How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Hawaii

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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.

University of Hawaii kapiolani

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.ashworth-college

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

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.

Leeward Community College

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.

Rasmussen College

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 NameAddress
University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816
Ashworth College5051 Peachtree Corners Cir #200, Norcross, GA 30092
Hawaii Medical College1221 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Leeward Community College96-045 Ala `Ike, Pearl City, HI 96782
Rasmussen College385 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:
$35K
$39K
$43K

Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in Hawaii

City NameSalary
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
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Hawaii

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI130$42,830$20.59$57,310$32,000
Urban Honolulu, HI960$42,760$20.56$57,310$30,480
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Pharmacy Technicians, OCC Code 29-2052, BLS.
* 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.

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