Top 11 Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certifications

Certifications for a pharmacy technician instructor are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to teach pharmacy technicians. Employers often require that instructors have certifications from a nationally accredited organization, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which is recognized by most states. The certification also shows potential employers that the individual has gone through rigorous training in order to obtain their certification and is committed to staying up-to-date on any changes in regulations or procedures related to pharmacy technician instruction. Having a certification can give an applicant an edge over another candidate who does not have one, making it an important factor in obtaining a job as a pharmacy technician instructor.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Pharmacy Technician Instructors and explain how they can help advance a pharmacy technician instructor's career.

What are Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certifications?

Pharmacy technician instructor certification is a program designed to help individuals become qualified to teach pharmacy technician courses. It prepares individuals to provide instruction in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. The goal of the certification program is to ensure that instructors are knowledgeable about the topics they are teaching and have the skills necessary to properly educate their students.

The certification program provides instructors with the knowledge and skills needed to develop lesson plans, assess student performance, and teach effectively. In addition, it covers topics such as pharmacy law, medication administration, drug calculations, inventory management, compounding techniques, and customer service. Instructors also learn how to use technology in the classroom to enhance learning.

The certification program helps ensure that all pharmacy technicians receive quality training from qualified instructors who understand their subject matter and can effectively communicate it to their students. It also ensures that instructors have the necessary qualifications for teaching pharmacy technician courses, including knowledge of current regulations and standards related to pharmacy practice. Additionally, having a certified instructor on staff may help strengthen a school’s reputation in the field of pharmacy education.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the certification requirements for any prospective pharmacy technician instructor certifications. Many states have specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify for the certification, so it is important to make sure that you meet all of the qualifications before enrolling in a program.

Related: What does a Pharmacy Technician Instructor do?

Top 11 Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Pharmacy Technician Instructors today.

1. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a certification program designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach in an accredited pharmacy technician program. The program is open to any pharmacy technician who has completed at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician, has been certified by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and has completed at least 30 hours of continuing education related to teaching or instructing.

The ASHP Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program consists of two components: an online course and an on-site assessment. The online course provides instruction on topics such as curriculum development, instructional methods, evaluation techniques, and professional development. The on-site assessment is a hands-on evaluation that assesses the candidate’s ability to teach in an accredited pharmacy technician program.

The entire program takes approximately three months to complete. Candidates must complete the online course within six weeks of registration. After completing the online course, candidates must submit their application for the on-site assessment within four weeks of completion. Once approved for the on-site assessment, candidates will be notified within two weeks with details about their assessment date and location.

The cost for the ASHP Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is $450 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. This fee covers both the online course and the on-site assessment.

2. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a comprehensive program designed to help pharmacy technicians become certified instructors. The program provides pharmacy technicians with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach students in an academic or clinical setting.

The program consists of two parts: the NHA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Course and the NHA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Exam. The course is an online, self-paced program that covers topics such as teaching methods, curriculum development, and assessment techniques. It takes approximately 12 hours to complete the course.

Once you have completed the course, you will be eligible to take the NHA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Exam. This exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, medical terminology, and patient safety. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the exam.

To get certified as an NHA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor, you must successfully complete both the course and exam with a passing score of 70%. The cost for the entire program is $299 USD.

3. American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a certification program designed to provide pharmacy technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective instructor in the field of pharmacy. The program consists of three courses that cover topics such as teaching methods, instructional design, and assessment strategies.

The program takes approximately one year to complete and requires successful completion of all three courses. The first two courses are offered online, while the third course is an in-person workshop. Each course requires a passing grade on an exam administered at the conclusion of the course.

To get certified as an APhA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements including being a registered pharmacy technician in good standing for at least one year and having completed a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education related to pharmacy technician instruction within the last two years. You must also have completed all three courses within the APhA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program and passed each exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the APhA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program depends on which courses you take and how many times you take them. For example, if you take all three courses once each, it will cost approximately $1,000 USD. This includes registration fees for all three courses as well as any materials needed for each course.

4. Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a certification program designed to ensure that pharmacy technicians have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach pharmacy technician courses. The program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person instructor training workshop. The online course is designed to provide candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and regulations related to teaching pharmacy technician courses. The in-person instructor training workshop provides hands-on practice in teaching techniques, as well as practical experience in developing and delivering effective instruction.

