Become a Pharm Tech in South Carolina
Now is a great moment to commence a new career in Pharmacy Technology in the state of South Carolina. Here, you can find information on colleges and other training options, salary data, the job outlook and state requirements.
Employment Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in South Carolina
The financial magazine Forbes recently ranked Pharmacist as the top healthcare job in 2015, and you know that where pharmacists work, so do pharmacy technicians. [Leer en español]
With the rising proliferation of prescription medications across the nation, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects national employment of pharmacy technicians to grow by 20% for the decade 2012 to 2022.
With a population of 4.8 million (2013 estimate), the Palmetto State had 6,200 employed pharmacy technicians in 2012, projected to grow to 7,480 by 2022, representing a robust projected rate of growth of 15.2% over the 10-year period.
Salaries in South Carolina for Pharm Techs
Entry level pharm techs, part of the State’s 10 percentile, can earn an average hourly wage of $9.34. This increases to $10.97 for the 25 percentile, and to a mean hourly wage of $13.76 for all techs. These correspond to an average annual salary of $19,440 for new entrants, to an average annual salary of $22,820 for the 25 percentile, and to an annual mean salary of $28,620.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharm techs can earn an average annual salary of $39,020 upon reaching the 90 percentile of all techs. Pursuing additional academic accomplishments would enhance those prospects.
Salaries by Metropolitan Area
| Area | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson, SC | 280 | $12.74 | $ 26,510 |
| Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC | 1,050 | $14.56 | $ 30,290 |
| Columbia, SC | 960 | $14.40 | $ 29,940 |
| Florence, SC | 380 | $13.96 | $ 29,040 |
| Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC | 660 | $14.43 | $ 30,010 |
| Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC | 380 | $12.98 | $ 27,000 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 400 | $13.79 | $ 28,690 |
| Sumter, SC | 110 | $13.40 | $ 27,880 |
Salary comparison with other Pharmacy related professions in South Carolina
| Profession | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacists | 4,920 | $55.96 | $ 116,400 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 5,790 | $13.76 | $ 28,620 |
| Pharmacy Aides | 310 | $10.17 | $ 21,150 |
South Carolina State Requirements
To be certified as a pharmacy technician with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy, an individual must have graduated high school or equivalent or must have worked for one thousand hours under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Alternatively, techs must have successfully completed a Board-approved tech exam.
Towards satisfying the Board’s training and examination requirements, pharmacists commonly enroll their technicians in the National Pharmacy Technician Training Program as a step that leads to the Board-approved ExCPT Exam.
Well-Known Universities and Colleges in South Carolina
Greenville Technical College has a Certificate in Applied Science program at their campuses in Grenville and Benson that accepts only registered pharm techs enabling them to quickly continue in preparation for State certification. Online programs are also offered.
Horry Georgetown Technical College-Conway has a Diploma program that requests that candidates submit to urine drug tests and criminal background checks. There are also several acceptance requirements that you can view.
Remington College-Columbia Campus have many campuses across the nation, but the one in Columbia offers a Diploma program that includes hands-on training and practical real-world pharmacy experience.
All School Listings
- Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC
- Columbia, SC
- Florence, SC
- Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC
- Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC
- Spartanburg, SC
- Sumter, SC
- Upper Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Area
Aiken Technical College
2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC 29829Pharmacy Technician – Program
The program is taught at their location in Graniteville. This public college has about 2,351 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Aiken Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program is separately accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $3,787 and are $4,132 and $9,489 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost roughly $900, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program is ASHP accredited. Staff on the program includes and a pharmacist. The school offers start dates in August. Class scheduling: Full-time. Acceptance Requirements: (H.S. diploma or GED equivalency, admissions testing, interview, transcript, letter(s) of recommendation, etc.) General Location Training Sites: Aiken and Augusta. Academic award: Certificate. They say: In second semester there is a National exam review course.
Sumter, SC Area
Central Carolina Technical College
506 N Guignard Dr, Sumter, South Carolina 29150-2499Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Central Carolina Technical College can be taken at their campus in the city of Sumter, South Carolina. The college has about 4,456 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Central Carolina Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $3,814 and are $4,361 and $6,400 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost around $1,139, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited.
Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC Area
Greenville Technical College
738 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, South Carolina 29607-2418Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Greenville Technical College offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Greenville, SC. This public college has round 13,448 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Greenville Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the programs themselves are accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-district students are roughly around $3,974 and are $4,310 and $8,150 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,075, although this will depend on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 3 technicians, and a lab/clerical support member. The school offers starting dates in August. Class scheduling: Full-time, Day, and Evening. Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalency, admissions placement testing, transcripts, and Weighted Admissions. General Location Training Sites: Locally.. Academic award: Diploma. They say: Individualized, one-on-one instruction along with state-of-the-art lab. Financial aid available to most students. Portion of lab fees for state registration. Excellent success rate for students taking national exam.
Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC Area
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
2050 Highway 501 East, Conway, South Carolina 29526Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program
Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Conway, SC. The college has about 7,660 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Horry-Georgetown Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the programs are separately accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are likely to be about $3,590 and are $4,504 and $6,294 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $1,558, although this will vary with the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician,and 2 pharmacists. The school offers starting dates in Fall – August. Class scheduling: Day/Night. Acceptance Requirements: Must attend information session HS diploma or GED, admission testing, and transcripts. General Location Training Sites: Horry & Georgetown counties. Academic award: Diploma-1 year. They say: Assistance with state registration, preparation for certification examination, state-of-the-art classroom equipment and lab, hands-on skill development.
Columbia, SC Area
Midlands Technical College
1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, South Carolina 29170-2176Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Midlands Technical College offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. All programs are taught at their campus in West Columbia in Lexington County, SC. The college has round 11,634 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Midlands Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the programs themselves are accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are likely to be about $3,838 and are $4,750 and $11,086 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost around $1,630, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 2 technicians, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. Starting dates are: Diploma: May; Certificate: May, AugustCandidates can expect to attend an interview. Class scheduling: Internet, daytime, full-time, part-time. Acceptance Requirements: HOBET: composite 50, min. reading 46; Midlands Technical College writing sample: 30; SAT 910 (minimum verbal 430), ACT 19 (minimum verbal 18). Prior Associate Degree or higher, Completion of Pre-Health Care Certificate with 2.5 GPA & ?C: or higher in each course. General Location Training Sites: Columbia, SC; Sumter, SC. Academic award: Pharmacy Technician Diploma, Community Pharmacy Technician Certificate, Associate in Applied Science major Pharmacy Technician. They say: Hands-on skill development, Wireless lab with laptop computers, preparation for certification examination. Internet coursework. Financial aid available, job placement, remedial academic assistance.
Upper Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Area
Piedmont Technical College
620 North Emerald Road, Greenwood, South Carolina 29646Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Piedmont Technical College is offered at their campus in the town of Greenwood, South Carolina. This public college has in the region of 6,171 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Piedmont Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program is separately accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $3,800 and are $4,208 and $5,408 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost around $1,200, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes a technician,and a lab/clerical support member. The school offers starting dates in August. Acceptance Requirements: 1. Be at least 18 years of age2. Possess a high school diploma, GED or acceptable scores on the college’s placement test or on the SAT or ACT 33. Complete the college placement test to assess skills in reading, English and mathematics and demonstrate the ability to benefit from formal education.4. Submit official transcript from high school or GED and any college work General Location Training Sites: 7 County Area to include: Greenwood, Laurens, Edgefield, McCormick, Saluda, Abbeville, Newberry. Academic award: Diploma. They say: Hands-on Skill development; Computer experience; Financial aid; Job placement; Assistance with state registration; Preparation for certification examination; Laboratory experience; Interpersonal communication experience; Compliant with Students with Disabilities Act.
Columbia, SC Area
Remington College-Columbia Campus
607 Bush River Rd, Columbia, South Carolina 29210Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Remington College’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is based at their Columbia Campus campus in the city of Columbia, South Carolina. The majority of of the school’s 336 students are on short programs of under two years. Remington College-Columbia Campus has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are around $15,995 annually. The typical program completion time is 9 months. This program is ASHP accredited. Acceptance Requirements: H.S diploma or GED, admissions test, background check Academic award: Diploma/Certificate. They say: Hand-on training, financial aid, job placement, assistance with state registration, preparation for certification exams.
Spartanburg, SC Area
Spartanburg Community College
107 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Spartanburg Community College is offered at their campus in Spartanburg in Spartanburg County. This public college has about 5,864 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Spartanburg Community College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $3,880 and are $4,830 and $7,844 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost roughly $1,200, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 3 technicians, and 3 lab/clerical support. The school offers starting dates in the Fall, Spring, Summer terms. Class scheduling: Full-time, day. Acceptance Requirements: H.S. Diploma or GED equivalency, admission testing, meet with admissions counselor, transcript, attend orientation session, Biology or Chemistry in H.S. or equivalent, Math 101 (Beginning Algebra) and AHS 104 (Medical Vocabulary/Anatomy). Graduates must be 18 years old. General Location Training Sites: Spartanburg area, other arrangements may be made to accommodate students.. Academic award: Certificate. They say: State of the art lab including a simulated clean-room, retail and compounding areas; hands-on skill development in each area including sterile compounding, prescription filling, and non-sterile compounding; computer experience, financial aid, job placement, and preparation for certification exam.
