Pharmacy Technician Schools in Washington

The following guide outlines the requirements and considerations individuals in Washington must keep in mind when launching a career as a pharmacy technician. We explore the general steps to prepare for education and choose the right training arrangements.

We also cover specific institutions and their pharmacy technician programs that students may consider, the options for earning certification, and the licensing steps to keep in mind.

Finally, readers will understand the profession’s average annual salary and how to continue improving their earnings.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Washington

Below are the general requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Washington.

Foundational Requirements

Most training programs for pharmacy technicians in Washington require applicants to pass a background check before the program begins. Candidates may also need a high school diploma or GED, along with transferable skills such as attention to detail, interpersonal communication, organizational skills, and problem-solving.

Comprehensive Education

Aspiring pharmacy technicians in Washington can enroll in recognized programs and approved institutions for structured learning. Another option is to gain real-world experience through on-the-job learning.

Of course, on-the-job training is only possible for those who can convince employers to train them from scratch. Securing hands-on training is usually easier for those who have completed formal training at a reputable institution and want to consolidate their academic proficiency through practical experience.

We explore some of the best institutions for pharmacy technician training in Washington later in the guide.

Job Placement & Career Growth

Job placement is typically straightforward for individuals who have received proper education as prospective pharmacy technicians. The next step after education, though, is certification and licensing.

Below, we analyze what these entail. It is also worth noting that pharmacy technicians don’t have to work in a general capacity and can specialize.

The most common routes are to work as central pharmacy operations technicians, community pharmacy technicians, and hospital pharmacy technicians.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical assistant in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Washington, anyone who wants to practice as a professional pharmacy technician must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Health. To do so, applicants must submit an official application and pay a registration fee.

They must also provide their Social Security number and pass the certification examination from an NCCA-accredited program, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or NHA. This will allow them to be designated as certified pharmacy technicians not only in the state but also nationwide.

Beyond being a prerequisite for licensing, certification also enhances career opportunities and growth. The Washington State Department of Health expects applicants to have completed a board-approved program.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Washington

The following are the top training programs for future pharmacy technicians in Washington.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Washington by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Seattle

Salary & Career Outlook

Experience and location are two key factors that determine how much pharmacy technicians earn in Washington. In this regard, Wenatchee and Mount Vernon rank first and second in the state, with average annual salaries of $65,764 and $57,466, respectively.

Following them is Bellevue, where pharmacy technicians earn an average annual salary of $50,351. These figures were obtained from a survey of professionals carried out by Indeed.com.

Professionals can be divided into three main categories, regardless of specific criteria. The top tier earns an average of $65,078 annually; the middle tier averages $48,958; and the bottom tier earns about $36,830.