Pharmacy Technician Schools in Virginia

Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia are essential to ensuring smooth pharmacy operations, supporting customer service, and handling administrative tasks. Candidates can build successful careers as pharmacy technicians by following the right steps for education and professional growth.

Below, we provide an in-depth analysis of these considerations and required steps.

We explore how to prepare for training, prominent training institutions and programs, certification options, and career growth opportunities. We also analyze average annual salaries and the factors driving earnings growth.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Virginia

The steps below are necessary to become a successful pharmacy tech in Virginia.

High School Diploma or GED

Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia typically need a high school diploma or GED to gain admission to the top programs. However, those without a high school diploma can be admitted with a GED equivalent.

Obtaining Proper Training

Prospective pharmacy technicians must develop technical and practical skills to secure a long-term career. They can do so through any of the approaches below:

Formal Academic Training

Formal academic training is the most common pathway to launching a career as a pharmacy technician. All candidates need to do is enroll in an accredited pharmacy tech program, complete their education, and pick up an academic award.

Not all pharmacy technician programs have the same structure and duration. Some programs can be completed in around 6 months or a year.

For those seeking a more robust education, 2-year programs at community colleges and vocational schools are available. These courses cover pharmacology, ethics, and calculations.

On-the-Job Training

On-the-job Training is another way candidates can start successful pharmacy technician careers in Virginia. On-the-job training is necessary to acclimate to a real-world environment, and even those who attended an academic program often complete an internship to that end.

However, those who don’t want to attend an academic program can take advantage of employers and medical facilities that offer direct on-the-job training.

Academic training remains the most popular and advisable path for a straightforward career launch.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia can earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician designation by completing the certification process. There are foundational certifications and advanced certifications.

There are also certifications for those who would like to specialize. The foundational certification is the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

The National Healthcareer Association also offers a widely accepted Certified Pharmacy Technician credential. For advanced certification, this is usually relevant for those with some on-the-job experience.

The NHA, for instance, offers a foundational Certified Pharmacy Technician credential. Finally, PTCB offers additional credentials (certifications and certificate programs) in areas such as sterile compounding, immunization administration, and hazardous drug management.

Virginia requires pharmacy technicians to be registered or licensed with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy (and technicians-in-training may be subject to separate rules). Requirements may include an application, a fee, and meeting training/exam or education criteria—verify current Board requirements.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Virginia

Aspiring pharmacy technicians in Virginia can enroll in any of the programs below to start their careers.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Virginia by city:

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Salary & Career Outlook

On Indeed.com, the average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Virginia was $29,240 for the bottom tier and $53,861 for the top tier. The reasons for the disparity include experience levels, specific locations within the state, and professional certification.

Candidates in the middle category earn an average annual salary of $39,685. This category is where the majority of pharmacy technicians in the state find themselves.

As for favorable locations, Charlottesville leads the way, with the highest average earnings for pharmacy technicians in Virginia at approximately $48,781. Coming in second and third are Sterling and Fairfax, with average annual salaries of $45,147 and $43,032, respectively.