Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists to perform pharmacy-related functions.
They fill prescriptions, as well as sort and count medicines under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.
Furthermore, technicians receive and make phone calls, run the checkouts, and communicate essential information to patients and pharmacists.
Each state has its own requirements in order to qualify for this position in this industry.
The requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician starts by obtaining an approved qualification from an accredited program.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Licensed Pharmacy Technician in Washington
This state requires that candidates obtain a license.
To obtain a license, candidates must attend and successfully complete an accredited post-secondary pharmacy technician program.
Choosing an accredited post pharmacy technician school is a great way to kick off your career.
A commission-approved program in Washington must include experiential, or on-the-job, training and at least eight hours of study of Washington pharmacy law.
Some pharmacists may be willing to offer on-the-job to candidates who would like to learn this profession.
Upon successful completion of an educational program or training course, candidates must sit for and pass the national certifying examination.
The approved examination is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Additionally, candidates must be over 18, have a GED or high school diploma, and pass a health and background screening.
5 Pharmacy Technician Schools in Washington
1. North Seattle College
North Seattle College is located in Seattle.
The school offers a nine-month, 53 credit hours, Pharmacy Technician Certification program that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
The program comprises classroom instruction and exposure to real pharmacies where students are able to apply what they have been taught in theory.
There are two 432 hours externship at leading community sites in this program and the program has been approved by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy.
Students learn about pharmacy software that is currently being used in Washington pharmacies and gain valuable experience working on this software in order to prepare them for the working world.
Tuition for the program is $5,538.96 plus an additional $1,200 for books and fees.
2. Charter College
Charter College offers a ten-month Pharmacy Technician Certificate program in a blended format.
The program includes a 180-hour externship that prepares students to work in a variety of settings.
The course material covers a range of topics, including pharmacy operations and administration, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, compounding, pharmacy law and ethics, infection control and safety, as well as healthcare compliance.
Upon completion of theory and lab work, students participate in the externship under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Tuition for the accelerated program is $23,100.
3. Renton Technical College
Renton Technical College offers an 80 credit hour certificate program or a 95 credit hour associate degree program.
Classes are offered in the day from Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Coursework covers a range of topics.
Students learn how to maintain records and input data into a computerized system.
In addition, students learn how to compound medications and products, mix intravenous solutions, and process orders, amongst other things.
The program highlights the importance of detailed knowledge of all products, both brand names and generics.
Students are placed in retail or hospital pharmacies to participate in an externship that exposes them to the day-to-day responsibilities of the job.
Tuition for in-state students for this course is $10,403.
4. Edmonds Community College
Edmonds Community College offers a 39 credit, Pharmacy Technician Certificate program and an associate degree program.
Students participate in coursework and an externship.
Course materials cover topics such as orientation to pharmacy practice, applied pharmacology, prescription processing, over the counter drugs, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and ethics, and pharmacy clinical, to mention a few.
The externship is a total of 264 hours. Upon successful completion of the course material, students are eligible to sit for the national examination.
Tuition for the program is $6,644.08, books fee is $1,524.00, and lab fees are $796.00.
5. Clover Park Technical College
Clover Park Technical College offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate and Associate Degree program.
The certificate course may be completed in three quarters, while the associate degree course may be completed in five quarters.
These programs prepare students for an entry level position to work directly under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
All programs offered at this school are ASHP/ACPE Accredited.
Programs start in the fall and spring.
Students are required to complete 32 hours of practice in a community pharmacy.
The program is comprised of theory, lab work, and exposure in a pharmacy setting.
Students cover a range of pharmacy related subjects as well as customer service subjects.
Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the national examination.
Tuition for this program is $8,394 and does not include fees, books, uniforms, or insurance.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Washington – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Washington
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| North Seattle College | 9600 College Way North, Seattle, WA 98103 |
| Charter College | 17200 SE Mill Plain Blvd #100, Vancouver, WA 98683 |
| Renton Technical College | 3000 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056 |
| Edmonds Community College | 20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 |
| Clover Park Technical College | 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Washington
There are three salary ranges as candidates progress in this industry and in this field, with varying levels of experience:
- Entry level – $32,349
- Mid-career – $39,800
- Experienced – $48,588
Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in Washington
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $40,699 |
| Spokane | $35,900 |
| Tacoma | $39,500 |
| Vancouver | $38,600 |
| Bellevue | $40,700 |
| Everett | $39,900 |
| Federal Way | $39,500 |
| Kent | $39,400 |
| Yakima | $36,900 |
| Bellingham | $38,000 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 280 | $51,350 | $24.69 | $64,210 | $38,260 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 210 | $51,520 | $24.77 | $64,210 | $39,520 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 280 | $52,160 | $25.08 | $64,210 | $38,500 |
| Longview, WA | 110 | $52,450 | $25.22 | $61,510 | $42,290 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 130 | $51,450 | $24.74 | $63,960 | $38,380 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 260 | $53,370 | $25.66 | $65,100 | $41,650 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 5,280 | $58,700 | $28.22 | $69,630 | $46,720 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 720 | $49,780 | $23.93 | $64,860 | $38,750 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 70 | $51,490 | $24.76 | $61,130 | $38,480 |
| Wenatchee, WA | 130 | $50,860 | $24.45 | $62,440 | $37,960 |
| Yakima, WA | 220 | $47,030 | $22.61 | $54,210 | $36,870 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CVS pharmacy techs make in Washington state?
Pharmacy technicians who work for CVS pharmacy in Washington state earn an hourly rate that is 17% above the national average, approximately $19.23.
What questions can a pharmacy technician answer?
Pharmacy technicians are permitted to answer simple questions related to medication and the pharmaceutical industry, such as whether medication may be taken with food.
What must a pharmacy technician always do to avoid mistakes?
Always ensure the correct dosage on the prescription and that the correct name is on the label.
