Tennessee Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Last Updated/Verified: Mar 17, 2025

Working as a pharmacy technician is a fantastic career choice. If breaking into the healthcare industry is of interest, then you should be aware of the various regulations and requirements to practice in the state of Tennessee. Some requirements are Federal laws, while some are state and industry requirements. This guide explains the steps you need to take to achieve that goal and begin working as a pharmacy technician in Tennessee.

2025 Best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Tennessee

Looking for the best pharmacy technician programs in Tennessee? You're in the right place. Pharmacytechnicianschools.com has done the homework for you. We've ranked the top programs to help you start your career. Our list makes it easy to find a program that fits your needs. Check out our rankings to see which schools made the cut. Want to know how we did it? Learn more about our rankings methodology.

#1

The University of Tennessee-Martin

Martin, TN - Public 4-Year - utm.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee-Martin provides an online Pharmacy Technician program tailored for individuals aiming to embark on a healthcare career. This program stands out by offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes medical and pharmaceutical terminology, anatomy relevant to pharmacology, and essential pharmaceutical calculations. Unique to this program is the inclusion of an online lab module for practical experience and a PTCE exam voucher, facilitating the path to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Designed for flexibility, it features open enrollment and a self-paced structure over 12 months, making it accessible to students at any stage of life. The focus on real-world pharmacy skills ensures graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

  • Online Pharmacy Technician program.
  • Prepares for PTCE certification.
  • Includes PTCE exam voucher.
  • Self-paced, 12-month course.
  • Hands-on online lab module.
  • Covers medical terminology.
  • Teaches pharmaceutical calculations.
  • Open enrollment, flexible start.
  • Focus on practical pharmacy skills.
  • Ideal for healthcare career starters.
#2

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN - Private 4-year - southern.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Adventist University offers a fast-track Pharmacy Technician certification program designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a healthcare career in just 14 weeks. This campus-based program emphasizes hands-on training in medication management and patient care support, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the pharmaceutical field. With an average starting salary of $32,000 and preparation for AMT certification, students are well-positioned for success in pharmacy support roles. The program's focus on practical skills and healthcare workforce development ensures a comprehensive educational experience.

  • 14-week comprehensive training
  • $32,000 average starting salary
  • AMT certification preparation
  • Campus-based learning
  • Healthcare workforce development
#3

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Certification Training Course

Campus Based - Visit Website

East Tennessee State University offers a Pharmacy Technician Certification Training Course designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. This campus-based program is tailored for individuals aged 18 and above with a high school diploma or GED, focusing on essential skills for both retail and hospital pharmacy environments. The course includes a textbook and is structured into evening classes, making it accessible for working adults. With no prerequisites, it's an excellent opportunity for those looking to enter the pharmacy technician field, covering all necessary knowledge areas to pursue national certification in this expanding healthcare sector.

  • No prerequisites required
  • 18+ age requirement
  • Prepare for PTCB exam
  • Textbook included
  • Tuesday/Thursday evening classes
  • 6 pm to 9 pm schedule
  • Covers retail/hospital pharmacy skills
#4

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN - Public 4-Year - utc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga provides an accelerated Pharmacy Technician program designed for those eager to enter the healthcare field swiftly. This 10-week course equips students with essential knowledge in drug classifications, prescription handling, and medical terminology, leading to a nationally-recognized certification. Priced at $1,945, the program includes textbooks and the certification exam fee, offering great value. It stands out for its hands-on approach, featuring classroom instruction and the option for clinical externships. Ideal for individuals without prior experience, it opens doors to various pharmacy settings, with graduates earning an average salary of $33,918 annually. The program is PTCB recognized, ensuring quality education and preparation for the national certification exam.

  • 10-week certification program
  • $1,945 total course cost
  • No prior experience needed
  • PTCB Recognized Education Program
  • Optional clinical externship available
  • Prepares for national certification exam
  • Small 20-student class size
  • Face-to-face training format
  • Covers top 200 drugs
  • Diverse pharmacy career opportunities
#5

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - memphis.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Memphis offers a flexible online Pharmacy Technician program tailored for individuals aiming to enter the healthcare field. This 12-month, self-paced course equips students with 400 hours of comprehensive training in medication processing, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacy regulations. A standout feature is the inclusion of a PTCE exam voucher, preparing students for certification. The program also offers an optional 130-hour Clinical Experience for hands-on learning. Covering essential topics like medical terminology and pharmacology, it's designed for those seeking a thorough foundation in pharmacy technician roles. At $3,095, the program provides digital and physical textbooks, ensuring learners have all resources needed for success.

