Pharmacy Technician AAS Degree: What You Need to Know
A Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree prepares students to assist pharmacists with dispensing medications, managing inventory, and supporting patient care in a range of pharmacy settings. This degree typically requires 60 to 97 credit hours and can be completed in 18 to 24 months at accredited colleges and technical schools. Programs combine classroom instruction, lab-based training, and real-world externships to equip graduates with job-ready skills.
What You’ll Study in a Pharmacy Technician AAS Program
The curriculum covers essential topics in pharmacology, medication safety, pharmacy law, and healthcare operations. Common courses include:
- Pharmaceutical Calculations: Learn how to measure, prepare, and dispense medications accurately.
- Pharmacology: Study drug classifications, actions, side effects, and interactions.
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Understand legal and regulatory standards for pharmacy practice.
- Medical Terminology and Anatomy: Build foundational healthcare knowledge to support medication therapy.
- Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding: Train in the preparation of IV medications and custom drug formulations.
- Retail and Institutional Pharmacy Practice: Explore operations in hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies.
- Externship: Complete hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting, working under licensed pharmacists.
Some schools, like Wake Tech and Pikes Peak State College, also include training in advanced pharmacy systems such as robotic dispensing, medication reconciliation, and IV admixture preparation.
Admission Requirements
Admission criteria vary by institution but typically include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA (commonly 2.0 or higher)
- Completion of prerequisite courses in English, math, or computer literacy
- Background check, drug screening, and up-to-date immunizations
- Placement tests or entrance assessments
Some schools, like Pikes Peak State College and Lone Star College, have selective admissions and require additional interviews or program-specific applications.
Program Costs and Tuition
Tuition for AAS programs in pharmacy technology ranges widely. Here are examples:
- Northcentral Missouri College: Offers online and on-campus courses; cost varies by residency.
- Wake Tech (NC): Estimated $4,864 for in-state tuition.
- Lone Star College (TX): $4,000–$5,000 annually; financial aid and payment plans available.
- Colorado Mesa University: Two-year program combining certificate and associate-level coursework.
Additional costs include books, lab fees, background checks, uniforms, certification exam fees, and liability insurance.
Certification and Licensure
Most states require pharmacy technicians to become certified. Graduates of AAS programs are typically eligible to sit for one or both of the following exams:
- PTCB Exam (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board)
- ExCPT Exam (National Healthcareer Association)
Upon passing, students earn the CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) credential and may apply for state licensure. Some states, like Texas and Washington, have additional requirements, including registration with the state board of pharmacy.
Career Outcomes and Job Settings
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is approximately $43,000, with higher wages in hospital and specialty settings. Job growth is projected to rise due to increased demand for prescription medications and expanded roles for technicians.
Pharmacy technicians can work in:
- Retail and community pharmacies
- Hospitals and outpatient clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Mail-order and compounding pharmacies
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing or insurance
Some graduates pursue roles like lead pharmacy technician, billing specialist, or continue education to become licensed pharmacists.
Is This Career Right for You?
Pharmacy technicians must have strong attention to detail, math proficiency, and communication skills. They interact directly with patients and healthcare professionals, handle sensitive health data, and must follow strict legal and safety standards. If you enjoy healthcare, organization, and helping people, a career as a pharmacy technician can be a fulfilling and stable path.
Top Schools
The following colleges offer accredited Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs in pharmacy technology, each designed to equip students with the practical skills and clinical experience required to support pharmacists and serve patients. These programs vary in structure, tuition, and delivery formats, but all share a strong commitment to certification readiness, real-world training, and job placement support. Whether you’re looking for flexible online learning, in-person lab simulations, or externships in hospitals and retail settings, the schools below represent top options for aspiring pharmacy technicians.
| School | Location | Credits | Learning Format | Certification Preparation | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Central Missouri College | Trenton, MO | Not listed | On-campus & Online | No licensure required in MO, others may vary | Flexible, broad employment options in retail, hospital, military |
| Pikes Peak State College | Colorado Springs, CO | 61.5 | On-campus | PTCE | Selective admission, hands-on labs and clinical rotations |
| Northland Community & Technical College | East Grand Forks, MN | 60 | On-campus | National certification preparation | Retail and clinical training with community college tuition rates |
| Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | 97 | On-campus (M–F schedule) | National Certification Exam (WA licensure) | Externships included, certificate option mid-program |
| Colorado Mesa University – CMU Tech | Grand Junction, CO | Not listed | On-campus | PTCB | 1-year certificate or full A.A.S. degree track |
| College of the Mainland | Texas City, TX | Not listed | On-campus, full- or part-time | PTCE | Internships in hospital and community settings |
| North Seattle College | Seattle, WA | 91 | Full-time, 6 quarters | PTCB, ExCPT | Externship required; Washington Pharmacy Assistant license |
| Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh, NC | 64 | On-campus | PTCB | Clinical rotations; early certification prep |
| Lone Star College | The Woodlands, TX | 60 | On-campus, multiple campuses | State certification | Capstone in management or advanced pharmacy skills |
| Ana G. Méndez University | Orlando, FL | Not listed | On-campus | CPhT prep | Emphasis on practical training and diverse job roles |
North Central Missouri College (NCMC)
https://www.ncmissouri.edu/academics/pharmacy-technician
Trenton MO
Flexible Learning with Broad Career Opportunities
North Central Missouri College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Pharmacy Technician, designed for students seeking a technical career in healthcare. Courses can be completed on campus or online, providing flexibility for students. The curriculum covers essential pharmacy technician skills such as prescription processing, medication measurement, inventory management, and insurance claim processing. Students are trained to work in a wide variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care, military healthcare, and mail-order pharmacies.
