Home » Schools » North Carolina
Pharmacy Technician Schools Currently Accepting Applicants in North Carolina
Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in North Carolina
With a fairly large population, the elderly more dependent on prescription medications, an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, along with a host of new drugs coming on the market regularly, the need for pharmacy technicians is on the rise in North Carolina. The average pharmacy technician salary in North Carolina is $30,450 per year, which is 7.89% lower than the national average. There are about 18 schools offering pharmacy technician training courses in NC. Out of the 18 schools, we have ranked 10 best ASHP accredited pharmacy technician schools in NC that have earned the repute of delivering consistent academic results and nurturing the career goals of its students.
10 Best ASHP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in North Carolina for 2021
(Following is a list of schools offering the best pharmacy technician programs in North Carolina)
#1. Johnston Community College - Smithfield

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
#2. Fayetteville Technical Community College - Fayetteville

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 3 semesters for the diploma and 5 semesters for the associate degree
#3. Davidson County Community College - Thomasville

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
#4. Guilford Technical Community College - Jamestown

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 3 semester for diploma and 6 semesters for the degree
#5. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College - Asheville

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 71 credit hours for the associate degree and 45 credit hours for the diploma program.
#6. Forsyth Technical Community College - Winston-Salem

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
#7. Wake Technical Community College - Raleigh

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
#8. Durham Technical Community College - Durham

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 3 semester for diploma and 6 semesters for the degree
#9. Cape Fear Community College - Wilmington

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
#10. Central Piedmont Community College - Charlotte

