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

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
In Oregon, individuals seeking to become pharmacy technicians must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, candidates may be required to undergo a criminal background check, which could include fingerprinting.
A history of drug-related crimes or other disqualifying offenses may prevent individuals from obtaining a pharmacy technician license.
02
Enroll in and Complete a Pharmacy Technician Course
Oregon requires pharmacy technicians to obtain certification through the Oregon Board of Pharmacy to practice in the state. Stepful offers a comprehensive 4-month training program designed to prepare students for their certification exams.
The curriculum covers essential topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and ethics, and pharmacology, ensuring a strong foundation for a successful career. Stepful is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality education and training for aspiring pharmacy technicians.
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
You will need to pass one of the nationally recognized exams, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam or the NHA ExCPT exam, to work as a pharmacy technician in Oregon. The Oregon Board of Pharmacy lists the steps you need to take to apply for your certification. Please note that you will need a copy of your birth certificate and a color copy of your state ID or passport.
To maintain an active license as a pharmacy technician, you will need to renew your license every two years and complete the necessary continuing education.
05
Search for Jobs
You did it, and now it’s time to apply for a job. Stepful career coaches will support you with resume and interview preparation. You can also search popular job boards such as ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, and Indeed for pharmacy technicians in Oregon.
To stand out in the job market, highlight your certification, training, and hands-on experience. At Stepful, our career coaching team offers personalized job search guidance, resume optimization, and interview preparation to help you secure a rewarding role in the field.
Pharmacy technicians ensure patients receive the correct medication and count. They are not allowed to make medical judgments that require a pharmacist. Aspiring pharmacy technicians must pass the national exam known as the PTCB or the NHA.
Certification demonstrates your expertise in pharmacy operations, medication safety, and regulatory compliance, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market. Many employers prefer or require certified pharmacy technicians to ensure a higher standard of care.
All pharmacy technicians must register with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy to ensure compliance with state regulations and uphold high standards of patient care. The board’s primary goal is to promote quality and safety in pharmacy practice while providing pharmacy technicians with essential resources to stay effective in their roles.
By obtaining licensure, technicians demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and patient well-being.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in Oregon earn an average of $50,440 per year, which translates to approximately $24.25 per hour.
Job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, leading to the hiring of around 4,160 technicians in the state. There are plenty of positions available, and only moderate on-the-job training is required.
As the medical system continues to expand, the demand for pharmacy technicians will also increase, particularly as more individuals develop chronic diseases as they age. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside fellow pharmacists and technicians who share your interests. Additionally, there are opportunities for career development, especially if you’re interested in specializing in compounding medications like chemotherapy.
With many employers seeking certified pharmacy technicians, it is important to have your resume ready. Stepful can help you prepare for your job search and provide support throughout the process.
Common employment settings for pharmacy technicians include retail pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. Once you gain enough experience, you may also have the chance to travel as a pharmacy technician, assisting different hospitals in meeting their staffing needs.
$50,440
+
7% Growth
4,610
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Oregon offers a range of professional organizations that support both new and experienced pharmacy technicians. These organizations provide educational resources, certification programs, networking opportunities, and career development services. Joining a professional association can help you stay updated on industry trends and enhance your career prospects.
- Oregon State Pharmacy Association (OSPA): This local organization supports both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians through advocacy, education, and professional development opportunities.
- National Pharmacy Technicians Association (NPTA): This association provides an online job board, career outlook insights, and continuing education for pharmacy technicians nationwide.
- Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT): This national organization focuses on advancing the pharmacy technician profession through training, networking, and career resources.
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA): The NHA offers the ExCPT certification and continuing education programs to help pharmacy technicians maintain and enhance their skills.
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 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 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).
Do you help graduates find a job?
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.
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.
You need a copy of your high school diploma or GED and a stable internet connection.
Is the program online or in-person?
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 is included in Stepful’s Pharmacy Tech certification program tuition?
The Pharmacy Technician Professional program includes access to your online classroom, weekly live classes with an instructor, and mock exams for both the ExCPT and CPhT exams.
