Continuing Education for Pharmacy Technicians: What You Need to Know
If you’re a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT), you’ve already taken a major step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. But your journey doesn’t stop after certification. To maintain your credentials and stay competitive in a constantly evolving field, continuing education (CE) is a must.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything pharmacy technicians need to know about continuing education — from why it matters to how to choose the right courses, track your credits, and meet renewal deadlines.
Why Continuing Education Matters
Continuing education isn’t just a requirement — it’s an investment in your career.
Here’s why it’s so important:
Stay compliant with certification requirements: Organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and National Healthcareer Association (NHA) require CE to renew your certification.
Keep up with industry changes: The world of pharmacy is constantly evolving, with new drugs, regulations, and technologies emerging regularly.
Advance your skills and career: CE courses can help you specialize, qualify for promotions, or transition to roles in compounding, inventory management, or sterile processing.
Ensure patient safety: Staying sharp with drug knowledge and protocol ensures you’re delivering the highest level of care.
Key highlights from the report include:
– In terms of drug development type, the outsource segment accounted for more than 54.3% of the total revenue share in 2022.
– The segment of conventional drugs (small molecules) is projected to experience the highest market growth during the forecasted period based on molecule type.
– North America led the market in 2022, contributing 42.3% of the total revenue.
– The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness substantial market growth in the forecast period.
– A noteworthy aspect highlighted is in the generics sector, where cost-effective alternatives to branded counterparts are emphasized. Vantage Market Research points to the robust global demand for generics, particularly in countries like India, where generic drugs constitute 70-80% of the nation’s retail market.
CE Requirements: A Quick Breakdown
PTCB Requirements
If you’re certified through the PTCB, here’s what you need to know:
Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
Required CE hours: 20 hours total
Must include:
1 hour of pharmacy law
1 hour of patient safety
Beginning in 2020, at least 1 hour must be on controlled substances (if working in a setting where these are handled)
You must also complete your CE through a PTCB-recognized provider and submit your renewal application by the expiration date on your certification.
NHA Requirements
If you’re certified through the NHA:
Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
Required CE hours: 10 hours
CE credits must be directly related to pharmacy practice and be completed before the certification expires.
Where to Find CE Opportunities
There are many options for pharmacy technicians looking to earn CE credits:
1. Accredited Online Platforms
Sites like:
These platforms offer a wide range of CE courses—many are free or low-cost and available on-demand.
2. Employer-Based Programs
Many large pharmacies, like CVS, Walgreens, and Kaiser Permanente, offer CE opportunities to their staff. Check with your manager or HR department to see if they provide approved CE training.
3. State Pharmacy Associations
Your local or state pharmacy association may offer in-person or online CE events, conferences, and webinars tailored to pharmacy practice in your area.
4. Professional Conferences
Attending pharmacy conferences can be a great way to network while earning CE. Examples include:
ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting
National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) Annual Conference
How to Choose the Right CE Courses
Not all CE is created equal. When browsing options, keep the following in mind:
✅ Is it PTCB- or NHA-Approved?
Always ensure the provider is recognized by your certifying body.
✅ Does It Meet Required Topics?
Make sure you’re covering law, patient safety, and controlled substances if applicable.
✅ Is It Relevant to Your Career Goals?
Choose courses that align with your interests—like sterile compounding, pharmacy informatics, or immunization assistance.
✅ Can You Access It Easily?
Look for platforms that offer self-paced, mobile-friendly formats if you’re balancing work and life responsibilities.
Tracking and Submitting Your CE Credits
Keeping accurate records of your CE is essential. Here’s how to stay organized:
PTCB:
Use the PTCB Certification Portal to upload CE certificates and track your progress.
Keep digital and printed copies of your CE documentation in case of an audit.
NHA:
Log into your NHA account to upload CE activities.
You may be asked to provide certificates of completion, so always download and save them.
What Happens If You Miss Your Deadline?
If you fail to complete your CE and submit your renewal on time, your certification will lapse. Here’s what happens:
You won’t be able to work as a certified pharmacy technician.
You may need to pay late fees or retake the certification exam, depending on how long it’s been expired.
To avoid this, set reminders in your calendar at least 3–6 months before your renewal date and start planning your CE early.
Free CE Options for Pharmacy Technicians
While many CE courses charge a fee, there are several reputable free options:
CDC’s CE for Health Professionals – offers topics on immunizations, medication safety, and public health.
Pharmacy Times CE – frequently has free CE webinars and articles.
Drug Topics CE – includes practical, technician-focused content.
These resources can help you stay certified without breaking the bank.
Final Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to make the most of your continuing education journey:
Don’t procrastinate: Cramming CE hours at the last minute is stressful and may result in missed deadlines or overlooked requirements.
Mix it up: Diversify your courses to stay engaged and well-rounded.
Track everything: Use a digital folder or spreadsheet to keep all certificates and expiration dates in one place.
Ask for support: Your employer may reimburse CE costs or offer paid time to complete training — it never hurts to ask!
Conclusion
Continuing education for pharmacy technicians isn’t just about keeping your certification — it’s about being the best tech you can be. Staying current with your skills and knowledge ensures you’re delivering safe, accurate, and effective care in every role you take on.
Whether you’re just starting your CE journey or are a seasoned tech looking to level up, PharmTechEdu.com is here to support you every step of the way with resources, tools, and guidance tailored to your career.
Ready to start your CE journey?
Explore our recommended CE platforms and tools PharmTechEDU.com or call us at 1-855-316-TECH(8324)