to complete. However, you can take an accelerated route and complete your pharmacy training through an accredited online program.
The first step in starting a career as a pharmacy technician is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent from GED. With basic education, you can qualify for job training.
Some states require pharmacy technicians to have this formal training or pass a national certification exam.
However, there is a standard age requirement to become a certified pharmacy technician. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification has a minimum age requirement of 18 years and requires applicants to have a high school diploma, complete a formal training program and have at least 1 year of work experience before they can take the certification exam.
Certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires that pharmacy technicians have a high school diploma and pass a certification exam.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
Pharmacy technicians are licensed state by state, so it is essential that anyone who pursues this career becomes familiar with the licensing requirements in their own state.
Prospective applicants should also be informed that state regulations can change, so it is advisable to request confirmation of the requirements of a given state before enrolling in a pharmacy technician training program.
However, some states accept or require certification from a nationally recognized organization as part of their registration or licensing process. The NHA offers the Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification, which is accredited by the National Commission of Certification Agencies.
The PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) offers its own certification exam, which includes a criminal background check followed by an exam. While the PTCB and the NHA require certified pharmacy technicians to maintain their certification with approved continuing education courses throughout their careers.
Meanwhile, certification is not required in some states, but most employers prefer pharmacy technicians to be certified. An online technical certification program for pharmacies must provide comprehensive training to prepare a student to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.
Hence, people interested in the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification must have at least one year of work experience, which can be obtained through an internship program offered by the school.
Finally, pharmacy technicians must re-certify every 2 years to make sure they are up to date with changes and advances in medical care that affect their field of practice. You can do this by completing 20 hours of continuing education to make sure your skills are up to date.
What is the Cost of Pharmacy Technician School?
The cost of your pharmacy technician diploma will vary mainly according to factors: the type of program (online or on-campus) and its duration.
Online schools are significantly cheaper because the cost of obtaining such a diploma is low for the school. Firstly, they do not need to pay for the equipment, to enter into contracts with pharmacies so that their students are placed there for an internship, etc.
At the same time, they offer a well-designed program and offer all the benefits of learning at your own pace: you can combine your training with a full-time job. The pharmacy technician degree at that school generally costs $500 to $800 and takes up to 6 months to complete.
On-campus schools are more expensive but have a number of very significant advantages. First, they combine theory with practical training in real life. Most importantly, they have much better facilities and training at that school generally works better.
These schools have concluded agreements with pharmacies, hospitals, and other local establishments where their students receive practical training.
How Much is Pharmacy Technician Salary?
Pharmacy technicians are essential for the daily operations of any pharmacy, nursing home or hospital. They work in a wide range of environments and their functions vary by the workplace. This means that the expected salary of a pharmacy technician varies considerably according to education, experience, and workplace.
According to the most recent data published in the Occupational Outlook Manual of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $ 31,750. Depending on where you work, your salary may increase, as rates may be higher in outpatient services and in hospitals than in supermarkets or pharmacies.
A full-time pharmacy technician will usually be offered a benefits package that includes medical care, paid license and sick leave, and a 401 (k) plan
Best Accredited Pharmacy Technician schools in Florida
Here are Best Pharmacy Schools Without PCAT Requirement
1. McFatter Technical College – Davie
Contact details
- Address: 6500 Nova Dr, Davie, FL 33317, United States
- Phone: +1 754-321-5700
McFatter Techncial College is an adult technical college located in Davie, Florida. The school has won accolades since 2002, by receiving an “A” grade consistently from the State Of Florida and also been recognised as Florida’s Model High School.
McFatter Technical College offers a 10 month Certificate in Pharmacy Technology, wherein you will be prepared to work as a pharmacy technician in a hospital and retail pharmacy as well as take the PTCB certification exam and become a Florida Board of Pharmacy Licensed Technician.
The hybrid mode of program gives you the advantage of both online and on-campus training. 90 percent of its graduates successfully get placed as pharmacy technicians.
