BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN GEORGIA

Pharmacy technicians, or pharmacy techs, assist licensed pharmacists with filling and dispensing prescriptions. They might also mix and measure medication and count pills. Other tasks may include making labels for prescription bottles, ordering pharmacy supplies, putting out the inventory, and answering the phone.

If this sounds like an appealing job to you, then you might want to consider becoming a pharmacy technician in Georgia. This career is currently experiencing strong growth.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN REQUIREMENTS FOR GEORGIA

To find work as a pharmacy technician in the state, you must be at least 17 and a high school graduate or have the equivalent of a high school diploma.

You do not have to hold certification to work as a pharmacy technician in Georgia, but you do have to register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. Those with certification may find more work opportunities and make more money.

Formal training is not mandatory to work in the state, either. You can be trained on the job since you will be working under the supervision of a pharmacist.

However, if you complete a post-secondary pharmacy technician training program, it may increase your chances of getting hired.

GEORGIA PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS

If you are interested in taking a pharmacy technician program, there are several American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist (ASHP) accredited programs in Georgia.

Below are a few examples that will give you an idea of what to expect:

Albany Technical College

Albany Tech offers a pharmacy technology diploma as well as a pharmacy technology degree program. Both include clinical experience and prepare students to work as entry-level pharmacy techs.

The degree program is made up of 63 credit hours, and the diploma program consists of 54 credit hours. Both programs can be completed in approximately two years.

Atlanta Technical College

At Atlanta Technical College, students can choose from a technical certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree in pharmacy technology. All three programs are ASHP accredited.

The technical certificate was designed for those who want short-term training. The certificate program can be completed in three semesters and consists of 35 credit hours.

The diploma program includes clinical practice and prepares students for entry-level work as well as to sit for the national certification exam.

This program consists of 56 credit hours taken over four semesters. The associate’s degree program can be completed in five semesters.

This 65-credit hour program focuses on technical skills, pharmaceutical knowledge, and work ethics. Once they have completed the degree program, students will also be eligible to sit for the national certification exam.

Central Georgia Technical College

At Central Georgia Tech, students can earn a diploma in pharmacy technology. Clinical practice is included in this program as well as classroom instruction and laboratory training. Students must be at least 17 to enter this program.

The degree program begins in the fall semester and consists of 56 credit hours. This competitive program is available at the Macon campus.

Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster offers an online Pharmacy Technician training program that is affordable and flexible. More information.

Would you like to help us make our content better?

Have you studied at a pharmacy technician school in Georgia? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

How was your experience at this college? Was it worthwhile? Did it meet with your expectations?

If you'd like to help us, click here for a 4 minute survey

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS IN GEORGIA

Pharmacy technicians in Georgia do not have to be certified, but they do have to register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy before looking for work in the state. You must be at least 17 years of age and either currently in high school or a high school graduate. A GED is also accepted if you don’t have a high school diploma.

To register with the Board, you must turn in a written application in which you request registration. A fee of $100 must be paid with registration. You will also need to pass a background check. If your registration is approved, the Board will post it on their website. Your registration will need to be renewed before June 30th of an odd-numbered year.

Continued education is not required for pharmacy techs in Georgia, but the reciprocation of registration is not accepted by other states. If you are registered elsewhere, you will still need to register with the State Board before working in Georgia.

If you want to become certified, you can apply to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). This credential is available through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). A high school diploma or GED is required for certification. You will also need to take and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This exam has a fee of $129.

Find Schools Near You

JOB AND SALARY OUTLOOK

This career is experiencing steady growth. Nationally, pharmacy technicians are predicted to see a 12 percent increase in the job field between the years 2016 and 2026. According to the Projections Managing Partnership, the growth rate in Georgia is slightly higher than the national average, at 15 percent. In 2016, there were 11,860 pharmacy techs employed in the state, and by 2026 that number is expected to increase to 13,670.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that pharmacy technicians in the state make an hourly average of $16.83, or $35,000 annually. Pharmacy technicians who are certified or have more education or experience can make as much as $46,190 a year.

Find Schools Near You

WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN GEORGIA

A Pharmacy technician may work in independent pharmacies, hospitals, chain drugstores, medical clinics, nursing homes, or correctional facility pharmacies. Pharmacy techs work part-time or full-time.

These days, pharmacists are taking on more duties and need more help from pharmacy assistants and techs. You shouldn’t have trouble finding work in the state, but more employment might be available in the cities of Atlanta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs.

FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Georgia?

Atlanta Technical College, Atlanta
Altierus Career College, Norcross
Fortis College, Smyrna
Columbus Technical College, Columbus
Ogeechee Technical College, Statesboro
Lanier Technical College, Gainesville

How do you become a pharmacy technician in Georgia?

