Illinois Pharmacy Technician Program

Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in IL

Here at Stepful, we have a 4-Month Illinois Pharmacy Technician program that prepares you to take the NHA CPhT certification exam. We offer career coaching plus an optional in-person externship around Illinois.

Spots are limited. We accept qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis.
Program Currently Not Available in This Region.

  • 4-Month Online IL Pharmacy Technician Course

  • Receive your National NHA-CPhT Certificate

  • 100% Online Followed by In-Person Externship

  • Job Interview Prep and Resume Services

  • 1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment

  • Now Enrolling in Illinois!

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Get Your Pharmacy Technician Certification Online While in IL

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career by becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in Illinois, Stepful’s online pharmacy technician program can help you achieve your goals.

Our Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) & National Healthcareer Association (NHA) approved program prepares you to earn your CPhT certification online, perform all the duties of pharmacy technicians, and find a job near you in Illinois after graduation.

Our Illinois pharmacy technician classes take 4 months to complete and cover essential topics such as pharmacology, prescriptions, pharmacy calculations, and more.

At Stepful, it's not just about getting certified; we are here to help students gain real world experience and land full time jobs. The Stepful staff is here to support you at every stage of the journey. From career preparedness to help finding an in-person externship*, we're here to help you launch your career in healthcare.
*Please note, students must be available M-F, 9-5 p.m. to be eligible for externship support.

4 months of online training
130 clinical hours
PTCB CPhT & NHA CPhT Certification Prep
75%
NHA Certification Pass Rate
+12 Points Above the National Average
Apply Now
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How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Illinois

To work as a certified pharmacy technician in Illinois, you must meet the requirements set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting your new career:
1

Get your high school diploma or GED

To register as a certified pharmacy technician in Illinois, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

2

Complete a pharmacy technician training course

Training courses help you prepare for the certification exam and gain the knowledge needed to work in a pharmacy. 

Here at Stepful, we cover essential topics like pharmacology, prescriptions, pharmacy calculations, and more. Stepful’s online course is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring a high-quality education.

3

Complete a pharmacy technician externship

An externship gives you a chance to apply your classroom learning in a real-world setting. You'll work alongside licensed pharmacists in retail or hospital pharmacies.

Stepful works with thousands of pharmacy partners and can help students connect with externship opportunities across Illinois.*

* Please note that students must be available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., to be eligible for externship support.

4

Pass a pharmacy technician certification exam

To become a certified pharmacy technician in Illinois, you must pass a national certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam or NHA's ExCPT exam.

Stepful’s students have a 75% pass rate for the NHA exam, 12 points above the national average.

5

Start your career as a certified pharmacy technician

Before you start working as a pharmacy technician in Illinois, you must apply for a pharmacy technician license. 

Once you're certified and licensed, you can begin working in pharmacies throughout Illinois. Pharmacy technicians are needed in hospitals, retail pharmacies, specialty clinics, and mail-order services.

Stepful career counselors will help you prepare for your job search with resume reviews, mock interviews, and one-on-one coaching.

Apply Now

  • Get Hired as a Pharmacy Technician

    Our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search in Illinois.

  • Pharmacy Tech Classes that Fit your Life

    Our Illinois pharmacy technician course is completely online and includes an optional in-person externship in IL. Part-time and evening classes are available.

  • Supportive Community

    We’re there for you every step of the way. Your instructor, coach, and peers will do whatever they can to help you succeed.
medical assistant program
It works

80% of graduates are employed as medical assistants within 3 months of graduation

Graduate our online medical assistant training program & find jobs at top healthcare companies—just like Stepful’s alumni.
Learn More
Monique
New Jersey, New Jersey
The reason I joined Stepful is to pursue my life-long dream of working in the medical field. And they made it happen!
Imani
Brooklyn, New York
This is the first time someone invests in me. Thank you Stepful for the leap of faith.
‍
Juan
Queens, New York
Thank you Stepful for helping me land my dream job as a Medical Assistant in a Doctor's office. I wouldn’t have made it without you.
Jianee
Bronx, New York
Amazing school! Great learning environment! It allows you to apply your skills into the medical field.
‍

Pharmacy Technician Classes at Your Own Schedule in Illinois

Learn online, part-time, and at your own schedule while in IL. Morning & evening classes are available. Get 1:1 support from enrollment to employment.