Basic facts
- Both online and on-campus pharmacy technician training in Florida
- Accreditation: ASHP
- Program Length: 10 months for the Certificate Program
2. Osceola Technical College – Kissimmee
Contact details
- Address: 501 Simpson Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744, United States
- Phone: +1 407-344-5080
Osceola Technical College is a training centre which was incorporated to train adults for entry level employment and for the already employed planning to upgrade their skills.
Its commitment towards quality education, professionalism and dedicated faculty has reaped rich dividends in terms of its ability to change lives of its students.
The Certificate program is a challenging course which will prepare you in your career as a pharmacy technician to enhance patient care, minimize medication errors, promote patient wellness, and effectively communicate with patients.
You will learn computer skills, medical terminology, pharmacology, communication skills, compounding of medications and intravenous admixtures in a short period of 10 months. Also among the accredited Pharmacy Technician schools in Florida
Basic facts
- Tuition fee: $8,700
- On-campus accredited Pharmacy Technician school in Florida
- Accreditation: ASHP
- Program Length: 10 months for the Certificate Program
3. Pensacola State College – Pensacola
Contact details
- Address: 1000 College Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504, United States
- Phone: +1 850-484-1000
The Pensacola State college is a public, comprehensive community college which was founded in 1948. It has a reputation of being a premier, student-friendly college with state-of-the-art facilities.
They are committed to providing high-quality, affordable and accessible education. The school has a dynamic and supportive learning environment which helps you do extremely well in the global community.
You have the Certificate and an Associate Degree to choose from to start your pharmacy technician training. The program prepares students to work in institutional as well as community pharmacy settings.
Also, the course-work comprises of – Pharmacy operations, Pharmaceutical Calculations, Pharmacology, Institutional Pharmacy and Community Pharmacy and a hand-on internship.
Basic facts
- Public health institution
- Tuition fee: $3,542
- Both certificate and Associates degrees are awarded
- Accreditation: ASHP
- Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
4. Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg – Saint Petersburg
Contact details
- Address: 901 34th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, United States
- Phone: +1 727-893-2500
Founded in 1962, Pinellas Technical College has its campuses located in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Florida. Throughout Tampa Bay area the college has earned a reputation of training graduates with the knowledge, skills and qualities required to fulfil the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.
With 250 industry partners guiding their programs, you will be assured of the best industry relevant education. The Pharmacy technician Certificate program of 1050 hours offered by the college can be taken as an on-campus or hybrid mode of learning.
Both these modes will prepare you with the knowledge and skills, using the latest technology, ensuring your academic success. With all the training, graduates can confidently take the PTCB exam.
Basic facts
- Tuition fee: $15,000
- Accreditation: ASHP
- Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
5. Southeastern College-Miami Lakes Campus – West Palm Beach
Contact details
- Address: 1756 N Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, United States
- Phone: +1 561-433-2330
Founded in 1988, South-eastern College has campuses in Miami Lakes Area and West Palm Beach. With quality career education and industry ready skill development, the college strives to give the best learning environment to its students.
The Pharmacy Technician Diploma program is offered by the college at both its campuses. Taking up this program will also train you for the PTCB certification exam.
The small size classes, industry experienced faculty, student friendly policies, career placement services, personalised financial aid enhances the overall educational journey of its students.
Introduction to Pharmacy Technology, Pharmaceutical Calculations, Body Systems and Drug Therapy I, Pharmacy Operations, Sterile Products, Body Systems and Drug Therapy and an Externship forms the coursework of the program. Interesting accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Florida.
Basic facts
- Private for profit
- Tuition fee: $20k
- 2 years Pharmacy Technician program
- Accreditation: ASHP
- Program Length: 9 to 10 months for the Diploma program
6. Pasco Hernando State College
Contact details
- Address: 10230 Ridge Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34654, United States
- Phone: +1 727-847-2727
The Pasco Hernando State college has 5 campuses serving the Pasco and Hernando counties in Florida. The campuses are located at – Brooksville, Dade City, New Port Richey, Spring Hill and Wesley Chapel.
