Pharmacy Technician Programs in Charleston, WV
As pharmacies are at the forefront not only of the growing healthcare industry in general, but of the efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for qualified pharmacy technicians is greater than ever across the country.
While far from the largest city in the US, this is all true of Charleston, WV. With pharmacies often tasked with serving a larger population than many others the need for trained and certified pharmacy technicians is urgent, especially as many local retail pharmacies join the COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts.
To become certified as a pharmacy technician, students must pass a certification exam.
While nationally there are two options the only one accepted in West Virginia is the PTCE, the certification exam set by the PTCB. One of the conditions attached to sitting the exam is the completion of a PTCB approved pharmacy technician program.
We recognize the importance of choosing the best institution to study; therefore, we have compiled a list of the best schools for Pharmacy technician training in Charleston, WV.
In addition, we have added additional information like the salary and job outlook so that you can find all you need to know under one link.
Featured Pharmacy Technician Programs in West Virginia
Salary and Job Outlook for Pharmacy Techs in Charleston
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the number of pharmacy technicians registered with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy in 2020 was 3270. Of those people, 520 lived and worked in Charleston, WV. That number is expected to increase as the demand for pharmacy services grows.
In terms of salary, the average hourly wage for a pharmacy technician in Charleston, WV in 2021 was $14.14 per hour or $29,400 a year.
Brand new techs earned an average of $11.14 with the figure rising to $21.96 for the most experienced pharmacy technicians.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Charleston, WV
To become a pharmacy technician in the State of West Virginia candidates must be over 18, hold a high school diploma or GED and have a criminal record free of felonies or drug related misdemeanors. They must also have completed an approved training course.
PTCB certification is not mandated if an individual has 500 hours work experience as a pharmacy technician, but as that is rarely the case for most people it is the best way to go.
There are three pharmacy technician schools in the Charleston, WV area that have earned the approval of both the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy and the PTCB.
Each of them offers something slightly different, so here we are going to take a closer look at each of them.
Ross Medical Education Center
5707 MacCorkle Avenue Southeast, Charleston, WV 25304 
(304) 925-5645
Ross Medical Education Center is a private, for profit vocational school located in the heart of downtown Charleston. They offer a variety of healthcare related professional certifications, including a Pharmacy Technician Certificate.
The program runs for 36 weeks (about 8 and a half months) and is offered as a hybrid classroom/digital experience. Students will learn all the basics needed to pass the PTCE and begin working as a pharmacy technician while also gaining valuable real world experience via a school arranged externship.
The cost of the program is dependent upon a student's personal situation and while the school recommends speaking with them directly to discuss your possible costs there is a net price calculator on their website to help too. Traditional Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify, as well as a limited number of state workforce grants.
To be admitted to the program students must meet the guidelines set out by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy by being at least 18 years old, holding a high school diploma or GED and passing mandatory drug and criminal background checks.
Mountwest Community and Technical College
One Mountwest Way, Huntington, WV 25701 866-676-5533
Mountwest Community and Technical College is a traditional community college offering both diploma an Associate's Degree Programs. For students interested in Pharmacy Technology the school offers a 28 credit hour Diploma in Pharmacy Technology that provides students with the classroom learning and hands-on experience needed to both pass the PTCE and begin working as entry level pharmacy technician.
Classes are conducted in person and, for some modules, online, on a full-time, daytime schedule. The course is usually completed within 12 months. Students complete both campus based lab training and external placement experience with local employers.
To be admitted students must be over the age of 18 and hold a high school diploma or GED and meet academic standards as set by the school. It is a competitive program, and in most cases a GPA of 2.5 or better in a student's senior year is desired.
The cost of the program varies according to a student's personal circumstances and residence, but Federal financial aid and a limited number of school grants are available to help cover the cost.
West Virginia Junior College
5514 Big Tyler Road, Cross Lanes, WV 25313 304 769 0011
For those looking for an online pharmacy technician program the one currently offered by West Virginia Junior College may be an excellent fit.
Unlike many online programs the West Virginia Junior College Pharmacy Technician Certificate program makes use of live video lessons and 3D rendered simulations so that the students experience education that is as close to 'hands on' and live classroom education as possible. The material covers all the basics needed to pass the PTCE and begin working as a pharmacy technician in an entry level position.
As passing the PTCE is a contingent of earning the certificate all students must meet the standards of the PTCB, including passing drug and criminal background tests and holding a high school diploma or GED.
The cost of the program varies according to the personal circumstances and residence status of a student, however, to help offset the cost, traditional Federal financial aid and a limited number of school grants are available.