4 Months

Program length

Part Time

Morning & Evening Classes

$42,850

Average starting salary

NHA-CPhT

Certification

Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program has received accreditation by ASHP! American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is the only nationally-recognized pharmacy association that accredits pharmacy technician training programs in the United States. ASHP accreditation represents formal recognition of the high quality of services and care provided by Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program.

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

Prepare for your certification exam and work with your Stepful coordinator to find a clinical externship at a convenient location.

Weeks 15-20

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.

Pick Your Start Date

You'll have two live classes per week and should plan
for 90 minutes of additional daily coursework.
*You'll select one of these class times after you sign up.
Apply Now

Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois: Certification & Licensing

Each state has its own requirements for pharmacy technician certification and licensing. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) regulates pharmacy technicians in the state.
1

Illinois pharmacy technician certification requirements

To become a certified pharmacy technician in Illinois, you must complete a pharmacy technician training course and pass a national certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam or NHA's ExCPT exam.

2

Illinois pharmacy technician license requirements

In Illinois, a license issued by the state is required before you can legally work as a pharmacy technician. To receive a license as a certified pharmacy technician, you must:

  • Complete an online application and pay a fee
  • Provide proof of passing the PTCB or NHA certification exam 
  • Provide proof of completion of a pharmacy technician training program

‍

Detailed requirements for license applications can be found on the IDFPR website.

Pharmacy Technician Scope of Practice in Illinois

Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in pharmacies, but their duties vary by state. Those in Illinois must work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. They are allowed to perform many important tasks, but there are also strict rules about what they cannot do.

What pharmacy technicians cannot do in Illinois

According to the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act, pharmacy technicians may not:

  • Offer medical or drug advice to patients
  • Receive verbal prescriptions over the phone
  • Perform final checks before medication is dispensed
  • Alter medication dosages
  • Work without pharmacist supervision

‍

What pharmacy technicians can do in Illinois

Under the direction of a pharmacist, pharmacy technicians may:

  • Collect patient information
  • Label prescription bottles
  • Count and measure medications
  • Manage inventory and stock medications
  • Process insurance claims and billing
  • Assist patients with basic questions and direct clinical questions to the pharmacist

Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in Illinois

Salary: $42,850/yr

Average salary in Illinois

Job Outlook: 7% Growth

Nationwide from 2023 to 2033

Local # of Jobs: 22,950

As of May 2023

Pharmacy technicians are in steady demand across Illinois. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 22,950 pharmacy technicians working in Illinois. That’s 3.8 pharmacy tech jobs per 1,000 jobs in the state.

The average pharmacy technician salary in Illinois is $42,850 per year, or $20.60 an hour. Opportunities for even higher pay exist in hospitals and specialized pharmacies, depending on your skills and how much experience you have.

The highest demand for pharmacy techs is in these metro areas:

  • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin: By far the largest job market for pharmacy techs, the Chicago metro area employs 17,170 pharmacy techs.
  • St. Louis, MO-IL: This metro area employs an additional 4,930 pharmacy techs.
  • Peoria: A strong healthcare hub, this metro area employs 630 pharmacy techs.

‍

Nationally, the BLS projects strong job growth for pharmacy technicians. An increase of 7% is expected in the field from 2023 to 2033 nationwide, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Professional Organizations for Pharmacy Technicians in Illinois

Professional organizations in Illinois and nationally can provide networking, career resources, and continuing education. Here are some organizations that support pharmacy technicians:

Apply Now
Pay
with a loan
$166*
per month for 12 months
Pay $59 to secure your spot now.

Once the class starts, you will pay $166* per month.
Pay
as you go
$249*
every 2 weeks over 8 payments
Pay $59 to secure your spot now.

