Benefits of an Associates Degree in Pharmacy & Pharmacology Online

An Associates Degree in Pharmacy & Pharmacology online, also known as a Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree online, may help graduates pursue entry-level positions in the pharmacy field. Entry-level titles include Pharmacy Aide and Pharmacy Technician. These professionals help staff all types of pharmacy facilities — including retail pharmacies and hospital pharmacies — by acting as liaisons between patients, doctors, and Licensed Pharmacists. While Pharmacy Aides are mainly charged with administrative and clerical duties — like answering phones, relaying medical questions, or processing payment transactions, Pharmacy Technicians are often responsible for hands-on work with medication — including measuring, mixing, and labeling prescriptions. All work is supervised by a Licensed Pharmacist.

Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Online

An associates degree in pharmacy & pharmacology online may involve coursework in topics like pharmacology, pharmaceutical terminology, medical law, ethics, anatomy, physiology, and algebra. Associate degree and certificate programs may also address the practical functions related to working in a pharmacy — including customer service, business administration, or pharmacy software. Depending on the college and the required curriculum, Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree students may learn processes to verify prescriptions, stock and manage inventory, and file insurance claims. Some associate degree pharmacy programs involve internships or cooperative work assignments that allow students to practice their studies in actual pharmacy environments.

After completing an associate degree in pharmacy studies, you may be qualified to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). (It is also possible to qualify for this exam with just a high school diploma or GED.) If you meet all the other eligibility requirements and you pass the PTCE, you can earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential — a title that pharmacy employers often prefer to see, but don't necessarily require, among entry-level hires. To practice as a Pharmacy Technician, you may also need to pass a background check and a drug screening.

If you plan to use your pharmacy degree for employment in a commercial pharmacy, hospital, or other healthcare setting, you should have strong customer service and communication skills, which will allow you to interact well with patients and coworkers. Pharmacy Aides and Technicians should also demonstrate basic math proficiency, familiarity with common computer programs and keyboarding, along with excellent attention to detail.