Have you ever wanted to work in a pharmacy, but don’t want to spend years in school?  There are certificate programs available to students who specifically want to work in a retail pharmacy environment.  Theses program often require less time than even associates degree programs.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) announced today the launch of the Official NPTA Pharmacy Technician Certificate Programâ„¢, a comprehensive online training program. The new program is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified, educated pharmacy technicians as well as the flexibility and affordability required by prospective students.

NPTA’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate Programâ„¢ is comprised of nine online courses and practical hands-on experience obtained through local pharmacy externships. The program, which is self-paced, is equivalent to roughly 750 contact hours and can be completed in six to twelve months, depending upon the student’s schedule.

Upon completion of a pharmacy technician certification program, students will be prepared to work in a retail pharmacy setting.  The certificate program teaches students the basic principles of pharmacy customer care, pharmacy law, and pharmacology. Qualified pharmacy technicians are in demand, and the need for them will continue to increase over the next decade.  As our population ages, the number of people in need of pharmacy services also increases – keeping the demand high.