Once the class starts, you will pay $249 every two weeks over 8 payments.
0% interest

Resources for Aspiring
Pharmacy Technicians

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PTCB Certification: What to Know About the CPhT Exam

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Pharmacy Technician Program FAQs

What is Stepful?

Stepful provides online training for healthcare careers, including pharmacy technicians. We are on a mission to create economic opportunity for 1 million job seekers in healthcare.

What is included in Stepful’s Illinois pharmacy technician program tuition?
Tuition includes online instructor-led Zoom classes, clinical sessions, PTCB & NHA certification exam prep, dedicated 1:1 coaching and job support services. Exam fees are not included in your tuition.
What is the refund policy?
A student who cancels before the first week of class receives a refund with tuition paid to date with the exception of the $59 non-refundable registration fee. Thereafter, the student who cancels receives a prorated refund.
What are the requirements to enroll in your Illinois pharmacy technician training program?
You need a copy of your high school diploma or GED and a stable internet connection.
What pharmacy technician certifications do you prepare me for?
Our classes prepare you to test for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s Certified Pharmacy Technician exam (CPhT). You will also be prepared to take the National Healthcareer Association's Certified Pharmacy Technician exam (ExCPT).
Is the program online or in-person?

The Pharmacy Technician program is 100% online and is followed by a 130-hour, in-person, unpaid clinical externship near you around Illinois. Stepful has partnerships with pharmacies across the nation and will do its best to find a convenient location for you.

Do you help graduates find a job?

Yes! After you pass the certification exam and complete your in-person externship, our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search in Illinois.

Do you have a partnership with the National Healthcareer Association?
Yes! Our program is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), a leading credentialing organization in the healthcare industry. Our status as an NHA-Recognized Education/Training Program ensures your full preparation for the NHA Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) exam.
What tuition payment options are available?
Students have the options to pay upfront or in installments with a flexible payment plan. Stepful offers partial scholarships, reach out to our admissions team for more information.

FAQs About Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois

What is the average salary for pharmacy technicians in Illinois?

The median salary for pharmacy technicians in Illinois is $42,850 per year or $20.60 per hour.

Here is a full list of pharmacy technician salaries in Illinois cities:

  • Chicago, IL: $20.28/h
  • Aurora, IL: $23.68/h
  • Naperville, IL: $19.10/h
  • Joliet, IL: $19.51/h
  • Rockford, IL: $19.28/h
How do pharmacy technician salaries in Illinois stack up to other locations?

The median pharmacy technician salary nationally is $37,790. Pharmacy technicians in Illinois make slightly more than that at $42,850.

What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Illinois?
Pharmacy technician jobs are projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032 nationwide. This is slightly higher than the national average of 5% but lower than other health technologists and technician jobs (7%).
What are the education requirements for pharmacy technicians in Illinois?
In Illinois, all pharmacy technicians are required to register with the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Within six months of employment, they must be trained by a licensed pharmacist in specific tasks. Certified Pharmacy Technicians must complete an education program and pass PTCB or ExCPT exams.
Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Illinois?
People can begin working as pharmacy technicians in Illinois without a license but must earn their license within two years of starting their employment. ‍Illinois requires that pharmacy technicians be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, pass the PTCB CPhT exam, submit an official government-issued identification, and pay an application fee of $60. Licenses in Illinois must be renewed every year.
Where can a pharmacy technician work in Illinois?

Pharmacy technicians in Illinois typically work in retail pharmacies and pharmacies in hospitals. Nationally, around 52% of pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and drug retailers while 16% work in hospitals.

Your new Pharmacy Technician career starts here

Get 1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment
Spots are limited. We accept qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis.
Program Currently Not Available in This Region.
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  • 4-Month Online Pharmacy Technician Course

  • Receive your National NHA-CPhT Certificate

  • 100% Online Followed by In-Person Externship

  • Job Interview Prep and Resume Services

  • 1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment

We are on an ambitious mission to create economic opportunity for one million job seekers in healthcare. Join us!
hello@stepful.com
19 Clifford Street,
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(332) - 334 - 8285