Pharmacy Tech Training Programs in Alabama: An Honest Comparison
If you are a new pharmacy technician in Alabama, you have six months from your ALBOP registration date to complete an approved training program. There are several legitimate ways to do that, at prices from $25 to over $1,000. This page compares them honestly, including ours, so you can pick the one that fits your situation.
Disclosure
Last reviewed June 2026 by Tyler Dalton, PharmD. We sell one of the programs below. The facts about every program are stated fairly, and prices were checked in June 2026. Always confirm current pricing with each provider.
Program comparison
| Program | Price | Format | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Pharm Tech (this site) | $199 | 100% online, self-paced | 2 to 4 weeks | ALBOP-approved, built by an Alabama PharmD, certificate uploads to the Licensure Gateway. |
| Samford University, McWhorter School of Pharmacy | $899 | Online, structured | About 8 weeks | ALBOP-recognized university program with a fixed schedule. |
| Lawson State (alabamapharmacytech.com) | $25 | Online | Varies | ALBOP-approved and inexpensive. A bare-bones option with a non-refundable fee. |
| Alabama Pharmacy Association | Varies | Online | Varies | ALBOP-approved program from the state professional association. |
| Stepful | Approximately $1,000 or more, with financing | Online cohort | 4 months | National program with externship that prepares for national certification. A bigger commitment than the state requirement. |
| H. Councill Trenholm State | $1,299 | College program | A semester or more | Community college route with in-person components. |
| Skip training via PTCB or ExCPT exam | Exam fees apply | Self-study, then a proctored exam | Varies | Passing a Board-recognized certification exam satisfies the requirement instead of a training program. For PTCB prep, see Allied Health Academy (https://alliedhealthtraining.org/pharmacy-tech). |
How to choose
Fast and done right: pick a self-paced, ALBOP-approved online program. That is what we built. Most students finish in 2 to 4 weeks without taking time off work.
Price only: the $25 Lawson State option satisfies the rule. It is bare-bones, but if cost is the only factor and you are comfortable working through it on your own, it works.
University name on your record: Samford University, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, runs a structured online program at $899.
Full career program with externship: Stepful or a community college like H. Councill Trenholm State give you a longer program, hands-on hours, and preparation for national certification. They cost more and take months instead of weeks.
Confident test-takers: you can pass the PTCB exam or ExCPT instead of taking a training program. Most people new to pharmacy find the exam harder than a training program, so be honest with yourself before going this route. For structured PTCB prep, see Allied Health Academy.
The deadline matters more than the brand. Whichever you choose, the six-month clock from Rule 680-X-2-.14 started the day you registered. Missing it can mean suspension of your registration. Pick a program you can actually start this week and finish on your schedule.
Ready to check this off the list?
Enroll today, start immediately, and finish in as little as two weeks. One payment of $199, everything included.
Enroll Now - $199