Pasco Hernando State College integrates high-tech educational amenities and up to date programs with the spotlight on learning. Students can look forward to personalized attention, small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and very affordable tuition fees for both the Certificate and Associate Degree offered by the college.
The college provides 50 clubs and organizations to encourage students to support community service projects, discover interests and advance social relations. The coursework for this pharmacy technician program in Florida includes – Physiology, Anatomy, Pharmacology, Pharmacy Laws and Ethics, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Pharmacy Math and Pharmacy Laboratory Skills.
The curriculum provides the students real-world experience right in their home community. One of the best accredited Pharmacy Technician schools in Florida.
Basic facts
- Public university
- Tuition fee: $1,900 average per semester
- Accreditation: ASHP
- Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
7. Altierus Career College
Contact details
- Address: 3319 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614, United States
- Phone: +1 813-879-6000
Altierus Career College, which is located at 2 locations in Florida is a non-profit organization committed towards providing quality education to its students. It was formerly called Everest University.
The school was transitioned from profit to non-profit along with the name change. The College offers several programs and workshops including, Student Ambassador Program, Inspire Workshop and CARE program which work towards giving its students the best possible college experience.
Also, the 8 months Certificate program offered by the college can give your pharmacy technician career a quick launch. The college utilizes Pioneer Rx pharmacy software, which will enhance your learning experience, giving you hands on simulations of pharmacy functions.
Basic facts
- private not for profit pa collage
- Tuition fee: $20,000 after aid
- Accreditation: ASHP
- Program Length: Certificate/Diploma
8. Indian River State College
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Contact details
- Address: 2400 SE Salerno Rd, Stuart, FL 34997, United States
- Phone: +1 772-419-5600
Located at Fort Pierce, the Indian River State College, an accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Florida has earned a national reputation for brilliance. The college has been serving the community since 57 years and is devoted to the advancement of cultural, financial, educational and career needs of the area.
It combines quality and affordability and has been ranked as the top 3 finalist with distinction for the Aspen Prize for Excellence and has repeatedly ranked as the 3rd most affordable college in the country.
Also, the course-work of the Certificate and Associate Degree programs offered by the college comprises of – Pharmacy operations, Pharmaceutical Calculations, Pharmacology, Institutional Pharmacy and Community Pharmacy.
Basic facts
- Public university
- 2 years physician Technician program
- Tuition fee: $2,764
- Accreditation: ASHP
- Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
9. Brewster Technical College
Contact details
- Address: 2222 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
- Phone: +1 813-276-5448
Brewster Technical College is located at Coconut Creek. Their mission is to provide technical education and the support which enables each student to excel. They prepare students for the workforce and life.
The program includes a blend of classroom instructions, skills including extensive IV practice in the clean room as well as both retail and an institutional clinical rotation completed at local pharmacies.
Also, Hands-on experience in community and pharmacies are a part of the curriculum. Once you have completed the program, you will take the national certification examination offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
Futhermore, the course-work comprises of – Pharmacology, Basic Pharmaceutics, In-patient Dispensing, Ambulatory Pharmacy Practice, Aseptic Technique and IV Preparation, Dispensing and Compounding.
- Accreditation: ASHP
- Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program
10. Miami Dade College
Contact details
- Address: 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132, United States
- Phone: +1 305-237-7731
Established in 1959, Miami Dade College (MDC) is the second largest institution for higher education in the United States and the largest in the state of Florida with 21 outreach centers and 8 campuses spread across Miami Dade County situated in Miami, Florida.
MDC offers over 311 training programs in various steams through which you can attain – Associate Degree, Baccalaureate or Certificate.
MDC provides a 35-credit pharmacy tech certificate program which can be pursued only after the completion of Test of Adult Basic Education (T.A.B.E.). This course can be completed in around a year’s time.