You must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED
Register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy
Complete a criminal record check
Certification is not required

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Georgia?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Georgia made an average of $35,000 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $23,370 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $46,190.

Latest Georgia Posts from the Blog

ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS

Albany, GA Area

Albany Technical College

1704 South Slappey Boulevard, Albany, Georgia 31701Pharmacy Technology – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program

Albany Technical College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Albany, GA. The majority of the school’s 3,894 students are in 2-year programs.

Albany Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, while the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-state students are generally about $2,534 and for students from other states approximately $4,574 annually, while study materials may cost around $800, although this varies from program to program. This program is ASHP accredited.

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA Area

Atlanta Technical College

1560 Metropolitan Pky SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30310-4446Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technology – Associate Program

Atlanta Technical College offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. The majority of the school’s 4,859 students are on 2-year programs.

Atlanta Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $2,544 and for students from outside the state in the order of $4,584 per year. Learning materials may cost around $1,100, depending on the program chosen.

This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 4 technicians, and a lab/clerical support member. The school offers start dates in August and January.

Acceptance Requirements: Must be 18 years of age *Can not be convicted of a felony that occurred within the last five (5) years, and/or any conviction that was drug or pharmacy related. *Official high school or GED transcript is required to apply. *Achievement of minimum program admission scores in Reading, Language, and Math. *Transfer of previous post-secondary credits will be determined by the registrar. Student Performance/Graduation Requirements: *Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and complete all required courses to graduate. *Must complete MAT 1012 or MAT 11 with a minimum letter grade of B. *Must complete PHR 100 with a minimum letter grade of B.

General Location Training Sites: Southwest Atlanta Fulton County. Academic award: Technical Certificate of Completion, Diploma, or Associate Degree.

They say: The Pharmacy Technology program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for careers in the pharmacy field. Pharmacy Technology program graduates are prepared to function as pharmacy technicians in positions requiring the preparation of medications according to prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Program graduates are to be competent in the general areas of communication, math, interpersonal relations, and computer literacy.

Graduates are also to be competent to perform basic occupational functions including pouring, weighing, or measuring dosages; grinding, heating, filtering, dissolving, and mixing liquid or soluble drugs and chemicals; procuring, storing, and issuing pharmaceutical materials and supplies; and maintaining files and records.

Graduates of the Pharmacy Technology program are prepared for employment positions in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, home infusion pharmacies, institution pharmacies, military base pharmacies, major drug companies, and other healthcare facilities requiring qualified professional personnel.

Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Area

Augusta Technical College

3200 Augusta Tech Drive, Augusta, Georgia 30906Pharmacy Technology – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program

Augusta Technical College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Augusta, GA.

Most of the school’s 4,379 students are in 2-year programs. Augusta Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $2,498 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $4,538 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $2,000, although this will depend on the program. This program is ASHP accredited.

Warner Robins, GA Area

Central Georgia Technical College

80 Cohen Walker Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Central Georgia Technical College offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. All programs are based at their campus in the city of Warner Robins, GA. This public college has roughly 7,796 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The programs are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-state students are generally about $2,568 and for students from other states approximately $4,608 annually, while study materials may cost around $1,386, although this varies from program to program. This program is ASHP accredited.

Columbus, GA-AL Area

Columbus Technical College

928 Manchester Expy, Columbus, Georgia 31904-6572Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Columbus Technical College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are based at their campus in the city of Columbus. This public college has about 3,739 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Columbus Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the programs are separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.*

The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $1,529 and for students from outside the state in the order of $2,804 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,600, although this will vary with the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The staff of the program includes 2 technicians.

Acceptance Requirements: Be at 16 years of age, Submit an official high school transcript or GED transcript, submit a college transcript if applicable, background check and compass scores, Interview

General Location Training Sites: Within a 50-mile radius. Academic award: Diploma and Associate Degree.

They say: Program offers students the opportunity to pursue the Pharmacy Technology Diploma or Pharmacy Technology Diploma or Pharmacy Technology AAS Degree. Georgia residents are eligible for the “HOPE” scholarship program.

Gainesville, GA Area

Lanier Technical College

2990 Landrum Education Dr, Oakwood, Georgia 30566Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Lanier Technical College offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. Classes are taken at their campus in Oakwood in Hall County, GA. The majority of the school’s 3,579 students are on 2-year programs. Lanier Technical College is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.*

North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Area

North Georgia Technical College

1500 Georgia Hwy 197 N, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technology – Associate Program

North Georgia Technical College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in Clarkesville in Habersham County, GA. The majority of the school’s 2,441 students are on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.*

East Georgia nonmetropolitan area Area

Oconee Fall Line Technical College

1189 Deepstep Rd, Sandersville, Georgia 31082Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Oconee Fall Line Technical College can be taken at their campus in Sandersville in Washington County. The college has a region of 1,869 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs.