You’ll also get support to secure an externship site where you will complete minimum 130 unpaid, in-person clinical hours after the 15-week online portion.
What tuition payment options are available?
Tuition can be paid upfront or through biweekly installments using Stepful’s flexible payment plans. We’re committed to keeping our programs as affordable as possible, which is why we offer generous grants for new applicants that significantly reduce tuition costs.
Visit our Affordability page to explore the different ways to lower tuition — including grants, payment plans, and other funding options.
What Pharmacy Technician certifications do you prepare me for?
Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program prepares you for both the ExCPT exam, issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and the CPhT exam, issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Our curriculum is aligned with both organizations’ standards, ensuring that graduates are eligible to sit for these nationally recognized credentials — widely accepted by retail pharmacies, hospitals, and health systems.The ExCPT exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions and carries a fee of $125, while the CPhT exam includes 90 multiple-choice questions and carries a fee of $129.
Exam fees are not included in tuition, but students who register through Stepful may be eligible for discounts or rebates. You may take your NHA exam online or in-person.We’re proud to say Stepful students score about 10 points above the national average on the ExCPT and CPhT exams — a reflection of the quality instruction, curriculum, and support we provide every student.
Do you help graduates find a job?
At Stepful, our mission is to break down barriers to healthcare careers and help every student move into a meaningful role after graduation.
To support that mission, we offer a structured Job Coaching Program that guides graduates into full-time healthcare roles after completing their clinical hours.
Students begin with an 8-week Job Readiness Cohort that combines weekly live coaching, job search strategy, resume building, interview practice, and workplace success skills.
Graduates also receive weekly job leads, and their resumes are shared with Stepful’s healthcare employer partners. For those who need additional support, Stepful provides up to 2 more months of on-demand 1:1 coaching, including mock interviews, resume reviews, and targeted job leads.With this approach, about 60% of graduates secure jobs within 2 months and over 80% within 4 months of starting the job coaching program.
What are the requirements for the externship?
Our career services team will support you with securing an externship opportunity for your 130-hour unpaid, in-person externship at a local pharmacy. Completing the externship is mandatory for graduation.
In order to be eligible for an externship, you must complete the online portion of your class, meet your state licensing requirements, and pass a drug screening, in addition to other requirements.
You can complete your externship on a full-time or part-time schedule, depending on what works best for you, as long as you’re available during standard business hours and can complete a minimum of 20 hours per week on an ongoing basis. Placement is subject to site availability.
What’s the difference between Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician vs Pharmacy Technician Professional program?
While both of Stepful’s programs prepare students for national certification, the Pharmacy Technician Professional program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists/Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ASHP/ACPE), whereas the Pharmacy Technician program is not.
Students in the Pharmacy Technician Professional program will be required to complete and pass admissions requirements in order to enroll in the program. Additionally, for the Pharmacy Technician Professional program, the 130 hour unpaid, in-person externship is required in order to graduate.
Students in the Pharmacy Technician program may graduate after completing the 15-week online classes.
Which program is available to you and which one you should take depends primarily on the requirements in your state of residence.
What is the refund policy?
Stepful offers a 3-day money-back guarantee on all tuition and fees for students who withdraw within 3 days of signing up. After classes begin, students may withdraw within the first two weeks and receive a full refund of tuition.
Enrollment fees are non-refundable after the 3-day guarantee period. Please note that there may be additional flexibility depending on your state’s refund regulations.
What are the requirements to enroll in the program?
To enroll in any Stepful Pharmacy Technician Professional program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a valid government-issued ID
- Have authorization to work in the United States
- Complete a background check
- Complete an admissions interview
The best way to confirm your eligibility for the Pharmacy Technician Professional program is to complete our free online application.
It only takes a few minutes and will let you know right away if we serve your area.
Is the program online or in-person?
Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician Professional program is 100% online for 4 months (15 weeks) of live classes and coursework.
After completing the online portion and earning your national certification, you’ll get support from your career services team to secure externship opportunities for a 130-hour unpaid, in-person externship at a local pharmacy. This externship is required to graduate.
Do you have a partnership with the NHA?
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.

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