Program Details and Employment Outcomes
Missouri does not currently require licensure for pharmacy technicians, though students planning to work in other states should verify licensure requirements. Graduates of the NCMC program are prepared to pursue employment immediately upon completion. The program emphasizes real-world skills and readiness to join a professional healthcare team, making it a solid choice for students aiming to enter the pharmacy field quickly and affordably.
Pikes Peak State College (PPSC)
https://catalog.pikespeak.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=6&poid=1894&returnto=560
Colorado Springs, CO
Accredited, Hands-On Pharmacy Training
The Pharmacy Technician AAS program at Pikes Peak State College is dual-accredited by ASHP/ACPE and prepares students for certification and employment in both hospital and retail pharmacy settings. The 61.5-credit program provides a strong foundation in pharmaceutical calculations, computer order entry, compounding, and IV preparation. Students gain hands-on experience through simulated lab work and clinical rotations, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in real healthcare environments.
Admission Requirements and Certification Preparation
Admission to the program is selective and requires placement testing, prerequisite coursework, a criminal background check, drug screening, and immunizations. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which qualifies them to work as Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT). With strong job prospects and a curriculum aligned to national standards, PPSC offers a career-ready program for those committed to entering the pharmacy field.
Northland Community & Technical College
https://www.northlandcollege.edu/academics/programs/pharmacy_technology-aas/
East Grand Forks
Program Structure and Curriculum
Northland’s Pharmacy Technology A.A.S. program is a 60-credit degree located in East Grand Forks. The curriculum trains students to assist licensed pharmacists with technical and clerical duties, operating under strict guidelines. Students are introduced to fundamental pharmaceutical practices and standard operating procedures within retail and clinical environments. The program emphasizes working closely with pharmacists to support accurate medication dispensing and patient care.
Outcomes and Career Preparation
Graduates of this two-year program are equipped for entry-level pharmacy technician roles and will be prepared to pursue national certification. The structured coursework and lab experiences help students develop essential job skills. While tuition costs are not explicitly listed on the program page, students can expect standard community college rates and may qualify for financial aid options. The A.A.S. credential provides a pathway to immediate employment in pharmacies and may also serve as a stepping stone to further healthcare education.
Renton Technical College
https://catalog.rtc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=489&returnto=221
Renton, WA
Program Structure and Curriculum
Renton Technical College offers a comprehensive 97-credit Pharmacy Technician A.A.S. degree that runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., starting in the fall quarter. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and prepares students for roles in hospital and retail pharmacy settings. Training includes hands-on experience in pharmaceutical calculations, sterile IV preparation, compounding, drug information, and computer order entry.
Certification and Licensure Pathways
The program includes externship experiences and prepares students for the National Certification Exam, required for Washington State licensure. A certificate is awarded after completing the core courses, and students who complete additional general education requirements earn the A.A.S. degree. This structured and immersive experience prepares graduates to step directly into professional roles with confidence and competency.
Colorado Mesa University – CMU Tech
https://catalog.coloradomesa.edu/areas-study/pharmacy-technician/pharmacy-technician-aas
Grand Junction, CO
Program Overview and Learning Format
Colorado Mesa University’s Pharmacy Technician A.A.S. program offers both a one-year certificate and a full two-year associate degree. Students begin with foundational academic and clinical coursework in the first year, then apply to the A.A.S. track in the second year. Coursework covers brand and generic drug knowledge, aseptic technique, order processing, and regulatory compliance, with a strong focus on developing real-world competencies.
Career Preparation and Graduate Outcomes
Students are trained to work in diverse settings, including retail, hospital, long-term care, compounding, and specialty pharmacies. Passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam qualifies graduates as nationally certified pharmacy technicians (CPhT), which opens opportunities for state licensure and higher-level roles. The program also ensures graduates meet CMU’s general education outcomes in critical thinking, communication, and personal responsibility.
