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If you want to learn more about becoming a pharmacy technician in the State of Virginia, this is the right article for you!
Article Table of Contents
Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia
In Virginia, the regulations are more strict when it comes to becoming a pharmacy tech.
Those interested need to complete these steps before starting working:
- Registration with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy
- Enroll in and complete a certified training program
- Pass the Board-approved certification exam
It’s good to know that those who are enrolled in a training program can gain 9 months of work experience before earning their certification.
The registration with the Board involves the following:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Passing a criminal background check
Accredited Training Programs
The training programs for future pharmacy technicians are available generally at community colleges and technical schools.
To be accepted in these training programs, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED.
The programs can be as short as 5 weeks, and the possibility to attend in person or online is also offered.
It is also pretty common for these programs to offer internships, usually in local hospitals or drugstores.
The classes will help individuals develop the skills they need and accumulate knowledge in this field.
These are just some examples:
- Customer service and communication
- Basics of pharmacy operations
- Medical terminology
- Pharmacy laws
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| American National University | 1813 E Main St, Salem, Virginia 24153 |
| Chester Career College | 751 West Hundred Road, Chester, Virginia 23836 |
| ECPI University | 5555 Greenwich Rd., Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462 |
| ECPI University | 2809 Emerywood Pkwy Suite 400, Richmond, Virginia, 23294 |
| ECPI University | 800 Moorefield Park Dr. Suite 302, Richmond, Virginia, 23236 |
| Stratford University | 3201 Jermantown Road, Suite 500, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 |
Becoming Licensed and Maintaining Licensure
Individuals can choose of these exams to obtain their initial license:
- The Virginia Pharmacy Technician Exam
- The National Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT)
The Virginia Pharmacy Technician Exam has 50 questions.
Passing the ExCPT means you can have more responsibilities and you may earn more money.
This exam costs $115 and can only be taken by those who completed their training and are within 30 days from receiving their high school diploma or GED.
The license has to be renewed every year.
To renew your license, you need to complete 5 hours of continuing education.
Finding a Job and Median Income
The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow, meaning that finding a job will be relatively easy.
Employers for these technicians are:
- Independent and chain drugstores,
- Nursing homes,
- Hospitals
- Clinics
Having a non-traditional work schedule is very common for these professionals because these locations are opened at night and on the weekends as well.
As you already know, the salary of a pharmacy technician depends on many aspects, including experience, type of employment, and working hours.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $33,574 |
| Norfolk | $33,068 |
| Chesapeake | $33,026 |
| Arlington | $38,866 |
| Richmond | $35,197 |
| Newport News | $32,899 |
| Alexandria | $38,866 |
| Hampton | $32,899 |
| Roanoke | $32,435 |
| Portsmouth | $33,068 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 290 | $38,840 | $18.68 | $50,170 | $29,120 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 430 | $43,970 | $21.14 | $56,730 | $35,300 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 400 | $41,910 | $20.15 | $48,580 | $35,100 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 310 | $38,850 | $18.68 | $45,950 | $30,620 |
| Richmond, VA | 2,370 | $41,740 | $20.07 | $50,550 | $34,820 |
| Roanoke, VA | 540 | $40,040 | $19.25 | $47,000 | $30,770 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | 140 | $40,880 | $19.65 | $49,710 | $31,740 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 2,160 | $40,720 | $19.58 | $50,190 | $31,190 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | 250 | $40,220 | $19.34 | $47,460 | $33,450 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Job Duties
As a pharmacy technician, you’ll always work under the supervision of a pharmacist.
The duties of this position include:
- Dispensing prescriptions,
- Labeling prescriptions
- Managing inventory
- Keeping various records
In a hospital, preparing IV solutions is another duty expected of a pharmacy tech.
In a stand-alone drugstore, handling the payments is also mandatory.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State