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate Program and up to 2 years for Associate Degree Program
Southeastern Institute - Charlotte
The Southeastern Institute located in Charlotte prides itself on having dedicated teachers with wide-ranging, real-world experience in the fields in which they teach. Small classes ensure personalized attention for each student. Southern Institute offers a 10-month certificate program in pharmacy technology to prepare you for an entry level position as a pharmacy technician. You will be trained to assist the pharmacist in preparation and distribution of drugs. If you plan to attend part-time then this program will take you 18 months to complete. Part time students will need to make themselves available during the day do complete their internship. Course-work consists of - anatomy, physiology, first aid, pharmacy laws and ethics, drug interactions, medical abbreviations, and computers.
Wayne Community College - Goldsboro
Wayne Community College (WCC) located in Goldsboro has been around for more than 50 years and follows an open-door admission policy. WCC currently is offering a 12-month diploma program for students interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician. You will be trained to dispense medication, manage inventory and process insurance claims. Coursework includes core subjects like pharmacy math, pharmacy ethics, and pharmaceutical terminology. After graduation you can find employment in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and long - term care pharmacies.
Programs Currently on Hold or Discontinued
Virginia College - Greensboro
Virginia college offers a 36 weeks pharmacy technician program at its campus in Greensboro, NC. This program will train you to work in a chain drug store, hospital, drug manufacturer and health care facility. Key highlights of this program include: hands-on training by experienced instructors, flexibility of online and on campuses courses, an externship where you will gain real world experience and a pharmacy lab providing real world experience with prescription bottles, labels, pharmacy computers and cash registers. The career development specialist at the college will help you with job placements. The coursework in this program will prepare you well to sit for the pharmacy technician certification examination.
What are the Requirements to Work as a Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina?
Pharmacy technicians in North Carolina are regulated by the state. You need to be registered with the North Carolina Board Pharmacy to practice as a pharmacy technician. Registration is mandatory within a period of 30 days of employment with a pharmacy. A training program conducted by the pharmacist at the place of employment is necessary.
Registration/Licensure | Yes |
Training | Yes |
Certification | No |
Pharmacy Technician to Pharmacist Ratio | 2/3 to 1 |
Continuing Education | No |
Certification Maintenance | No |
(source: ptcb.org) |
Education
Step 1: Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
Step 2: The state mandates that the pharmacist must provide a training program to the pharmacy technicians. Training should be completed in a time interval of 180 days of employment.
On the other hand, in case you decide to attend a pharmacy technician training school, ensure that it is recognized by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
Certification: Presently, certification is not required in the state of North Carolina. Conversely, getting a certification boosts your chances of landing a job, as well as promises you a higher income. The PTCB certification is approved in North Carolina. You appear for the PTCB examination by self study or by attending a Diploma or Associate degree program at a college.
Licensure: Pharmacy techs working in North Carolina need to get a license. The license needs to be renewed annually, every December 31 with a fee of $30.
Prerequisites for licensure:
• High school diploma or its equivalent
• Complete training at the pharmacy under the administration of the pharmacist-in-charge within 180 days.
• Submit pharmacy technician registration to the North Carolina State Board of Pharmacy.
• Submit a passport type photo
• Submit a fee of $30
Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician School in North Carolina
Deciding which school is ideal for you can be rather challenging. With quite a lot of schools in the state providing pharmacy technician training, it is for you to figure out what takes precedence for you. These criteria will make things clearer:
Accreditation: Accreditation makes sure that the school strictly adheres to legal and professional standards; hence, it is prudent to choose a pharmacy technician program which is recognized by a nationally accredited organization like the ASHP - American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Type of Program: Out of the 18 pharmacy technician schools in North Carolina, 13 offer an associate degree program of two years and 17 schools offer a certificate/diploma program of 9 months. Based on your job goals, knowing the duration and fee of the training will help you make up your mind about which school is most suited to your aspirations.
Tuition Cost: Tuition cost will vary from college to college, so you need to verify if the cost of your education will fall in line with your career goals. Also you need to know what all is included in the tuition cost.
Financial Aid
Every year, North Carolina donates millions of dollars, as educational loans and grants, to help students pay for college. Financial aid for students comprises of scholarships, grants such as the Federal Pell Grant, in-state resident subsidies, as well as the state's Education Lottery Scholarship. Those who seek financial help must fill the FAFSA application. Government training programs use FAFSA information to help you with your college financial support requirements.
Admission Requirements For Pharmacy Technician Schools in North Carolina
It is vital that you understand the admission requirements of the pharmacy technician schools in North Carolina, so as to prevent a last minute scramble.
Let us look in to the admission requirements of Craven Community College:
• Submit an application for admission
• Submit Gainful Employment Acknowledgement form.
• Apply for financial assistance.
• Submit official copies of transcripts
• Appear for the Placement Test
Employment Opportunities
You could apply for jobs at - MedCare Pharmacy, SGS, U.S. Army, Hamlin Drug Co., CVS Health, Rite Aid, K Mart, and VCare Pharmacy for job placements.
Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina
The average salary of a pharmacy technician in North Carolina is $30,450 per year. The expected growth rate in the state for pharmacy techs is 20% according to the careeronestop, between 2016 to 2026. There are currently 13,850 pharmacy technicians working in the state and annually 1,390 job openings are created in the state.
Pharmacy Technicians Currently Working in NC | 10 Year Job Growth | Annual Vacancies | Average Starting Salary | Average Annual Salary | ||
2016 | 2026 | % Growth | ||||
13,850 | 12,470 | 15,010 | 20.37% | 1,390 | $20,760 | $30,450 |
Pharmacy Technician Related Organizations in North Carolina
North Carolina Board of Pharmacy: In North Carolina, to work as a pharmacy technician, you must apply to the board for a licensure. The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy regulates pharmacies in the state by issuing and renewing licenses and permits.
North Carolina Association of Pharmacists: North Carolina Association of Pharmacy represents pharmacy professionals in NC. It promotes their cause by giving them a strong voice in the government, providing continuing education programs and innovative practice tools and practice forums that will meet the special needs of individual practice settings.
View Complete List of Pharmacy Technician Schools in North Carolina
School Name | Location | Type | Accredited | Program Link | |
1 | Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | Asheville | Public | Yes | Visit |
2 | Cabarrus College of Health Sciences | Concord | Private not-for-profit | Yes | |
3 | Cape Fear Community College | Wilmington | Public | Yes | Visit |
4 | Central Piedmont Community College | Charlotte | Public | Yes | Visit |
5 | Craven Community College | New Bern | Public | No | Visit |
6 | Davidson County Community College | Thomasville | Public | Yes | Visit |
7 | Durham Technical Community College | Durham | Public | Yes | Visit |
8 | Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville | Public | Yes | Visit |
9 | Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston-Salem | Public | Yes | Visit |
10 | Guilford Technical Community College | Jamestown | Public | Yes | Visit |
11 | Johnston Community College | Smithfield | Public | Yes | Visit |
12 | Miller-Motte College-Cary | Cary | Private for-profit | No | Visit |
13 | Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville | Fayetteville | Private for-profit | No | |
14 | Miller-Motte College-Jacksonville | Jacksonville | Private for-profit | No | |
15 | Miller-Motte College-Wilmington | Wilmington | Private for-profit | No | |
16 | Southeastern Institute-Charlotte | Charlotte | Private for-profit | Yes | Visit |
17 | Stanly Community College | Albemarle | Public | No | Visit |
18 | Vance-Granville Community College | Henderson | Public | No | Visit |
19 | Virginia College-Greensboro | Greensboro | Private for-profit | No | |
20 | Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh | Public | Yes | Visit |
21 | Wayne Community College | Goldsboro | Public | No |
Nearby States
Related Articles