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.
The requirements for working as a pharmacy technician will vary by state. Keep reading to learn what the conditions and your educational options are in Georgia. [Leer en español]
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
| Programme | City | PTCB credential | ASHP accredited | Federal programme data | Programme hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Technical College | Albany | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 450/10 Hours (contact/credit) experiential |
| Atlanta Technical College | Atlanta | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 210/5 experiential |
| Augusta Technical College | Augusta | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Central Georgia Technical College | Warner Robins | CPhT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 450/10 Hours (contact/credit) experiential |
| Columbus Technical College | Columbus | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Fortis College – Smyrna | Smyrna | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College | Sandersville | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 450/10 experiential |
| Ogeechee Technical College | Statesboro | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| West Georgia Technical College | Waco | CPhT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College – Valdosta | Valdosta | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 42/14 experiential |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Augusta University | Augusta | CPhT | Yes | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Coastal Pines Technical College | Waycross | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Southern Regional Technical College | Thomasville | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| University of North Georgia | Dahlonega | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| University of West Georgia | Carrollton | CPhT | Yes | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Albany Technical College – Dougherty | Albany | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | 450/10 Hours (contact/credit) experiential |
| Archbold Memorial Hospital | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Berrien High School | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| CNU Medical Institute | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Career Training Solutions – Rio Hondo College | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Clayton State University Continuing and Education Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Cross Keys High School | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Destiny Enterprises Network Group LLC | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Elevance Health/CarelonRx | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA) – Immunization Delivery Training for Pharmacy Technicians | Not published | Immunization Administration Certificate | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Global Impact Academy | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Kennesaw State University College of Professional Education | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Murrieta Valley Adult School | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| TE Health Network | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Tender Care Training Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
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.
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.
JOB AND SALARY OUTLOOK
The median pharmacy technician in Georgia earns $41,910 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn between $37,130 and $48,490; the lowest tenth earn under $35,160 and the top tenth above $56,820. Georgia employs about 14,680 pharmacy technicians.
What that is worth where you live. Prices in Georgia run at 96.3% of the national average (2024, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities), so $41,910 here buys what $43,523 would buy in an average-cost part of the country. Measured that way Georgia ranks 41 of 51 states for pharmacy technician pay, better than its headline wage suggests because living costs are below average.
Pharmacy technician employment in Georgia is projected to grow 10% between 2024 and 2034, from about 15,290 jobs to 16,850 (Projections Central state projections). That is roughly 1,610 openings a year, a figure that counts people leaving the occupation as well as new posts, so it is the better guide to how often jobs come up.
Nationally the occupation is projected to grow 6.4% over the same period (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), so Georgia is growing faster than the country as a whole.
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?
Latest Georgia Posts from the Blog
- Studying Pharmacy Tech at Augusta Technical College
- Studying Pharmacy Tech at Albany Technical College
- Studying Pharmacy Tech at Atlanta Technical College
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Pharmacy Technician programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Albany Technical CollegeAlbany, GA(229) 430-35001704 South Slappey Boulevard2,761 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3642024-25 | $3,928 to $7,356by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Atlanta Technical CollegeAtlanta, GA(404) 225-44001560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW3,493 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3822024-25 | $2,153 to $7,365by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Augusta Technical CollegeAugusta, GA(706) 771-40003200 Augusta Tech Drive4,118 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $4,2822024-25 | $7,668 to $12,309by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Central Georgia Technical CollegeWarner Robins, GA(478) 757-340080 Cohen Walker Drive10,710 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,4482024-25 | $4,141 to $10,566by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Columbus Technical CollegeColumbus, GA(706) 649-1800928 Manchester Expressway3,153 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $4,0522024-25 | $4,528 to $7,209by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Miller-Motte College-MaconMacon, GA(478) 803-4800175 Tom Hill Sr Blvd206 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | not published |
|
North Georgia Technical CollegeClarkesville, GA(706) 754-77001500 Georgia Hwy 197 N2,696 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3302024-25 | $3,119 to $7,119by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Oconee Fall Line Technical CollegeSandersville, GA(478) 553-20501189 Deepstep Rd2,000 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3802024-25 | $1,126 to $7,303by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Ogeechee Technical CollegeStatesboro, GA(912) 681-5500One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd2,264 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,3882024-25 | $4,514 to $12,384by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco, GA(678) 821-3800176 Murphy Campus Blvd.6,722 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | Public | $3,4102024-25 | $717 to $8,791by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta, GA(229) 333-21004089 Val Tech Rd4,380 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | $3,4802024-25 | $365 to $4,514by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed. Programs shown without a link were added from federal completions data: the school awarded this program in 2022-23 or 2023-24. We have not yet recorded its own page for the program.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of Georgia may also wish to review their options in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.