The college students have 100% clearance rate on the PTCB exam and 80% of the graduates find employment directly during their clinical rotations.
- Tuition fee: $2,838
- Public pa schools
- 2 years physician Technician program
Other fully Accredited Pharmacy Technician schools in Florida
11. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Contact details
- Address: 101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States
- Phone: +1 904-633-8100
Affiliated with Florida College System, Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) was founded in 1965 and currently serves 50,000 students annually. The college offers over 150 academic programs aimed towards enhancing your earning potential and helping land the job of your choice. FSCJ has four main campuses and numerous centers across Florida’s First Coast.
FSCJ offers a 1050 contact hour pharmacy tech Workforce Certificate (W.C.) program. The program primarily focuses on imparting knowledge on pharmacy skills, pharmacy operations and HIPPA requirements which comprise of technological principles and environmental issues.
Furthermore, Before graduation FSCJ students are eligible to take the certification exam and become a Nationally Certified pharmacy technician (CPhT).
Post-graduation, to work in the state of Florida, you need to apply for the Florida State Board of Pharmacy Registration to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT).
- Tuition fee: $14,589
- Public pa schools
- 2 years Pharmacy Technician program
12. Atlantic Technical College
Contact details
- Address: 4700 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Coconut Creek, FL 33063, United States
- Phone: +1 754-321-5100
Atlantic Technical College established in 1973 is a public secondary and post-secondary institution located in Coconut Creek. The college offers 30 instructional programs for students interested in high demand careers.
Also, Atlantic Technical offers a 10-month training program for students aspiring to work in a pharmacy setting as a pharmacy technician. This full-time program requires you to attend the college from 7.05 AM to 1.50 PM Monday to Friday.
You will receive an Applied Technology Diploma upon successful completion of the program.
- Tuition fee: $5,364 after aid
- public university
- 10-month training program
13. Seminole State College of Florida
Contact details
- Address: Seminole State College of Florida © 100 Weldon Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32773
- Phone: 407.708.4722
Another accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Florida, Seminole State College of Florida is a public state college offering academic programs to students through its 4 campuses based out of Central Florida. The college is the 8th largest institution in the Florida college system.
Seminole State offers a Pharmacy Technician Applied Technology Diploma Program that will prepare you to work in drug stores, long term care, hospitals and other healthcare settings. Upon graduation you will be able to sit for the pharmacy technician certification examination.
- Tuition fee: $11,456
14. Rasmussen College
Contact details
- Address: 4755 SW 46th Ct, Ocala, FL 34474, United States
- Phone: +1 352-629-1941
More than a century old institution, Rasmussen College has 22 campuses in six states and a hands-on online division which serves students across the nation. The college offers over 50 quality academics programs which are fully committed to providing secure and successful future to the students. The college boasts of preparing students in a real-life work environment.
Rasmussen College offers a certificate-based pharmacy technician training which can be completed in 9 months.
The students are provided virtual practicum for practical training and groomed to take Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and students can also transfer their certificate credits to get a Healthcare Associate’s degree to further flourish in their careers.
15. Concorde Career Institute
Contact details
- Address: 4202 W Spruce St, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
- Phone: +1 813-501-2584
Concorde Career College offers 8 months pharmacy technician training in Florida at its campuses based out of Miramar, Miramar, Orlando and Tampa. Main goal of the college is to prepare you to assist a pharmacist by applying the classroom knowledge and hands on experience you will gain during this program.
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The college boasts of an 81% employment rate and has partnerships with hospitals, pharmacies, insurance companies and other medical organizations.
- Tuition fee: $23k
- Private non for profit pa collage
- 2 years physician Technician program
16. Lake Technical College
Contact details
- Address: 2001 Kurt St, Eustis, FL 32726, United States
- Phone: +1 352-589-2250
Since the foundation of Lake Technical College was laid in 1963, it has consistently developed itself to provide over 28 high quality programs in its main campus spread over 37.5-acre land.