The online course can be completed at your own pace, but typically takes about 8 hours to complete. It covers topics such as instructional design, teaching methods, evaluation techniques, and legal issues related to teaching pharmacy technician courses. After completing the online course, you will need to attend an ICPT instructor training workshop which is held several times throughout the year at various locations across the US. This one day workshop provides hands-on practice in teaching techniques and allows participants to develop their own instruction materials.

To become certified as an ICPT Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor, you must first complete the online course and then attend a one day instructor training workshop. After successfully completing both parts of the program, you will receive your certificate from ICPT indicating that you are now certified as an ICPT Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor.

The cost of becoming an ICPT Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor includes both the cost of taking the online course ($150) and attending the one day instructor training workshop ($250).

5. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a program designed to certify pharmacy technicians who are qualified to teach in an accredited pharmacy technician program. The program provides the necessary knowledge and skills required to effectively teach pharmacy technician students.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a pharmacy technician and complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education in the field. Additionally, they must pass the NABP Certification Exam for Pharmacy Technician Instructors. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as teaching methods, pharmacology, and pharmacy law.

The certification process typically takes about six weeks from start to finish. To begin, applicants must submit an application form and fee ($150 for NABP members/$200 for non-members). Once the application is approved, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. After registering, applicants will be able to access study materials and take practice exams online.

Once applicants have successfully completed the exam, they will receive their official certification from NABP within four weeks. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

Overall, obtaining NABP Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor status requires a significant investment in time and money but it provides many benefits including increased job opportunities and higher pay rates for those who are certified.

6. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a certification program designed to prepare individuals to teach pharmacy technician courses. The program provides comprehensive training in the areas of teaching methods, curriculum development, and evaluation techniques. It also covers topics such as legal and ethical considerations, patient safety, and pharmacology.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and an instructor-led workshop. The online course provides foundational knowledge about the profession of pharmacy technician instruction and includes topics such as instructional design principles, teaching strategies, and assessment techniques. The instructor-led workshop is a hands-on experience that focuses on developing the skills necessary to teach pharmacy technician courses effectively.

The program takes approximately six months to complete. To get certified, individuals must complete both the online course and the instructor-led workshop successfully. They must also pass an exam administered by AMT at the end of the program.

The cost of the AMT Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program varies depending on where it is taken and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, however, it costs around $400-$500 for both the online course and instructor-led workshop combined.

7. International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a comprehensive program designed to equip pharmacy technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach in a pharmacy technician training program. The program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site practicum.

The online course is self-paced and takes approximately 10 hours to complete. It covers topics such as instructional design, classroom management, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and professional development. Upon completion of the online course, participants must pass a certification exam in order to receive their IACP Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor credential.

The on-site practicum is designed to provide hands-on experience in teaching pharmacy technician classes. During the practicum, participants will observe experienced instructors teaching classes and will have the opportunity to practice teaching themselves under the guidance of an experienced instructor. The practicum typically takes two days to complete and must be completed within one year of completing the online course.

To become certified as an IACP Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Additionally, applicants must have at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician or have completed a pharmacy technician training program recognized by IACP.

The cost for the IACP Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program varies depending on the location of the training site; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD for both the online course and on-site practicum combined.

8. The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a certification program designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach the profession. The program is open to any pharmacy technician with at least two years of experience in the field, and it requires successful completion of a written exam and an oral examination.

The program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exams. To get started, applicants must first submit an application packet, which includes proof of two years of work experience as a pharmacy technician, transcripts from any relevant educational programs, and a fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive study materials that they must use to prepare for the written exam. After passing the written exam, applicants will be eligible to take the oral examination.

The cost of the ASCP Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program varies depending on whether you choose to take part in their online or in-person classes. The online course costs $350 while the in-person course costs $500. Both courses include access to study materials and practice tests as well as registration fees for both exams.

9. National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide pharmacy technicians with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach in a variety of settings. The program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site practicum.

The online course is self-paced and takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. It covers topics such as teaching methods, curriculum development, and assessment strategies. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from NCPA.

The on-site practicum is designed to give participants hands-on experience in teaching pharmacy technician courses. Participants must complete at least 20 hours of instruction at an approved site under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Upon successful completion of the practicum, participants will be awarded the NCPA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor certification.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements including being currently employed as a pharmacy technician for at least one year, having completed an accredited pharmacy technician program or equivalent training, and passing both the online course and on-site practicum with a minimum score of 80%.

