Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in Virginia

A huge geriatric section and an influx of newer prescription medications has made the pharmacy technician job a coveted one in Virginia. The average salary for a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia is $36,340. The state has 7 schools which offer training in Pharmacy Technology. Even though training is not a mandate in the state, graduating from one of the top schools will better your employment prospects to a great extent. We have ranked the Top 3 Pharmacy Technician Schools in Virginia, based on our methodology, which has taken into account factors, such as graduation rate, student faculty ratio and tuition cost. On this page, learn more about the top schools, certification requirements and employment prospects for a pharmacy technician in Virginia.

3 Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in Virginia for 2024

(Following is a list of schools offering the best pharmacy technician programs in Virginia)

#1. Piedmont Virginia Community College - Charlottesville & Stanardsville

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) as part of the Virginia Community College System has served more than 213,000 students at its beautiful campus in Albemarle County, Virginia. PVCC offers a 1-year course in Pharmacy Technology, leading to a certificate. You will need to attend lectures, learn in a lab and undergo clinical training to get live experience. Goal of the program is to prepare students to become competent pharmacy technicians as well as prepare them to sit for the PTCB examination.

Program Type: Certificate
Program Length: 1 Year

#2. American National University - Salem, Charlottesville & Lynchburg, VA

American National University (ANU) established in 1886 as a business school is a for-profit private school. ANU offers a diploma program in Pharmacy Technology. This program prepares students for entry level jobs to work as a pharmacy technician in retail and hospital settings. On completion graduates go on to take the PTCB exam. The college also offers career services such as preparing for resumes and interviews even before students earn their graduation. Additionally, refresher courses are available to its alumni all throughout their career.

Program Type: Diploma
Program Length: 1 Year

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#3. Stratford University - Alexandria, Falls Church, Newport News, Richmond, Virginia Beach & Woodbridge

Stratford University offers educational programs keeping in mind changing needs of the employers and the community thus preparing students for rewarding careers. Stratford University offers a 70-week degree program in Pharmacy Technology at various locations in Virginia. To graduate you need to attain 90 credits by taking 20 classes which includes Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, Pharmacy Calculations, Institutional & Community Pharmacy Ops, and Pharmacy Informatics & Technology. Upon graduation you can work in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy or at pharmacies in other healthcare settings.

Program Type: Associate Degree
Program Length: 70 Weeks

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Chester Career College - Chester

Chester Career College (CCC) through quality educational training prepares students to meet employer expectations in order to have successful careers. Chester's diploma program in pharmacy technology will prepare you to dispense medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. The program also includes externships to help you gain real world experience. Upon graduation you can find opportunities in hospital pharmacy, closed door pharmacy, E-Pharmacy, retail technician, robot filler and chemotherapy technician.

Altierus - Tampa

Altierus offers a blended (online/on Campus) pharmacy technician training program in Virginia which can be completed in 8 months. By providing a strong foundation this program aims to provide you with a quick footing into the pharmacy industry. The program will also thoroughly prepare you to pass the PTCB and ExCPT-Exam. Courses that will be covered in this program include - History and Ethics of Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Pharmacy Law and Administration, Pharmacy operations, Medical Calculations and non-sterile/sterile Compounding.

Programs Currently on Hold or Discontinued

Virginia College-Richmond - Richmond

Virginia College offers career-oriented programs for student in the Richmond, Virginia area with a limited class size, flexible schedule and career placement services. This program equips you with the required pharmacy technician skills, such as transcribing doctor's orders, preparing prescription medications, interacting with patients and labeling prescription medications. A certification review course, which prepares you for the PTCB exam is also included in the program. You will alternate between on campus and online classes thus adding flexibility to your schedule. The college promises a 'no hidden cost' policy and hence the tuition fee you would be paying is inclusive of textbooks and supplies and also the PTCB exam fee.

Program Type: Certificate
Program Length: 9 Months

What are the Requirements to Work as a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia?

Education: Training is not compulsory. You can either undergo an on-the-job training under the supervision of the pharmacist and then commence work as a pharmacy technician or opt for formal training. All pharmacy techs in VA are required to complete 5 continuing education credits per year. The CE courses must be ACPE approved.

In case you decide on formal training, ensure that you examine all the features of the curriculum and then pick a school. Select a school in Virginia that is American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) accredited. Additionally, you must make up your mind regarding the kind of course you want to pursue - a certificate course takes 9 months to complete, while an associate degree course will take 2 years for completion. What's more, you should fill in the FAFSA for financial aid. There are 7 schools offering the certificate course and 3 schools offering the associate degree in the state of Virginia.

Certification Virginia does not mandate certification. Although not mandatory, it is always prudent to be certified; it elbows out competition and promises you a higher paying job, quickly. Currently, the PTCB certification is recognized in the state. In case you do not get certified, you must complete a state approved pharmacy technician training program before acquiring the license.

Licensure To work as a pharmacy technician in Virginia, you must be registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. It is essential that you obtain a license prior to commencing work. The license expires annually and must be renewed.

Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia

According to the BLS, job prospects for pharmacy technicians are excellent in Virginia and are expected to amplify speedily as well. There is a 21.41% job ballooning between the years 2020 - 2030. Harris Teeter, Pharmstaff, University of Virginia Health System, Gardens Pharmacy, Commonwealth of Virginia, HSC Healthcare, Medix and Omnicare recruit pharmacy technicians in the state of Virginia.

More Pharmacy Technician Programs

Nearby States

Kentucky Maryland North Carolina

Pennsylvania Tennessee West Virginia

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