Pharmacy Technology

Healthcare continues to grow, creating new opportunities for trained Pharmacy Technicians across Alabama. Reid State's 12-week Pharmacy Technology program prepares students for nationally recognized certification opportunities while providing the practical skills needed for careers in retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

Designed for working adults, this Workforce Development program combines self-paced online coursework, required Wednesday attendance, optional Thursday Math Lab support, and weekly instructor guidance to help students succeed. Upon successful completion, students are prepared to register for nationally recognized certification exams, helping strengthen career opportunities throughout Alabama.

Reid State's Pharmacy Technology program prepares students with the practical knowledge and hands-on skills employers expect in today's pharmacies while building the foundation needed to pursue nationally recognized certification opportunities. 

You'll learn how to: 

The Alabama Department of Workforce and the Alabama Community College System continue to identify Pharmacy Technicians as an in-demand healthcare occupation throughout the state. The median annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Alabama is $39,614. New workers typically start around $32,419 per year, while highly experienced Pharmacy Technicians can earn up to $50,921 annually (Lightcast 2026). 

Employment opportunities remain strong across Alabama, with approximately 850 annual job openings resulting from industry growth and workforce turnover. 

Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to pursue nationally recognized certification opportunities that prepare them for entry-level employment. 

Certification opportunities include: 

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) – Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) – Pharmacy Technician Associate Certification (PTAC)

This program prepares students to pursue nationally recognized Pharmacy Technician certifications, including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Students are responsible for registering for and paying applicable certification examination fees.

Students who complete the program have the opportunity to participate in an optional volunteer externship with a local company, agency, or healthcare organization. This experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while building confidence before entering the workforce. 

Requirements: 

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED 
• Must be 18 years of age or older 
• Must have a Gmail account 
• Must achieve a minimum 8.5 Reading grade equivalency on the TABE test 

Pharmacy Technicians are employed in a variety of healthcare settings where they assist pharmacists with preparing prescriptions, managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and providing excellent customer service. 

According to the Alabama Community College System Career Coach, many Pharmacy Technicians throughout Alabama find employment with organizations such as: 

• Walgreens 
• CVS Health 
• Walmart 
• Hospitals 
• Grocery Store Pharmacies 
• Long-Term Care Facilities

Type: Non-Credit Workforce Development 

Length: 12 Weeks