Oconee Fall Line Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes a technician and a pharmacist. The school offers starting dates in the Fall semester each year.

Class scheduling: Full-time day.

Acceptance Requirements: Submit a completed application and application fee; be at least 16 years of age; submit official high school transcripts or GED transcript; submit official college transcripts, if applicable; meet assessment requirements by taking the ASSET or COMPASS placement test or instead of the placement test, provide official scores on the SAT, CPE, or ACT.

General Location Training Sites: Dublin, Hawkinsville, McRae, Eastman, Hawkinsville, Sandersville, Swainsboro, Rhine, Georgia. Academic award: Diploma.

They say: Each student has a computer at their desk in the classroom. We have a state-of-the-art lab with equipment and necessary fixtures to simulate hospital and retail pharmacy settings. Students are assisted with the program required state registration and required to sit for the PTCE. In the final semester, students are guided in preparations for the certification exam, preparation of resumes, and job interview skills.

We also offer in our final semester a three-part virtual experience pharmacy lab that puts the student in a ? mock? situation and they have to respond. Additionally, the student has experience in two courses with labs that train them to use pharmacy-based computer entry systems.

Ogeechee Technical College

One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd, Statesboro, Georgia 30458Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program

Ogeechee Technical College’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is offered at its campus in the town of Statesboro, GA. Most of the school’s 2,216 students are in 2-year programs. Ogeechee Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, while the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program is ASHP accredited. The school offers start dates in April and September.

Class scheduling: daytime only.

Acceptance Requirements: Completed application and fee, H.S. diploma or GED, Criminal background check, drug screen, Hepatitis B Series (optional), and TB skin test.

General Location Training Sites: Statesboro, GA, Vidalia, GA, Claxton, GA, Sylvania, GA, Savannah, GA. Academic award: Diploma Program.

They say Onsite certification review, job placement, seven pharmacists on the advisory board, pharmacy software, mock pharmacy, retail and hospital, Pyxis system console, and meditation training.

Macon, GA Area

School of Health

3076 Riverside Dr. Suite 700, Macon, Georgia 31210Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

School of Health’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is offered at its campus in the city of Macon, Georgia. The majority of the school’s 413 students are on short programs of under two years. School of Health has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education.*

East Georgia nonmetropolitan area Area

Southeastern Technical College

3001 E First St, Vidalia, Georgia 30474Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Southeastern Technical College is offered at their campus in the town of Vidalia, GA. The majority of the school’s 1,533 students are on 2-year programs. Southeastern Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician,2 lab/clerical support, and a pharmacist.

Acceptance Requirements: Be at least 16 years of age, submit an official high school transcript or GED transcript, submit official college transcripts if applicable, a clean criminal background check from an appropriate law enforcement agency, admission scores (COMPASS): Reading 70, Writing 23, Numerical 26.

General Location Training Sites: within a 75-mile radius. Academic award: Pharmacy Technology Diploma.

They say: The program provides extensive hands-on skill development by using a state-of-the-art classroom and lab furnished with current software, a state-of-the-art laminar flow hood, validation for parenteral as well as chemotherapy preparations.

There are skills labs for compounding, unit dose cart filling, apothecary measurements, resume and job preparation, as well as assistance and preparation for the national exam.

Instruction in the development of good work habits which aids in job retention is included in the courses and is highly emphasized.

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA Area

Southern Crescent Technical College

501 Varsity Rd, Griffin, Georgia 30223-2042Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Southern Crescent Technical College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are offered at their campus in Griffin in Spalding County.

The majority of the school’s 5,177 students are on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.*

Valdosta, GA Area

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

4089 Val Tech Rd, Valdosta, Georgia 31602Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. Classes are taken at their campus in Valdosta in Lowndes County. The majority of the school’s 3,966 students are on 2-year programs.

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, while the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program is ASHP accredited.

The staff of the program includes 2 technicians. The school offers start dates in the Spring and Fall Quarters.

Class scheduling: Daytime.

Acceptance Requirements: Equivalence Complete the PSB exam and obtain a score of 200 or greater Academic award: Pharmacy Technology Diploma. They say Great financial aid including the HOPE grant, state-of-the-art computers, and programs, LFH in the lab area for hands-on experience, preparation for the certification exam, excellent lab opportunities including filling various prescriptions, compounding, unit dosing, and making capsules and suppositories, many of the texts used have interactive cd accompaniments.

* Accreditation status and tuition fees are correct at the time of the last update and are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college or university before applying.

OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

Residents of Georgia may also wish to review their options in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.