A pharmacist in a white coat holds a medication box while talking on the phone, with a computer and pharmacy shelves in the background.

Five Reasons to Enroll in an Online Pharmacy Technician Program in 2026 

Thinking about becoming a pharmacy technician? You’re looking at a field with real staying power. The BLS projects pharmacy technician jobs to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034 (that’s faster than the average for all occupations) with nearly 50,000 openings projected each year.1  

Recommended: Bryan University Pharmacy Technician Graduate Spotlight: Kailyn Braden 

More openings mean more opportunity; and more competition. The best way to stand out is to show up with the right skills and credentials before you even apply for your first job. 

That’s exactly what an online pharmacy technician program gives you.  

1. You Learn on Your Own Schedule

Life is busy. Many people who want to become pharmacy technicians are also working full-time, raising kids, or caring for family members. 

An online program fits into your life, not the other way around. You don’t have to commute to a campus or rearrange your schedule to make it work. You study when it works for you, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night. 

2. You Graduate With Real, Job-Ready Skills

You can technically become a pharmacy technician with just a high school diploma. But that means learning everything on the job, which can be stressful and slow. 

Recommended: Pharmacy Technician Skills Hiring Managers Want in 2026 

When you complete a pharmacy technician program, you show up to your first day already knowing what you’re doing. 

Here’s what you’ll learn:  

  • Medical terminology 
  • How to compound sterile and non-sterile medications 
  • Medication dosages, side effects, and drug interactions 
  • Generic and brand-name medications 
  • Customer service and communication skills 
  • HIPAA and OSHA laws and compliance 

At Bryan University, students also receive a hands-on pharmacy technician kit. It includes safety needles, personal protective equipment (PPE), a counting tray, a spatula, a mortar and pestle, a pocket scale, and more. 

image 5

3. You’ll Be Prepared for Your Certification Exam

Certification makes a real difference in this field. Bryan University’s program prepares you to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) through the PTCB. The cost of one exam attempt is included in your tuition, so you’re not paying out of pocket after graduation. 

You’ll also complete an externship with CVS, Walgreens, or a pharmacy of your choice, giving you real-world experience before you apply for jobs.  

4. You’ll Have More Job Satisfaction

Starting a new job already knowing your stuff feels completely different from figuring things out as you go. 

Pharmacy technicians play a real role in patient care. You help make sure people get the right medications safely and on time. You answer questions and support patients who may be dealing with stressful health situations. 

When you’re prepared, you can focus on doing your job well and that makes the work more rewarding from day one.  

5. You’ll Have Career Support When You Graduate

Finishing your program is just the beginning. Having someone in your corner who knows the job market can make a big difference in how quickly you land your first role. 

Bryan University students have access to career advisors who know the industry and can point you in the right direction based on your preferences and location. 

And you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Pharmacy technicians work in:  

  • Retail pharmacies and drug stores 
  • Hospitals 
  • Nursing homes and assisted living facilities 
  • Grocery store pharmacies 
  • Mail-order and specialty pharmacies 

Many of these settings offer flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, so you can find a role that fits your life. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a degree to become a pharmacy technician?

No, a certificate program is the standard entry point. A certificate prepares you for the PTCB certification exam and gives you the skills employers look for. Some technicians continue on to earn an associate degree, which can lead to higher pay and more advanced roles over time. 

At BU, our pharmacy tech graduates can transfer directly into our new Associate Degree in Allied Health Administration

How long does an online pharmacy technician program take?

Bryan University’s program can be completed in as little as less than 8 months. It consists of 24 total credit hours, with two courses taken at a time.  

Is certification required to work as a pharmacy technician?

Most employers prefer or require it. Many states also have their own licensing requirements. Earning your CPhT credential through the PTCB makes you more competitive and typically leads to higher pay from day one. 

Can pharmacy technicians work from home?

Some can. Remote pharmacy technician roles, particularly in mail-order pharmacies and telepharmacy settings, have grown in recent years. Availability depends on the employer and your state’s licensing rules.  

What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist?

Pharmacists hold a doctoral degree and are licensed to verify prescriptions, counsel patients, and make clinical decisions. Pharmacy technicians work under the pharmacist’s supervision to handle the day-to-day tasks that keep the pharmacy running. It’s a team-based role, and technicians are essential to it. 

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “Pharmacy Technicians,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified August 28, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm. ↩︎

Request Information

And Get a FREE Career Brochure

Terms of submitting this form: I agree that Bryan University may contact me regarding educational services via email, telephone, SMS text message, or automated technology at the email address and phone numbers provided. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to cancel anytime. This consent is not required to enroll. For questions, call 1 (888) 768 6861. Visit our Privacy Policy.

← Return to Bryan Newsroom