Staying current isn’t optional for pharmacy technicians anymore. The field keeps changing.
New medications come out, regulations shift, and employers expect their techs to keep up with it all through pharmacy technician continuing education.
But the major problem is that finding quality CE providers can feel daunting. There are dozens of organizations out there, and not all of them offer the same value or recognition.
This blog breaks down the top organizations that provide continuing education for pharmacy technicians.
You’ll learn what each one offers, how much they cost, and which might work best for your career goals.
Why Continuing Education is Essential for Pharmacy Technicians?
Pharmacy technicians can’t just stop learning after they get certified. The healthcare field moves fast, and what worked five years ago might be outdated today.
First, most states require pharmacy techs to complete continuing education hours to keep their licenses active. Skip these requirements, and you could lose your certification. That means no job.
But there’s more to it than just following rules. CE courses teach techs about new medications hitting the market.
They cover updated safety protocols and explain changes in pharmacy law. This knowledge helps techs do their jobs better and avoid costly mistakes.
Plus, employers notice when techs invest in their education. Many pharmacies prefer hiring techs who take CE seriously. Some even offer promotions or pay raises to techs who go beyond the minimum requirements.
It’s a simple way to stand out in a competitive field.
Top Accredited Pharmacy Technician Continuing Education Providers
Not all CE providers are created equal. Some offer better course quality, while others provide more flexibility or lower prices.
Here are five accredited organizations that pharmacy techs trust for their continuing education needs.
Disclaimer: CE pricing and course offerings can change, so always check providers’ official websites for the latest details. NABP mainly handles CE tracking through CPE Monitor, with many courses coming from partner organizations. State CE requirements also vary, so technicians should verify their specific board rules.
1. NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy)
NABP is the leading regulatory authority that accredits CE providers and sets the standard for pharmacy education across the United States.
Their CE programs are recognized in every state and meet the highest industry standards.
- Key Features: State-by-state CE tracking, courses covering pharmacy law and regulations, automatic reporting to state boards, and a mobile-friendly platform.
- Accreditation and Renewal Support: NABP-accredited courses are accepted nationwide. The platform tracks your hours and reports directly to licensing boards in most states.
- Pricing and Formats: Courses range from free to $50 per credit hour. Formats include online modules, live webinars, and recorded sessions.
- Best For: Techs who want courses that guarantee acceptance by their state board and need automatic hour tracking.
2. PowerPak
PowerPak has been around since 1984 and focuses on affordable, practical CE for pharmacy technicians.
They keep courses straightforward and relevant to daily work, focusing on real-world pharmacy skills and clinical knowledge.
- Key Features: Unlimited CE packages, quick 30-minute courses available, clinical skills training, and medication therapy management content.
- Accreditation and Renewal Support: ACPE-accredited courses accepted in all 50 states. Customer support helps with state-specific renewal questions.
- Pricing and Formats: Annual unlimited access starts at $99. All courses are online and self-paced with instant certificates.
- Best For: Techs on a budget who need to complete multiple CE hours throughout the year.
3. TRC Healthcare
TRC Healthcare combines pharmacy education with clinical reference tools. Their CE platform gives techs access to drug databases while they learn.
- Key Features: Integration with Natural Medicines database, courses on herbal supplements and drug interactions, clinical decision support tools, and monthly new course releases.
- Accreditation and Renewal Support: ACPE-accredited with automated CE tracking. Certificates are available immediately upon course completion.
- Pricing and Formats: Subscriptions start at $150 annually. Online courses are available 24/7 with no time limits.
- Best For: Techs who work in clinical settings or want access to drug reference tools along with their CE.
4. Elite Learning
Elite Learning is a significant healthcare education provider offering extensive CE libraries for pharmacy technicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Key Features: Over 400 CE courses available, specialty topics like compounding and immunizations, flexible subscription models, and mobile app access.
- Accreditation and Renewal Support: Fully accredited and approved by PTCB and state boards. Support team assists with state-specific CE requirements.
- Pricing and Formats: Subscriptions range from $79 to $199 annually, depending on access level. All courses are online and self-paced.
- Best For: Techs who want maximum course variety and specialized training options.
5. Pharmacy Times Continuing Education (PTCE)
Pharmacy Times is a trusted name in pharmacy news and education. Their CE platform connects current industry trends with the required continuing education.
- Key Features: Courses tied to current pharmacy topics, free CE opportunities, video-based learning options, expert-authored content from practicing pharmacists.
- Accreditation and Renewal Support: ACPE-accredited courses recognized nationwide. Simple certificate download system for easy record keeping.
- Pricing and Formats: Many free courses are available. Premium courses cost $10- $30 each. Formats include articles, videos, and interactive modules.
- Best For: Techs who want to stay current on pharmacy news while earning CE credits.
Choosing the Right CE Provider for Your Needs
Picking a CE provider isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your choice depends on your budget, learning style, and career goals.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Factor | What to Consider | Best Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Limited funds for CE | PowerPak (unlimited access at $99/year) |
| Course Variety | Want lots of options | Elite Learning (400+ courses) |
| State Compliance | Need guaranteed acceptance | NABP (recognized in all states) |
| Clinical Focus | Work in a hospital or clinical pharmacy | TRC Healthcare (drug databases included) |
| Free Options | Want to minimize costs | Pharmacy Times CE (many free courses) |
| Convenience | Need courses that report automatically | NABP (auto-reports to state boards) |
| Specialized Skills | Want training in compounding or immunizations | Elite Learning (specialty courses available) |
Final Thoughts
Your career growth depends on the choices you make today.
Pharmacy technician continuing education isn’t just about checking boxes for your license. It’s about becoming better at what you do every day.
Each provider we covered offers something different. Some fit tight budgets. Others give you more course options or specialized training.
The right choice is the one that matches your goals and learning style.
Don’t wait until your renewal deadline hits. Pick a provider now and start building skills that make you more valuable to employers.
