How to become a pharmacy technician in Washington state

Washington state holds pharmacy technicians to a higher standard than many other states. While some states allow individuals to begin working as pharmacy technicians with just a high school diploma, Washington maintains additional requirements.

Pharmacy technicians in the state need to complete a training program and pass exams before they can become certified and seek employment. To excel as a pharmacy tech, you'll need strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and solid basic math abilities. Excellent people skills can also make a big difference in your success. Read on to learn how to become a pharmacy technician in Washington state.

What does a pharmacy technician in Washington state do?

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense medication in retail or hospital pharmacies. They are usually employed full time but can also take on part-time roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pharmacy techs in Washington earned an average of $55,390 per year as of 2023.

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Washington state

Step 1: Meet the education requirements

To become a pharmacy technician in Washington, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. The state is quite strict about what needs to be included in your training, and you'll need to ensure that your course has at least eight hours of pharmacy law study. You can also expect plenty of hands-on experience and on-the-job training.

Step 2: Pass the certification exam

The Washington State Department of Health accepts two national certification exams: The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

Step 3: Apply for pharmacy technician certification

Once you've finished your training and passed your exam, you can start gathering your documentation and apply to become a certified pharmacy technician. There's a long list of requirements that you'll need to meet. Most of them are very straightforward, so this step is mostly just about completing the application and making sure to send through all your supporting paperwork and pay your fee. It's also important to note that you'll need to pass a criminal background check as part of the process.

Step 4: Maintain your certification

Pharmacy technicians need to renew their certification every two years. You'll need to complete 20 continuing pharmacy education (CPE) hours in the period and send proof of those hours along with your fees and application.

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