How to become a pharmacy technician in Arkansas
Arkansas does not require a specific program or certification to register. Foothills prepares you for the PTCE and the job. You still register with the Board and complete a fingerprint background check.
The 5 steps in Arkansas
- Take the Foothills course. Online, self-paced, about 4 months.
- Pass the PTCE. Not required to register. Some duties, like giving vaccines, may call for certification.
- Register with the Board. Apply to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. You need a diploma or GED. The fee was about $71.25 on the 2024 form.
- Get fingerprinted. A fingerprint background check is required. Vendor fees are separate.
- Get trained on the job. Your pharmacy trains you for compounding and IV work.
Costs beyond Foothills in Arkansas
- State registration, about $71 (confirm with the Board)
- Fingerprints and background check (vendor fee extra)
Checked against the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy's own rules in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm current details with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. Sources: 1, 2.
Get PTCB certified from anywhere in Arkansas
Foothills is a PTCB-recognized online program, built and taught by a licensed pharmacist with 33 years in the field. Finish it and you're eligible to sit for the PTCE.
100% online and self-paced, so it fits around work. Most students are ready in about 4 months. College programs can run $1,500 to $5,000. Foothills is about $541 start to certified.
Foothills · cost to certification
EnrollmentOne-time, instruction + portal$180
Two digital textbooksAccess codes included$232
PTCE exam feePaid to PTCB when you're ready≈ $129
Total, start to certified≈ $541
Enroll for $180
Arkansas questions
Yes. You must be registered before you work.
Arkansas does not require a program, so any good preparation is fine.
Not to register. It may be needed for some duties.
Foothills is about $541 total: $180 enrollment, about $232 for two digital textbooks, and about $129 for the PTCE. Add about $71 for registration plus fingerprint fees.
About $541 all-in: $180 to enroll, about $232 for two digital textbooks, and about $129 for the PTCE. State fees are separate (see above). See the full cost breakdown.