  • 12-month self-paced online program
  • 400 total course hours
  • PTCE exam voucher included
  • Optional 130-hour Clinical Experience
  • Comprehensive pharmacy technician training
  • Digital and physical textbooks provided
  • Prepare for certification exam
  • Learn medical terminology and pharmacology
  • $3,095 total program cost
  • Open enrollment availability

Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

The Tennessee Department of Health's Board of Pharmacy requires that pharmacy technician applicants fulfill the following list of criteria:

  • Registration is mandatory; applicants must submit proof of citizenship along with other documents
  • Only those 18 years or over may register as a pharmacy technician in Tennessee
  • The State of Tennessee has no educational requirements to become a pharmacy technician or national certification. This requirement was abolished in 2015.
  • Individual employers may ask for a High School Diploma, GED, or national certification
  • You must submit all documentation for a formal criminal record check to work in Tennessee
  • Part of the criminal records check is mandatory fingerprinting. You must set up an appointment to do this formally. Out of state applicants can request a fingerprint card which they can return by mail
  • Applicants must self-declare any convictions with supporting court documentation
  • Tennessee charges $85 for registration. The annual renewal cost is also $85

Special note 1: Applicants from other states are welcome to apply. There are no formal reciprocity arrangements – your application will be considered on an individual basis and subject to the same criteria as above.

Special note 2: The Tennessee Department of Health will only process your application when all details are received and after fingerprinting has been carried out.

Special note 3: Interns are exempt from the above requirements. The employing pharmacy must conduct relevant checks before making an offer of employment.

Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook

The most recent (2019) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report recorded 10,270 pharmacy technicians in Tennessee. Average pay rates were calculated at a median of $15.24 per hour, and $34,510 annually.

Over half of all pharmacy technicians nationwide are currently employed in pharmacies and drug stores. 17%, around 1 in 6, are currently employed in clinical facilities such as hospital pharmacy departments, and at specialty clinics. A further 9% work in retail outlets with pharmacy concessions inside third party facilities. This includes grocery stores, supermarkets, and health food outlets.

Pharmacy technicians can expect to work a variety of hours including nights, weekends, and evening work. Pharmacy needs mean emergency prescriptions. Concessionary outlets and facilities inside third party businesses will operate in line with that business' operating hours and days.

The BLS expects pharmacy technician openings to grow 4% between 2019 and 2029. This is the current average of all jobs in the country, meaning stable and steady employment.

Tennessee Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

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Athens, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Tennessee College of Applied Technology - AthensAthens, TN(423) 744-2814

Chattanooga, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga, TN(423) 697-4400
University of Tennessee at ChattanoogaChattanooga, TN(423) 425-4111

Clarksville, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Daymar College ClarksvilleClarksville, TN (Online)(931) 552-7600
Tennessee College of Applied Technology- DickensonClarksville, TN(931) 572-1695

Clifton, TN

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Columbia State Community CollegeClifton, TN(931) 676-6966

Harriman, TN

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Roane State Community CollegeHarriman, TN(865) 354-3000

Jacksboro, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Tennessee College of Applied TechnologyJacksboro, TN(423) 566-9629

Johnson City, TN

SchoolLocationContact
East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN(423) 439-1000

Knoxville, TN

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University of Tennessee- KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN(865) 974-0150

Livingston, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Tennessee College of Applied Technology - LivingstonLivingston, TN(931) 823-5525

Martin, TN

SchoolLocationContact
University of Tennessee at MartinMartin, TN (Online)(731) 881-7000

Memphis, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Concorde Career CollegeMemphis, TN(901) 761-9494
Southwest Tennessee Community CollegeMemphis, TN(901) 333-5000

Morristown, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Walters State Community CollegeMorristown, TN(423) 585-2600

Murfreesboro, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Daymar College MurfreesboroMurfreesboro, TN (Online)(615) 217-9347
Tennessee College of Applied Technology - MurfreesboroMurfreesboro, TN(615) 898-8010

Nashville, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Daymar College NashvilleNashville, TN (Online)(615) 361-7555
Fortis Institute-NashvilleNashville, TN(615) 320-5917
Remington College, NashvilleNashville, TN(615) 229-6057

Oneida, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Oneida/HuntsvilleOneida, TN(423) 286-2155

Pulaski, TN

SchoolLocationContact
Tennessee Technology CenterPulaski, TN(931) 424-4014