How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Washington
Thinking of becoming a pharmacy technician (pharmacy tech) in Washington (WA)?
There are currently 6,950 persons employed as pharmacy technicians in Washington earning an average annual salary of $42,470.
The Bureau for Labor Studies (BLS) anticipates that employment in the sector will grow by 7% between 2018 and 2028 – higher than the average for all other professions.
The growth is driven by a population which is aging, coupled with growing rates of chronic disease, placing an increased demand for prescription medication.
The majority of states regulate the role of pharmacy technicians either through certification or licensing or both. Find out about the requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Washington below.
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- Washington Certification and Licensing Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians
- Top Pharmacy Tech Schools in Washington
- How much does a Pharmacy Technician make in Washington
- Washington Employment Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Tech Licensing and Certification Requirements in Washington
Pharmacy technicians in Washington state are regulated by the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission.
To work as a pharmacy tech in Washington you will need to apply for your license with the Commission.
Formal training in the form of an approved pharmacy tech training program and national certification (see below) are prequisites of licensing.
Training can take the form of either 1) on the job training and at least eight hours of study of Washington pharmacy law or 2) completing an approved post secondary education program.
Once you have completed your training you will need to obtain your national certification from an approved certifying body such as PTCB or ExCPT.
Further details about becoming a pharmacy tech in Washington can be obtained from the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission Board. You can contact them on the details below:
Phone: 360-236-4700
Website: www.doh.wa.gov
National Certification
There are two national certifying bodies;
- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB/ PTCE) and
- The National Healthcareer Association Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
Since the beginning of 2020 the PTCB requires that candidates have completed a PTCB recognized training program. The NHA requires that you have completed a training program or have 1 years work experience.
Some states have a preference for one over the other but most states will recognize the PTCB certification.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Washington
Top 12 Schools for Pharmacy Tech in Washington
Pharmacy technician programs are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists/Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ASHP/ACPE) and also by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
There are 12 such accredited schools and programs in Washington.
| School | City | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Carrington College | Spokane | ASHP |
| Charter College | Fife | ABHES |
| Charter College | Lacey | ABHES |
| Charter College | Vancouver | ABHES |
| Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood | ASHP |
| Edmonds Community College | Lynwood | ASHP |
| North Seattle College | Seattle | ASHP |
| Pima Medical Institute | Seattle | ASHP / ABHES |
| Pima Medical Institute | Renton | ABHES |
| Renton Technical College | Renton | ASHP |
| Spokane Community College | Spokane | ASHP |
| Yakima Valley College | Yakima | ASHP |
Sponsored Schools Near You
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Still haven’t found a program to suit your requirements? Search pharmacy tech schools in neighboring states: Oregon, Idaho,
Pharmacy Tech Salary in Washington
| Average Salary | $42,470 |
| Above/Below National Average | 29.90% |
| Hourly Wage | $20.42 |
| Bottom 10% / Entry Level | $32,200 |
| Top 10% | $55,300 |
| Number Employed | 6,950 |
The average salary for pharmacy technicians in Washington is $42,470 – this is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018*.
This equates to an average hourly wage of $20.42 and is 30% above the national average salary of $32,700.
*The most recent salary data for 2019/2020 can be found here.
Pharmacy Tech Employment in Washington
There are currently 6,950 persons employed as pharmacy technicians in the state.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of pharmacy techs across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Washington;
| Metro Area | Average Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $41,490 | 180 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | $44,800 | 170 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $43,020 | 190 |
| Longview | $40,140 | 120 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $44,800 | 120 |
| Olympia-Tumwater | $42,020 | 300 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $43,450 | 3,740 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $40,430 | 580 |
| Walla Walla | $40,650 | 50 |
| Wenatchee | $43,020 | 170 |
| Yakima | $39,970 | 320 |
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