The cost for the NCPA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is $250 USD for members ($350 USD for non-members). This fee includes access to the online course materials and support from NCPA staff throughout the duration of the program.

10. Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality instruction in the field of pharmacy technician education. The program is available to those who are currently employed as pharmacy technicians, registered nurses, or pharmacists with at least two years of experience in the field.

The ACPE Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program consists of two components: a written exam and an online course. The written exam covers topics such as pharmacy laws, regulations, and ethics; pharmacology; drug compounding; inventory management; and patient care. The online course includes modules on teaching strategies, classroom management, curriculum development, and assessment techniques.

In order to become an ACPE Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor, applicants must pass both the written exam and the online course with a score of 75% or higher. The total cost for the program is $200 USD, which includes the fee for taking both exams. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete both components of the program after all materials have been received by ACPE.

Applicants are also required to submit proof of current licensure or registration in their respective field in order to be eligible for certification. Upon successful completion of both components, applicants will receive an official certificate from ACPE recognizing them as a certified pharmacy technician instructor.

11. American College of Apothecaries (ACA) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program

The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide pharmacy technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach in a pharmacy technician program. The program is offered through the ACA’s online learning platform, which provides students with access to course materials, lectures, and interactive activities.

The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Teaching Pharmacy Technicians, Teaching Strategies for Pharmacy Technicians, Clinical Practice and Instructional Design for Pharmacy Technicians, and Assessment and Evaluation of Student Learning. Each course is designed to help instructors develop the necessary skills to teach pharmacy technicians effectively.

The program takes approximately 12-18 months to complete depending on the student’s availability. Students must complete all four courses within two years in order to earn their certification.

To get started, students will need to create an account on the ACA’s website and pay the registration fee of $250. Once registered, students can begin taking courses at their own pace. Course materials are available online 24/7 so students can learn whenever it is convenient for them.

At the end of each course, students must pass a final exam in order to receive their certificate of completion. Upon successful completion of all four courses and passing the final exams, students will be awarded an ACA Certified Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certificate.

In addition to completing the four courses outlined above, certified pharmacy technician instructors must also complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what type of position you are seeking as a pharmacy technician instructor. If you are looking to teach at a college or university, then most likely you will need to have a Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certificate. On the other hand, if you are looking to teach in an apprenticeship program or another type of training program, then typically a certificate is not required.

For those who do need a Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certificate, it is important to understand the requirements and characteristics of the certification process. Generally speaking, this certificate requires applicants to have both knowledge and experience in the field of pharmacy technology. Applicants must also possess teaching skills and demonstrate competence in areas such as teaching methods, curriculum development and assessment. Depending on where you obtain your certification, there may be additional requirements such as passing an exam or completing continuing education credits.

In addition to having a Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certificate, it is important for potential instructors to have strong interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate with students from diverse backgrounds. Having strong leadership qualities is also beneficial since instructors often need to lead classroom discussions and manage student behavior. It is also helpful for instructors to stay up-to-date on current trends in pharmacy technology so they can provide accurate information during their lessons.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certificate depends largely on the position you are seeking and the institution offering the training program. For those who do need certification, it is important to understand the requirements and characteristics of the certification process so that they can successfully meet their goals of becoming certified instructors.

Related: Pharmacy Technician Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Pharmacy Technician Instructor Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Pharmacy Technician Instructor?

Answer: Requirements vary by state, but generally involve having a minimum of two years of experience as a certified pharmacy technician, along with completing any additional training or certifications required by the state.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Pharmacy Technician Instructor?

Answer: Generally, it takes at least one year to complete all the necessary training and certification requirements. However, this can vary depending on the state and specific program requirements.

3. What is the cost for certification as a Pharmacy Technician Instructor?

Answer: The cost for certification varies by state and program, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000.

4. What type of continuing education is required for Pharmacy Technician Instructors?

Answer: Continuing education requirements vary by state but may include attending conferences or seminars related to pharmacy technician topics, completing online courses or workshops, or taking part in other professional development activities related to teaching pharmacy technicians.

5. Are there any specialties available for Pharmacy Technician Instructors?

Answer: Yes, some states offer specializations such as advanced compounding techniques or teaching in community settings that may require additional training and/or certification.