Anderson, SC Area
Tri-County Technical College
7900 Highway 76, Pendleton, SC 29670Pharmacy Technician – Program
The program is taught at their location in Pendleton. The majority of of the school’s 6,386 students are on 2-year programs. Tri-County Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $3,852 and are $5,016 and $8,586 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost around $1,000, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 2 technicians, 2 lab/clerical support, and a pharmacist. The school offers start dates in June Prerequisite Course: Medical Terminology; Starting date Pharmacy Courses: August. Candidates can expect to attend an interview. Acceptance Requirements: HS diploma or GED equivalency documentation Interview with program director TABE assessment if no prior college courses (no charge for assessment testing) Transcript for previous college courses if applicable Background Check through PreCheck (www.PreCheck.com) Student submits online General Location Training Sites: Within Anderson, Oconee, Pickens county and the upstate SC. Academic award: Pharmacy Technician Certificate (A student successfully completing an ASHP approved program and PTCB national testing are currently eligible for designation as a SC Board of Pharmacy Certified pharmacy technician). They say: Daytime or evening program selection Three part payment plan by Module Dedicated pharmacy technician laboratory that includes: Sterile product preparation (3 flow hoods), non-Sterile compounding, and unit dose distribution and packaging Hospital and Retail Experiential clinical rotations required Assistance with job placement (excellent history of job placement) Assistance with state registration and PTCB application process information Volunteer study groups for PTCB certification examination review-instructor led Loan information assistance: www.wellsfargo.com, www.teri.org; www.salliemae.com/careerloan Credit allowed for employed pharmacy technicians
Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC Area
Trident Technical College
7000 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29423-8067Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Trident Technical College offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. All programs are taught at their campus in the city of Charleston. The college has about 17,489 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Trident Technical College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the programs themselves are accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are likely to be about $3,822 and are $4,238 and $7,210 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $2,000, although this will vary with the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician,a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers start dates in the Fall semester (August). Class scheduling: F/T, day/evening. Acceptance Requirements: H.S. Diploma, Admissions testing, math/reading prerequisite, transcript, background check General Location Training Sites: Greater Charleston area. Academic award: Diploma, Associate in Applied Science. They say: Mock pharmacy, hands-on labs, pharmacy computer system/USP 797 IV training, financial aid, scholarships, PTCB prep class, clinical rotations- community/hospital, state BOP registration, job placement, career counseling
Virginia College-Charleston
6185 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, South Carolina 29406Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Virginia College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at their Charleston campus in the city of North Charleston. This private, for-profit college has about 425 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. Virginia College-Charleston has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, while the program itself is accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition are about $13,330 yearly. This program is ASHP accredited.
Columbia, SC Area
Virginia College-Columbia
7201 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, South Carolina 29223Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Virginia College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at their Columbia campus in Columbia in Richland County, SC. The majority of of the school’s 550 students are on 2-year programs. Virginia College-Columbia has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, while the program is separately accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are around $17,620 annually. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 4 technicians, and a pharmacist. The school offers starting dates in April. Class scheduling: Full-time, Part-time, daytime, and evening. Acceptance Requirements: HS diploma or GED recipient, admissions testing (Accuplacer Testing Requirements), transcripts from all institutions: HS or college, Academic award: Upon completion of program a Certificate will be awarded. They say: Possibilities for Financial Aid, open computer labs for student’s to use for research, free tutorial sessions, state-of-the-art labs, preparation for certification examination, support with job placement, classes are quarterly, career relevant curriculum
Florence, SC Area
Virginia College-Florence
2400 David H. McLeod Blvd, Florence, South Carolina 29501Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Virginia College is taught at their Florence campus in Florence in Florence County. Most of the school’s 458 students are on 2-year programs. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are around $13,429 annually. This program is ASHP accredited.
Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC Area
Virginia College-Greenville
78 Global Dr Ste 200, Greenville, South Carolina 29607Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Virginia College is offered at their Greenville campus in the city of Greenville. The college has about 460 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Virginia College-Greenville has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, while the program is separately accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are generally around $11,895 annually. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 5 technicians. The school offers starting dates in January, April, June, and October. Candidates must undergo an interview. Class scheduling: Fulltime, part-time, daytime, evening. Acceptance Requirements: H.S diploma or GED equivalency, admissions testing, interview General Location Training Sites: Upstate area. Academic award: Certificate. They say: Virginia College in Greenville provides students with state registration before externship. Students also receive an 11 week review course to prepare them for the PTCB Certification Exam. Upon graduation Virginia College pays for students to take the National Certification Exam.
Spartanburg, SC Area
Virginia College-Spartanburg
8150 Warren H. Abernathy Highway, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301-2450Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Virginia College’s Certificate program is based at their Spartanburg campus in Spartanburg in Spartanburg County. Most of the school’s 495 students are on 2-year programs. Virginia College-Spartanburg has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, while the program itself is accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition are generally about $12,250 annually. This program is ASHP accredited.
Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC Area
York Technical College
452 S Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at York Technical College is offered at their campus in the city of Rock Hill, South Carolina. The majority of of the school’s 5,030 students are on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $4,145 and are $4,493 and $8,921 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost around $1,600, depending on the program chosen.
* Accredition status and tuition fees are correct at the time of last update and are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with college or university prior to application.
Out-of-State Options
See options in the neighboring states of North Carolina and Georgia.