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Prepare to take the NHA or PTCE national certification exam
100% online followed by in-person externship
Job interview prep and resume services
ASHP/ACPE-accredited program
1:1 support from enrollment to employment
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What You’ll Learn
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Weeks 1-4
Learn the foundational healthcare knowledge you need to become a well-rounded pharmacy technician and start diving into pharmacy practice.
Weeks 5-9
Master the ins and outs of pharmacology and get hands-on with pharmacy calculations and prescription medications.
Weeks 10-14
Develop skills in processing and dispensing prescriptions, and prepare for the NHA ExCPT Exam with mock tests and a comprehensive review of key pharmacy concepts.
Weeks 15+
Apply everything you learned online and earn clinical hours in a pharmacy setting. Our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search.
Online Pharmacy Tech classes at your own schedule
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01
Graduate from High School or Complete Your GED
To become a certified pharmacy technician in Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of U.S. residency and birth certification. Additionally, you must have a high school diploma or GED.
All applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting. A history of drug-related offenses or other serious felonies may impact eligibility for certification.
02
Enroll in and Complete a Pharmacy Technician Course
Pharmacy technicians in Arizona must pass either the PTCB or ExCPT exam; therefore, completing a structured training program is essential for building the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in both the field and the certification process.
Stepful’s 4-month online pharmacy technician course offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for certification exams and real-world responsibilities.
Our pharmacy technician classes cover essential topics such as pharmacology and pharmacy calculations, ensuring you develop a strong foundation. With the support of our dedicated instructors and flexible learning options, aspiring technicians can confidently prepare for their national exams in just four months.
03
Complete a Pharmacy Technician Externship
Externships provide students with real experience and allow them to put their practice to work. At Stepful, we understand the value of externships, and it is a mandatory requirement for students and is highly worth it.
Our team collaborates with select pharmacies and healthcare facilities to provide externship opportunities, though availability may vary by location. Regardless of placement, we offer personalized support, including resume assistance and job search guidance, to help students advance in their pharmacy technician careers.
04
Pass Your Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
Since certification is required to practice as a pharmacy technician in Arizona, applicants have the option to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam. Both certifications can enhance your job prospects and potentially lead to higher earnings as they show your skills as a pharmacy technician.
Stepful’s online pharmacy technician certification course is approved by both the PTCB and NHA, ensuring students meet national industry standards. Our comprehensive curriculum, expert instruction, and dedicated support contribute to a 75% pass rate for the NHA ExCPT exam, helping students confidently achieve certification and launch their careers.
05
Search for Jobs
After passing the PTCB or ExCPT exam, you must apply for a pharmacy technician license through the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. This application requires a completed form, proof of certification, and a licensing fee. Once approved, you will be officially licensed to work as a pharmacy technician in Arizona.
To stand out in the job market, emphasize your certification, training, and industry knowledge. At Stepful, our career coaching team provides personalized job search support, resume optimization, and interview preparation to help you secure a fulfilling role in the field.
Job searches can be conducted through online job boards and platforms that allow candidates to filter opportunities by experience level and location. At Stepful, our job support coaches are available to assist with finding job openings and refining resumes to help you stand out in the competitive job market.
Pharmacy technicians are regulated by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. This means that certification is required to practice as a pharmacy technician. The Arizona State Board of Pharmacy has approved both the PTCB exam as well as the ExCPT exam for this purpose.
Candidates must apply to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. Include a passport photo with your application, and the application must be notarized. Non-refundable license application fee: $82.00.
Certification is mandatory in Arizona and can be obtained by passing either the PTCE or ExCPT exams. These exams assess your knowledge and skills, ensuring you are prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
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Additionally, maintaining an active license requires completing 20 hours of continuing education, which must include specific training in opioid/substance abuse, immunizations, patient safety, and telepharmacy.
These requirements ensure that pharmacy technicians stay informed about industry advancements, patient safety protocols, and evolving healthcare practices. Licenses must be renewed every two years at a cost of $72.00.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for pharmacy technicians nationwide is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade. In Arizona, approximately 940 annual job openings for pharmacy technicians are projected until 2030.
According to the latest data, Arizona currently employs about 11,030 pharmacy technicians, providing excellent job security. Many pharmacy techs find fulfilling positions in various settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, and specialized clinics.
This career offers opportunities for advancement, requires only entry-level education, and provides competitive pay, with an average salary of $45,260 annually in Arizona. The salary for pharmacy technicians in the state has shown consistent growth, increasing by 17.27% from 2017 to 2021.
This trend, coupled with the state's growing population and increasing demand for healthcare services, suggests a promising future for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Arizona.
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$45,260
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7% Growth
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11,030
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Professional organizations provide pharmacy technicians with the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, access continuing education, and stay informed about industry developments. Joining one of these organizations can help you grow in your career and stay up to date with regulatory changes. Consider becoming a member of the following associations:
- Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA): This association offers educational opportunities, networking events, and advocacy for pharmacy professionals.
- AzPA Student Pharmacist Academy (SPA): This branch of AzPA aims to recruit new members, improve understanding of the value of student involvement, and provide leadership opportunities for students.
- American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT): This national organization provides access to professional development, networking events, and advocacy efforts to support the profession.
- National Pharmacy Technicians Association (NPTA): This organization offers training programs, certification preparation, and continuing education courses to expand skills and advance pharmacy techs' careers.
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): The PTCB sets high professional standards and provides resources for continuing education to maintain credentials.
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Resources for aspiring Pharmacy Technicians
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