How to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania now requires pharmacy technicians to register with the State Board of Pharmacy and complete a Board-approved training program. Good news: a PTCB-recognized program like Foothills is one of the approved routes.
The 4 steps in Pennsylvania
- Meet the basics. You need a high school diploma or equivalent, plus 3 hours of child abuse recognition training, which the state requires for this registration.
- Complete a Board-approved training program. Pennsylvania rules (49 Pa. Code 27.702) list programs recognized by PTCB or NHA as approved, when they cover the required topics with competency testing. Foothills is a PTCB-recognized program.
- Register with the Board. Apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy and renew every 2 years. A trainee registration is also available while you train.
- Get certified (recommended). Pennsylvania doesn't require the PTCE to register, but passing it makes you a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), which employers prefer and which is recognized nationwide.
Checked against the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy's own rules in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm current details with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy.
Get PTCB certified from anywhere in Pennsylvania
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.