Pharmacy Technician Schools in West Virginia

The guide below outlines the steps and considerations for starting a career as a pharmacy technician in West Virginia. Candidates who follow the framework outlined below will not only start their careers on a strong footing but also position themselves for rapid career advancement.

We begin by outlining the preparatory steps for education and licensing, then dive into the specific educational arrangements candidates can use to streamline their education and enhance their career benefits. Afterwards, we examine the licensing and certification process, specific programs with a track record of success, and annual salary brackets based on certain factors.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in West Virginia

The framework below can help you launch a thriving pharmacy technician career in West Virginia.

Preparatory Steps

Aspiring pharmacy technicians are expected to meet a few requirements to secure admission into a training program and to fulfill licensing and certification requirements. These include being at least 18 years old, passing a criminal background check, and having a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Training Routes

There are two main training routes candidates should consider when launching a career as a pharmacy technician in West Virginia. We explore the options below.

Academic Route

The academic training route is ideal for candidates who want to learn the duties of a pharmacy technician through a structured curriculum. They can find these programs at community colleges and technical institutions across the state.

While all of them are sufficient to prepare candidates for their careers, they may differ in duration and academic awards. Some lead to associate degrees and certificates and can be completed online, in person, or in a combination of both.

On-the-Job Route

The on-the-job training route includes learning on the job and taking on assistant roles. Candidates who have completed a training program can also receive on-the-job training through an internship or externship.

Certification, Employment & Specialization

Certification, as discussed below, is essential to a pharmacy technician’s career. Once they are registered and certified, candidates may consider themselves true professionals and start applying for open positions.

They can specialize in areas such as central pharmacy operations, pharmacy technician roles, or laboratory pharmacy technician roles.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a sterile processing technician in West Virginia

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The West Virginia Board of Pharmacy is responsible for issuing pharmacy technician licenses in the state. Of course, individuals applying for licensure need to have a high school diploma or GED and the necessary professional skills.

They will also have to pass a background check and provide proof of age.

Certification is also needed for success as a pharmacy technician in West Virginia. The most popular professional credential for professionals in the state is the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

The National Healthcareer Association also offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential, which is respected across the state and the country.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in West Virginia

Candidates may enroll in any of the following programs to begin their pharmacy technician careers in West Virginia.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in West Virginia by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

Pharmacy technicians just starting their careers in West Virginia can earn an average annual salary of $23,959 in the bottom tier or $34,273 in the middle tier, according to Indeed. They can also earn an annual average salary of $49,027 if they fall in the top tier.

Candidates can move from a lower to a higher bracket by improving their professional credentials, experience, and specific locations within the state. Employers and work environments also play significant roles in determining these numbers.

The top places to work for pharmacy technicians in West Virginia, based solely on average salary, are Keyser ($86,750), Huntington ($60,528), and Bridgeport ($38,239).