Interested in becoming a pharmacy technician in Hawaii? It can certainly be a wise career move.
There is always a need for pharmacies – and, therefore, always a need for pharmacy technicians.
As a pharmacy technician, you get the rewarding experience of working in a vital healthcare role and helping people in your community.
Learn more about how to get started in the guide below.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Hawaii
Hawaii does not require any licensing or registration to work as a pharmacy technician, nor does it offer licensing or registration.
You do have to operate under a licensed pharmacist, though.
There are also no educational requirements.
However, as the barrier to entry is so low, having an educational program behind you can help you stick out among other job applicants.
It can also help you obtain higher-paying jobs.
5 Pharmacy Technician Schools in Hawaii
Though Hawaii-based pharmacy technician programs are limited, there are a few to consider.
Below you’ll find those options as well as some nationally-credited online programs that many Hawaiian students find beneficial.
1. University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College
The University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College offers a great in-depth program for aspiring pharmacy technicians.
It includes 305 hours, but it’s important to understand that these are non-credit hours.
Federal financial aid does not typically cover non-credit hour programs, but the college itself does offer assistance.
Of the 305 hours, 145 are classroom hours, which typically take about four months to complete.
160 of those hours are externship hours and may take four months or more to complete.
Typically, you’ll have finished your classroom work and externship within eight to 12 months.
The tuition varies depending on the semester you apply.
For example, the summer semester of 2022 was $2,265, but it may be more or less for any following semesters.
2. Ashworth College
Ashworth College is a great online option for pharmacy technician students in Hawaii.
It’s a self-paced course that has an orientation as well as five lesson groups.
You have up to one year to complete the course, though many students finish in nine months – sometimes less.
If you pay in full upfront, the cost is $1,099.
You can also choose to make monthly payments of $69 for a total of $1,299.
3. Hawaii Medical College
Hawaii Medical College offers a pharmacy technician program that you can complete in as little as 15 months, but you can take up to 24 months.
It typically runs about $14,425 per year, though that price often changes.
Always double-check with the college prior to admission.
Financial aid and waivers are available to help cover costs.
Some considerable benefits of Hawaii Medical College are that it offers child care assistance, a free laptop that you can keep upon graduation, and even in-school job placement if you want to start your career early.
4. Leeward Community College
For those looking for only a foundational preparation without the high costs or longer program times, Leeward Community College offers a hybrid pharmacy technician course.
It requires 95 contact hours that are delivered both online and in-person.
The schedule allows completion within two months.
Tuition for this course varies often, but it often averages around $1,800.
This is another non-credit hour program, meaning traditional financial aid is typically not available.
However, Leeward Community College does offer financial assistance to qualifying students.
5. Rasmussen College
If you’re looking to get to work quickly, Rasmussen College offers an online Pharmacy Technician certificate that you can complete in as little as nine months.
Between online courses and field experience, you’ll complete a total of 38 credit hours.
The nine-month course typically costs $269 per credit hour for a total of $10,222.
If you want to take a little longer to complete your program, you can expect to pay $319 per credit hour or $12,122.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Hawaii – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Hawaii
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College | 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
| Ashworth College | 5051 Peachtree Corners Cir #200, Norcross, GA 30092 |
| Hawaii Medical College | 1221 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 |
| Leeward Community College | 96-045 Ala `Ike, Pearl City, HI 96782 |
| Rasmussen College | 385 Douglas Ave Suite #1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Alaska
Pharmacy technicians in Hawaii make an annual salary range between $35,300 and $43,600. $39,100 tends to be the average.
Keep in mind that education and experience can increase these numbers.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in Hawaii
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $38,600 |
| Hilo | $38,400 |
| Kailua | $38,600 |
| Kaneohe | $38,600 |
| Waipahu | $38,600 |
| Pearl City | $38,600 |
| Waimalu | $38,600 |
| Mililani Town | $38,600 |
| Kahului | $38,400 |
| Kihei | $38,400 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 150 | $46,010 | $22.12 | $60,730 | $37,180 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 1,110 | $44,650 | $21.47 | $59,800 | $35,310 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any other requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Hawaii?
Aside from working under a licensed pharmacist, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and need to pass a background check.
Should I get certified even though it’s not required?
Anything you can add to your resume makes you a more appealing employee.
In fact, even if certification isn’t required by the state, you might find that many employers are looking for someone who is certified – especially in bigger companies.
If I choose to get certified, what exams should I take?
The state of Hawaii approves the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or PTCB.
You’ll need to pay $129 for the exam and certification application.
If you choose to take this step, be sure you’re prepared as you only get four chances total to pass the exam.
Keep in mind, though, that this is not required – it’s just something to help you with career opportunities.
Are there any regulations to worry about in Hawaii?
Actually, no, Hawaii does not regulate pharmacy technicians.
It does, however, heavily regulate pharmacists.
Be sure when you apply for positions that you only do so with licensed pharmacists.
