Are you considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Washington? This guide covers everything you need to know, from training programs and certification requirements to job opportunities and salary expectations. With pharmacy technician jobs projected to grow by 7% nationwide from 2023 to 2033, now is the perfect time to enter this rewarding healthcare field.

Key Points

• A pharmacy technician assists pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and handling customer service in various healthcare settings.
• To become a pharmacy technician in Washington, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass a certification exam, and register with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
• Pharmacy technician programs typically take 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on whether you enroll in a certificate or associate degree program.
• The average pharmacy technician salary in Washington is $46,430 per year ($22.32/hour), making it one of the highest-paying states for this profession.
• Washington requires all pharmacy technicians to renew their license every year, completing 10 hours of continuing education (CE) credits, including 1 hour in pharmacy law.

What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician is a crucial member of the healthcare team, supporting pharmacists in medication preparation, inventory management, and patient interactions. They ensure accurate medication distribution, process prescription transactions, and contribute to the smooth operation of pharmacies.

Common Responsibilities

• Preparing and dispensing prescription medications under pharmacist supervision
• Managing and organizing medication inventory
• Processing insurance claims and handling customer transactions
• Labeling and packaging prescriptions for distribution
• Assisting customers with medication-related inquiries

Where Do Pharmacy Technicians Work?

Pharmacy technicians can work in various healthcare and pharmaceutical settings throughout Washington:

• Hospitals: Support inpatient medication distribution and collaborate with medical teams.
• Retail Pharmacies: Assist customers and fill prescriptions at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and independent drugstores.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Prepare and dispense medications for nursing homes and assisted living centers.
• Mail-Order Pharmacies: Work in large-scale medication distribution centers.
• Compounding Pharmacies: Assist in preparing customized medications for specialized medical needs.

Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Washington

To become a pharmacy technician in Washington, you must meet specific educational, certification, and legal requirements.

Education Requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Completion of a Washington State Board of Pharmacy-approved training program.
• On-the-job training (OJT) is an option for those working under a licensed pharmacist’s supervision.

Legal Requirements:

• Pharmacy technicians must register with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) before working.

• A national certification exam is required, either:

  • Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) – Administered by the - Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
  • Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) – Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

• Background check and fingerprinting are required for state registration.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Washington

Follow these step-by-step instructions to start your career as a licensed pharmacy technician in Washington.

1. Research Pharmacy Technician Programs in Washington

Start by looking for Washington Board of Pharmacy-approved training programs. Compare different options, including community colleges, vocational institutes, and online platforms.

2. Enroll in a Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Choose a program that offers a combination of:

• Classroom instruction (pharmacology, medication safety, and pharmacy laws)
• Hands-on training (internships or externships at pharmacies)

Dreambound is a top platform to compare state-approved pharmacy technician programs in Washington and other healthcare programs!

3. Complete Required Training and Gain Hands-on Experience

Most programs include a clinical internship or externship at a hospital, pharmacy, or healthcare facility. This experience helps develop essential skills in medication dispensing, pharmacy operations, and customer service.

4. Pass the National Certification Exam

After training, you must pass either:

• PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) – Administered by PTCB

• ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) – Administered by NHA

  • Exam Fee: $129
  • Passing Score: 70%+
  • Retake Policy: Must wait 60 days before reattempting

5. Apply for Washington State Pharmacy Technician Registration

All pharmacy technicians in Washington must register with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

• Submit an application through the Washington State DOH website
• Provide proof of national certification (PTCE or ExCPT)
• Complete a background check and fingerprinting

6. Apply for Pharmacy Technician Jobs in Washington

Once certified and registered, start applying for jobs in settings such as: hospitals, retail pharmacies, and mail-order pharmacies.

Use job search platforms like My Next Move to find pharmacy technician positions in Washington.

Where to Find Pharmacy Technician Classes in Washington?

Finding a pharmacy technician training program in Washington is easy with Dreambound. This platform helps students:

• Find local or online pharmacy technician classes
• Compare costs and program details
• Explore Washington Board of Pharmacy-approved programs

Visit Dreambound today to find the right training program for your career goals!

Career Paths and Opportunities After Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

After earning your certification, you can explore higher-paying career options, such as:

• Lead Pharmacy Technician – Manage inventory and train new pharmacy techs.
• Compounding Pharmacy Technician – Prepare specialized medications for unique patient needs.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative – Work in medical sales, promoting prescription drugs.
• Pharmacist (with additional education) – Advance to a licensed pharmacist role.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a pharmacy tech in Washington?

Pharmacy technician training programs in Washington typically take 6 months to 2 years, depending on the program type.

Do you need a license to be a pharmacy technician in Washington?

Yes, all pharmacy technicians in Washington must register with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

How much does a certified pharmacy technician make in Washington?

The average salary for a pharmacy technician in Washington is $46,430 per year ($22.32/hour) as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Higher salaries are available in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue.

How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician in Washington?

Training program costs range from $1,000 – $6,000, depending on the school and location. The national certification exam fee is $129 (PTCE or ExCPT).

Final Thoughts

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Washington is an excellent career choice, offering strong job security, competitive salaries, and career advancement opportunities. By completing a state-approved training program, obtaining certification, and registering with the Washington DOH, you’ll be on the path to a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.

Ready to get started? Find Washington pharmacy technician training programs on Dreambound today!

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