Receive your national NHA-CPhT certificate
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 South Dakota, to be a pharmacy technician, you will need to be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and undergo training under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.
02
Enroll in and Complete a Pharmacy Technician Course
To become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota you must complete a recognized PTCB course. Pharmacy technician training programs provide many benefits, including earning potential, fun and exciting work environments, and the ability to help patients manage their health.
At Stepful, our pharmacy technician classes, accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and a recognized PTCB course, offer a 4-month program that prepares students to take their national exam with confidence.
03
Complete a Pharmacy Technician Externship
After completing a pharmacy technician program, you must gain real-life experience as a pharmacy technician. This allows you to work directly under the supervision of a pharmacist. You will be at the forefront of your daily duties and learn the ins and outs of the company.
Stepful’s externship program ensures that you not only build credibility with potential employers but also gain the confidence to excel in your role. Our team assists in finding a facility near you, providing the support needed to complete your training and transition smoothly into the workforce.
04
Pass Your Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
In South Dakota, training typically takes place under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist, though pharmacies may require or pay for their technicians to take national certification, such as the PTCB test.
The PTCB is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam and, for the 2020 syllabus, includes 4 subject areas: Medications, Patient Safety and Quality Assurance, Federal Requirements, and Order Entry and Processing.
Stepful helps students prepare for the NHA ExCPT exam and offers optional preparation for the PTCB exam. Our students have a 75% passing rate, which is 12 points higher than the national average.
05
Search for Jobs
Competition for pharmacy technician roles in South Dakota is currently high. To search for pharmacy technician jobs in South Dakota, you can use popular websites such as the South Dakota job boards, major hospitals' job boards, pharmacies and other healthcare centers.
At Stepful, we provide job support coaching to help you secure a full-time position as a pharmacy technician. You will be paired with a personal coach who will guide you. As a result, over 1,000 students have successfully landed full-time jobs!
All pharmacy technicians must register with the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy, which defines the state’s unique set of regulations that technicians are legally allowed to perform. Continuing education is not required by the State Board of Pharmacy and licenses must be renewed annually at a cost of $25.00.
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians in South Dakota is promising, making it an excellent career choice. With an aging population, working as a pharmacy technician offers great benefits, including a salary of $41,140 per year.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow by 7% nationwide from 2023 to 2033. As a result, this career opportunity outlines stability, job advancement, and flexibility.
Additionally, South Dakota is expected to employ around 1,450 pharmacy technicians by the year 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for pharmacy technicians, who typically work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Starting your rewarding career as a certified pharmacy technician with Stepful can set you on the path to success, as employers are actively seeking candidates like you!
$41,140
+
7 % Growth
1,140
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South Dakota provides valuable resources and support for new and experienced pharmacy technicians. These professional organizations provide education resources, certification programs, and career development services. Below are some of the organizations you should join:
- South Dakota Pharmacists Association (SDPHA): This association supports pharmacy professionals in South Dakota through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities.
- National Pharmacy Technicians Association (NPTA): The NPTA is a leading organization dedicated to advancing pharmacy technician careers through training, certification, and professional development.
- Virginia Society of Health-System Pharmacists (VSHP): This society focuses on supporting pharmacists and technicians working in health-system settings through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
- Midwest Pharmacy Workforce Alliance (WPWA): This regional organization works to enhance pharmacy practice, workforce development, and research across the Midwest.
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA): The largest national pharmacy organization, offering resources, advocacy, and professional growth opportunities for pharmacists and technicians.
These organizations advocate for pharmacy technicians and provide educational materials and essential information on the latest pharmaceutical insights. Additionally, professional organizations facilitate networking opportunities among technicians in the field.
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 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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