College of the Mainland (COM)
https://www.com.edu/academics/pharmacy-technician/aas-pharmacy-technician-degree.html
Texas City, TX
Program Format and Requirements
The A.A.S. Pharmacy Technician degree at COM is a nationally accredited program designed for flexible full-time or part-time enrollment. Students begin in the fall and must meet health and background check requirements, including immunizations and a drug screening. The curriculum includes both academic instruction and on-site internships in hospital and community pharmacy settings to prepare students for the national certification exam.
Certification Readiness and Employment Opportunities
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and are trained for success in various healthcare settings. The A.A.S. degree also expands career pathways beyond traditional roles into management or teaching. Tuition information is not directly listed, but students may access financial support and institutional resources to assist with education costs. The program blends classroom learning with real-world experience to prepare students for immediate workforce entry.
North Seattle College
https://northseattle.edu/programs/pharmacy-technician/pharmacy-technician-aas-degree
Seattle, WA
Program Structure and Curriculum
North Seattle College offers a 91-credit Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Pharmacy Technician, designed to be completed full-time over six quarters. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and includes training in reading prescriptions, order entry, IV medication preparation, and more. Students must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED, and meet prerequisite and placement requirements. Immunizations and a Washington Pharmacy Assistant license are required before externship placement.
Certification and Career Readiness
This program prepares students for national certification exams such as the PTCB and ExCPT. Graduates are equipped with clinical and administrative skills necessary for retail and hospital pharmacy roles. Although specific tuition rates are not listed, students should budget for books, supplies, and required tools. Successful completion of the program (minimum 2.0 GPA in all courses) offers a clear pathway into the healthcare field with potential for advancement and increased earning potential.
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
Coursework and Clinical Experience
Wake Tech’s Pharmacy Technology A.A.S. program includes 64 credits and is delivered at the Perry Health Sciences Campus. Estimated in-state tuition is $4,864. The curriculum blends classroom learning with simulated pharmacy labs and clinical rotations in hospitals, community, and specialty pharmacies. Students explore drug therapy, pharmaceutical calculations, inventory control, law and regulations, and IV admixture compounding.
Program Outcomes and Certification
Graduates are prepared to pass the PTCB national certification exam before entering their second fall semester. The program emphasizes real-world practice, from managing pharmacy operations to filing insurance claims and operating automated systems. This comprehensive approach ensures students are ready to take on roles in various pharmacy settings, including compounding and long-term care facilities.
Lone Star College
https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/pharmacy-tech-aas.htm
The Woodlands, Texas
Curriculum and Program Flexibility
Lone Star College offers a 60-credit Pharmacy Management A.A.S. program at multiple campuses, including LSC-North Harris and LSC-Tomball. The program builds upon a Certificate Level I foundation, allowing credits to transfer toward the associate degree. The curriculum includes both technical training and general education, with a capstone course in pharmacy management or advanced skills. Students learn prescription entry, sterile compounding, inventory, and patient interaction.
Industry Credentials and Career Outlook
Lone Star’s program is accredited by PTAC and prepares students for state-required certification. Career pathways include work in retail, hospital, compounding, and nuclear pharmacy environments. With a reported median salary of $43,738 and strong employment prospects in Texas, the program offers excellent return on investment. General education credits are transferable to other institutions, offering flexibility for continued education.
Ana G. Méndez University (AGMU)
https://agmu.edu/en/aas-pharmacy-technician
Orlando, FL
Program Overview and Training Focus
AGMU’s Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician develops students into capable pharmacy support professionals through a combination of didactic and practical instruction. The curriculum covers prescription interpretation, medication dispensing, labeling, and preparation of basic pharmaceutical solutions and ointments. Emphasis is placed on high standards of patient care and operational efficiency in both hospital and community pharmacies.
Career Readiness and Employment Options
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Certified Pharmacy Technician, Lead Technician, and Pharmacy Assistant. The program focuses on building confidence and competence through hands-on learning, ensuring students can contribute effectively in a variety of pharmacy settings. While tuition details are not specified, AGMU’s program structure supports a streamlined path to employment in healthcare environments where pharmacy support is essential.
Estimating Your Return on Investment
With an average tuition range of $4,000 to $10,000 for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Pharmacy Technician, many students can enter the workforce without taking on heavy debt. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians earn a median annual salary of approximately $43,000.
Assuming a student finances $8,000 in education costs through a standard federal student loan at 5% interest over 10 years, monthly payments would be around $85. With a starting salary near the national median, graduates could cover this monthly payment with just 2–3 hours of work per week.
Alternatively, if a graduate committed 10% of their monthly income ($358/month) toward loan repayment, they could pay off an $8,000 loan in under 2 years.
This makes pharmacy technician AAS programs a high-value option for those seeking fast, affordable entry into healthcare with strong job stability and clear pathways for advancement.