Program Description

Our online Pharmacy Technician program is a 130-hour program. The program can be completed in just 30 days. The curriculum includes video lectures, demonstrations, and interactive online labs followed by a quiz. You have one year to complete the course online after your initial purchase date.

Once all your requirements and hours have been completed, you will be eligible to sit for the NHA ExCPT exam. Once completing your theory and lab hours, you are also eligible to complete an externship.

This externship is not required but rather provides you with a different route to becoming certified. Instead of taking the ExCPT exam, you can complete a 120-hour externship at a pharmacy of your choice. After completing your hours, you will then be eligible to apply for your license.

You can also take the exam and complete an externship — there are a few pathways, and Western Medical Training Center is dedicated to helping you find the best fit for you.

What is a Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy technicians are integral members of pharmacy teams, providing essential support to licensed pharmacists. Their duties encompass various tasks vital to the smooth functioning of a pharmacy. This includes assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service by answering inquiries and processing refill requests. Additionally, they handle administrative responsibilities such as maintaining patient records, processing insurance claims, and managing paperwork associated with prescriptions. Pharmacy technicians may also be involved in compounding medications and utilizing pharmacy software systems for prescription management.

Where Can I Work?

Pharmacy technicians have a wide range of employment opportunities across different sectors of the healthcare industry.

Certification: NHA ExCPT

NHA (ExCPT): The National Healthcareer Association offers the ExCPT exam (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians). The ExCPT is nationally recognized and widely accepted by retail and hospital pharmacy employers. Exam fee: $125 (not covered by WMTC).

WMTC's curriculum is designed to prepare you fully for the ExCPT. Our team will support you in registering, preparing, and scheduling your exam.

PT Skills Lab — CVS Health Collaborative Skills Lab

All Pharmacy Technician students — including online students — are welcome to attend our PT Skills Lab, held every other Wednesday from 12:00–3:00 PM at WMTC's San Diego headquarters. These live, in-person sessions are led by WMTC instructors and local area and regional CVS Health leaders representing Southern California, and are open to both hybrid and online program students.

Sessions rotate through six themed workshops: CVS store tours, meetings with local area and regional CVS Health leaders representing Southern California, externship preparation and Q&A, job readiness and resume development, mock interview practice, and CVS pharmacy workflow, rules, regulations, and career pathway discussions.

Register through your Student Portal — just like Friday Night Study Night.