Considering a career as a pharmacy technician? As you explore this rewarding career path, you might ask yourself: Is pharmacy tech school hard? The answer depends on your background, study habits, and interest in healthcare.
While pharmacy technician programs are designed to be accessible to motivated students, it can be helpful to be aware of potential challenges as well as plenty of strategies to succeed.
Advancing your education can feel intimidating, but with the right guidance and support network, you can develop the skills and confidence needed to excel as a student and eventual pharmacy technician.
Here’s what you can expect in pharmacy tech school, the subjects that may feel challenging, and how to prepare for success.
What to Expect in Pharmacy Tech School
Pharmacy technician programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in retail, hospital, and clinical pharmacy settings.
As you pursue your pharmacy technician diploma at ACC, you’ll learn about topics such as:
- Pharmacology – Learning various effects of drugs, functions of certain human body systems, drug classifications, brand and generic names, and proper dosages.
- Pharmacy Law – Understanding the rules and regulations that keep patients safe, effective communication techniques, and regulatory agencies.
- Drug Distribution – Developing the skills to decipher medication orders, apply calculations for dosing/compounding, and package/compound drugs.
- Retail Pharmacy – Understanding the procedures employed in the retail pharmacy setting including prescription fulfillment, drug procurement, and billing requirements.
Pharmacy tech school typically involves classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and clinical externships so you can practice real-world skills in a supervised setting. If you require more flexibility in your education, ACC’s Pharmacy Technician program combines online coursework with only 2 days a week of in-person instruction. Weekend classes are also available at the Los Angeles and Orange County campuses.
What Makes Pharmacy Tech School Challenging?
Because difficulty level is subjective, pharmacy tech school isn’t necessarily “hard” for everyone, but it can be intensive. The most common challenges include:
- Learning a new medical language – Memorizing dozens of drug names and abbreviations can be overwhelming at first.
- Math requirements – Pharmacy techs use basic math and algebra daily to calculate dosages and conversions. If math isn’t your favorite subject, reviewing skills early can help.
- Balancing speed and accuracy – Working with medications means precision is critical. School helps you develop both efficiency and attention to detail.
Despite these challenges, pharmacy tech school is achievable with consistent effort. You may even surprise yourself with your ability to grasp (and even master) the material in less time than you thought! Remember that programs are designed to teach students from the ground up, so you don’t need prior medical experience to succeed.
Is the Pharmacy Technician Program Right for You?
Connect with an Admissions Advisor to learn more.
Tips for Succeeding in Pharmacy Tech School
If you’re nervous about whether pharmacy tech school is hard, these strategies can help you thrive:
- Review basic math before starting your program. This will make dosage calculations and conversions less stressful.
- Practice memorization techniques like flashcards or mnemonic devices for drug names.
- Ask for help early — instructors and classmates are valuable resources if a topic is confusing.
- Take advantage of lab and externship experiences, which help reinforce classroom learning with hands-on practice.
Looking for some personalized support? ACC’s academics team can help set you up with one-on-one tutoring at no extra cost. With academic support and hands-on training, you won’t have to navigate pharmacy tech school alone.
What Happens After Pharmacy Tech School?
Completing a pharmacy technician program is often the first step toward licensure and certification, though your professional journey is ultimately up to you. Yes, pharmacy tech school might feel challenging at some points, but the key is to remember that challenges are part of any worthwhile career path.
ACC is here to help equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your education and future career. Check out our career guide on becoming a pharmacy technician in California to learn more about what’s on the horizon for you if you choose this path.
Lastly, keep in mind that the pharmacy field is diverse so you’re not confined to only one position and setting upon graduation. Not to mention, knowing the career possibilities can make school feel more purposeful.
Many pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and mail-order pharmacies, while some move into specialty roles like compounding or inventory management. Graduates may also pursue roles in other areas of the pharmacy field, such as pharmacy aides.
Your Path to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician Begins at ACC
Feeling motivated to pursue a pharmacy technician career? Now’s the time to take the next step by earning your pharmacy tech diploma at ACC!
Available at our three Southern California campuses (Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim), the Pharmacy Technician program can be completed in as little as 9 months — combining online coursework, two days per week on campus for hands-on training, and a 300-hour pharmacy externship to gain real-world experience.
Learn more about the Pharmacy Technician program and enroll today!