The college is committed to provide career training opportunities to students and help them enter financially secure and stable careers.
Lake Technical College offers a 1,050-hour Pharmacy Tech program which can be completed in approximately 35 weeks and prepares students with high academic standards which enables students to become a nationally certified pharmacy technician. Over 70% of graduates are immediately recruited by the best healthcare companies.
17. Medical Institute of Palm Beach
Contact details
- Address: 5821 Lake Worth Rd # B, Greenacres, FL 33463, United States
- Phone: +1 561-964-5148
Located in Dixie Hwy in Florida, also among the accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Florida, Medical Institute of Palm Beach (MIPB) was founded by Douglas McVay in 2004. With the mission to educate growth-oriented students, MIPB programs help them to achieve their career goals at the earliest.
Small classrooms, flexible day and evening classes, skilled practical Instructors, bilingual instructors & a warm and friendly atmosphere is what you can expect at MIPB.
Furthermore, MIPB offers a 609 hours pharmacy tech course which can be completed in 6 months with optional day and night classes. The course imparts extensive pharmacy knowledge which enables students to successfully perform the duties of a pharmacy technician straight away after their graduation.
Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCB) and apply with The Florida Board of Pharmacy to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician.
- Tuition fee: $21,326
- Program length: 18.8 months
18. Florida Vocational Institute
Contact details
- Address: 7757 W Flagler St #220, Miami, FL 33144, United States
- Phone:
Accredited by Council on Occupational Education (COE), Florida Vocational Institute (FVI) was launched in 2007 with a vision to provide affordable training and employable expertise in IT and Healthcare sector.
FVI is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities which includes theory classrooms, lounge for students, library, labs, and online database to conduct self-research and study.
Furheremore, If you complete your pharmacy technician program at FVI, then you can master identification of drugs, appropriate calculation of dosages and solutions, composition of different drugs, pharmacy laws, and operating clinical distribution systems.
Additionally, as part of the curriculum FVI offers a 40-hour preparation course for the certification exam, approved by State Board of Pharmacy in Florida. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to work in multiple settings such as drug stores, grocery stores, hospitals, retail pharmacies, etc.
- Tuition fee: $17,000
- Private non for profit pa collage
- Less than 2 years
19. Florida Education Institute
Contact details
- Address: 5818 SW 8th St, West Miami, FL 33144, United States
- Phone: +1 305-444-1515
Florida Education Institute (FEI) was started in 1995 with a dedicated effort to provide positive learning environment at affordable prices.
FEI is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and it focuses on providing student-centered learning solutions along with employer driven education which assists students land the job of their choice.
The pharmacy technician program offered by Florida Education Institute primarily imparts the education on dispensing medication, collecting and measuring prescription, processing insurance claims, organizing inventories, and operating pharmacy software programs.
After completion of this program, FEI facilitates your registration with the Florida Board of Pharmacy which will enable you to start working as a pharmacy technician.
- Online physician Technician program
- 2 to 4 years accredited physician Technician school in Florida
20. Ridge Technical College
Contact details
- Address: 7700 FL-544, Winter Haven, FL 33881, United States
- Phone: +1 863-419-3060
Part of Polk Education Pathway, Ridge Technical College is a vocational-technical center running since 1972. The college is committed to assess, prepare and assist students in securely establishing their careers in the fast-paced employment market.
Ridge Technical College offers over 20 different career programs which enables students to excel is respective fields of their choices. Reputable accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Florida.
Also, The college provides a 1050-hour pharmacy tech program through which you can hone your skills with medical terminologies, compounding drugs, sterile methods, inventory management, IV preparation and pharmacy laws.
Upon graduation, students are qualified to sit for National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (CPhT) and thereafter register with the Board of Pharmacy to kick start their careers.
Tuition fee $8,000