Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in Virginia
Virginia is home to 9,070 salaried pharmacy technicians, that is 3.1% of all pharmacy technicians employed live in the "Mother of Presidents" state.
To begin with the state of Virginia requires the completion of a state-approved CPhT training program. Aspiring pharmacy technicians can choose from certificate programs (typically less than a year), diploma programs (typically one year) and an associate degree program (typically two years long).
Upon completion graduates are prepared for entry-level employment in retail and hospital pharmacies and pharmacies within medical and doctor's offices. Virginia is home to over 85 hospitals, renowned facilities and hundreds of health care and medical facilities not to mention the large chain stores which include: Target Pharmacy, Walmart, Ride Aid.
By completing a board-approved training program this will ensure you would also be able to sit and pass the PTCB national certification exam.
No prerequisites are necessary to enroll in a Virginia pharmacy technician school, however you will have to successfully pass a Criminal Background Check, complete a health statement, undergo Virginia pharmacy technician registration (during the program) and undertake CPR certification by the American Heart Association for Health Care Providers (again during the program).
In addition to the course fees expect also registration fees and other related charges plus CPR classes.
The curriculum involved means you will be studying a mix of classes covering Pharmacy Calculations, Pharmacy Operations (involves lab work), Pharmacy Law & Ethics and Pharmacy Products along with the completion of a clinical internship.
To finance this course, seek information on grants, scholarships, student loans (both private and federal) often offered by the school or college of your choice.
Featured Virginia Pharmacy Technician Schools
Registration/Licensure and Certification requirements
In order to work as pharmacy technician in the state of Virginia, registration/licensure is a requirement. The website for licensure is http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Pharmacy/pharmacy_forms.htm#Technician. Certification is not a requirement as of 2017, however there were 8,244 PTCB CPhTs (actively certified technicians) residing in the state. This implies that most employers prefer to hire practicing technicians that have completed a certification program from a nationally accredited organization such as PTCB.
How much does a Pharmacy Technician make in Virginia?
The *average Virginia pharmacy technician salary is $14.34 per hour or $29,820 per year. An entry level pharmacy technician in VA earns an average of $10.27 per hour whilst an experienced and/or certified pharmacy technician can earn upwards of $21.98 per hour depending on years of experience and work setting.
*Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Employment & Wages database.