What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A Pharmacy Technician is a healthcare professional who assists Pharmacists in various tasks, such as preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining medication inventory, and providing customer service. They work under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist and play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of medication to patients.

Training Requirements

To become a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia Beach, you'll need to complete a formal training program or pass a certification exam. Most Pharmacy Technician programs in the area require a high school diploma or GED, and some may have additional prerequisites, such as passing a background check or completing prerequisite courses.

The Fastest Path to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia Beach

The completion time for pharmacy technician classes can greatly vary. The fastest way to become a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia Beach is to enroll in a Pharmacy Technician program that offers a condensed, accelerated curriculum. These programs can typically be completed in 6-12 weeks, allowing you to start your new career quickly.

Pharmacy Technician Classes in Virginia Beach

Here are some examples of Pharmacy Technician classes available in the Virginia Beach area:

Tidewater Community College

• Length: 1 semester (16 weeks)
• Price: Approximately $1,500 for in-state students
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, placement test, background check
• Overview: Tidewater Community College offers an accredited Pharmacy Technician program that prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on lab work, covering topics such as pharmacology, medication safety, and pharmacy operations.

Bryant & Stratton College

• Length: 9 months
• Price: Approximately $18,000
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, placement test, background check
• Overview: Bryant & Stratton College's Pharmacy Technician program in Virginia Beach provides comprehensive training in medication preparation, inventory management, and customer service. Students gain practical experience through an internship at a local pharmacy.

Centura College

• Length: 9 months
• Price: Approximately $16,000
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, placement test, background check
• Overview: Centura College's Pharmacy Technician program in Virginia Beach combines classroom instruction, lab work, and an externship at a pharmacy. The program covers topics such as pharmacology, sterile compounding, and pharmacy law and ethics.

Exploring a Career as a Pharmacy Technician Outside Virginia Beach

If you've been reading this article and long to become a Pharmacy Technician, but you live in a different state, don't lose hope! Achieving your goal is still within reach. You might consider exploring opportunities to become a Pharmacy Technician in Baltimore, Durham, New York, Richmond, Tucson. If none of these locations work for you, Dreambound makes it easier than ever to pursue your dreams regardless of your location by simplifying the process of finding and comparing Pharmacy Technician classes through a convenient search by zip code. With determination and access to the right resources, you can confidently pursue a successful career in healthcare, no matter where you live.

Online and Free Pharmacy Technician Classes in Virginia Beach

In addition to in-person Pharmacy Technician classes, there are also online options available for residents of Virginia Beach. These programs offer the flexibility to study at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home.

While free Pharmacy Technician classes are not as common, there are a few organizations in the Virginia Beach area that offer tuition assistance or scholarships to help make the training more accessible.

Certification Process

After completing a Pharmacy Technician training program in Virginia Beach, you'll need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) to become a certified Pharmacy Technician. This certification is required in most states, including Virginia, to work as a Pharmacy Technician.

Job Environment in Virginia Beach

The job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia Beach is quite positive, with a growing demand for skilled professionals in the field. Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia Beach can find employment in a variety of settings, including:

• Retail pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)
• Hospital pharmacies
• Long-term care facilities
• Specialty pharmacies
• Mail-order pharmacies

The job environment for Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia Beach is generally fast-paced and detail-oriented, with a focus on providing high-quality patient care and ensuring medication safety.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician and live in the Virginia Beach area, there are several options for Pharmacy Technician classes near you. Whether you choose an accelerated program, an online course, or a more traditional classroom-based training, the key is to find the program that best fits your learning style and career goals. With the right training and certification, you can start your journey toward a rewarding career as a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia Beach.

If you're thinking of a new career path, Dreambound offers in-depth guides to understand various job choices:

• Psychiatric Technician Training in Virginia Beach