How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Washington

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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.North Seattle College

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.Charter College

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.Renton Technical College

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.Edmonds Community College

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.Clover Park Technical College

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 NameAddress
North Seattle College 9600 College Way North, Seattle, WA 98103
Charter College17200 SE Mill Plain Blvd #100, Vancouver, WA 98683
Renton Technical College3000 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056
Edmonds Community College20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
Clover Park Technical College4500 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
Annual Salary Range:
$32K
$39K
$48K

Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in Washington

City NameSalary
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
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Washington

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bellingham, WA280$51,350$24.69$64,210$38,260
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA210$51,520$24.77$64,210$39,520
Kennewick-Richland, WA280$52,160$25.08$64,210$38,500
Longview, WA110$52,450$25.22$61,510$42,290
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA130$51,450$24.74$63,960$38,380
Olympia-Tumwater, WA260$53,370$25.66$65,100$41,650
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA5,280$58,700$28.22$69,630$46,720
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA720$49,780$23.93$64,860$38,750
Walla Walla, WA70$51,490$24.76$61,130$38,480
Wenatchee, WA130$50,860$24.45$62,440$37,960
Yakima, WA220$47,030$22.61$54,210$36,870
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Pharmacy Technicians, OCC Code 29-2052, BLS.
* 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.

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