Working as a Pharmacy Technician in South Carolina

If you’re looking for a career in a healthcare field that has plenty of job opportunities in several different types of settings, consider becoming a pharmacy technician. In this career, you would work under the supervision of a pharmacist preparing medication. On a typical day, your tasks may include measuring and mixing liquids, counting pills, labeling prescriptions and keeping clear and accurate records of dosages of prescribed medicines. [Leer en español]

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If you become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina, your work skills will be in high demand. Your job title could also be pharmacy tech or compounding technician.

What is Required to Become a Pharmacy Technician in South Carolina?

In order to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. You’re required to register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy in order to practice as a pharmacy tech. As part of this process, you have to verify lawful presence in the United States as a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident or qualified alien or non-immigrant.

Pharmacy Tech Educational and Training Programs in South Carolina

Formal pharmacy technician training may make you more attractive to a potential employer.  Completing a program accredited by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists is required to obtain state certification. Pharmacy tech programs in South Carolina include:

  • Greenville Technical College. This program includes both classroom and laboratory training as well as hands-on experience at a working pharmacy. It’s offered on the Benson Campus in Greer, and students can pursue either a diploma (52 weeks) or a certificate (24 weeks). Those who attain a diploma have higher salary potential and better opportunity for advancement.
  • Southeastern Institute – North Charleston. Students have the opportunity to study pharmacy technology on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time program can be completed in 10 months and the part-time program can be completed in 18 months. Classes may be taken in the evening, but the externship portion of the program must be completed during the day.
  • Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

Registration or State Certification of Pharmacy Techs in South Carolina

Registration with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy is required before you can work as a pharmacy technician. Registration must be renewed annually by June 30th of each year. Ten hours of continuing education are required to renew your registration.

To become South Carolina state-certified, you must have a current pharmacy tech registration and have passed the national certification exam through PTCB or ExCPT. You must also have completed a training program through a school accredited by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) and have completed 1,000 hours of practice under a licensed pharmacist.

Pharmacy Tech Job Outlook and Salary Expectations in South Carolina

Across the country, employment growth of pharmacy technicians is predicted to be approximately 12 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  This is faster than average for all occupations. The demand for prescription medications continues to increase, partly because of an aging population and also because there are higher rates of chronic diseases among all age groups.

According to Career One-Stop, in South Carolina the hourly pay of pharmacy technicians ranges from a low of $10.32 per hour to a high of $19.35 per hour with the median at $14.18. The annual salary ranges from $21,470 to $40,240 with a median of $29,490.

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Pharmacy Tech Job Opportunities in South Carolina

Opportunities to work as a pharmacy tech in South Carolina are available in both retail and institutional settings.  You might work in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility or a drug store or pharmacy. Your hours might include working days, nights or weekends, since many healthcare settings are open around the clock.

Projected job growth in this field in South Carolina is estimated at approximately 15 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is even higher than the prediction of 12 percent nationally. Some of the highest paying areas for pharmacy technicians in this state include Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Columbia. Throughout the state of South Carolina, job opportunities for pharmacy technicians look very promising.

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FAQs

What are best pharmacy technician schools in South Carolina?

  1. Trident Technical College, Charleston
  2. Augusta Technical College, Augusta
  3. Southeastern Institute, Charleston and Columbia
  4. Central Carolina Technical College, Sumter
  5. York Technical College, Rock Hill
  6. Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg

How do you become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?

  1. You must be at least 18 years old
  2. You must have a high school diploma or GED
  3. Pass a criminal record check
  4. Register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy
  5. Complete 10 hours continuing education

How much do pharmacy technicians make in South Carolina?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of South Carolina made an average of $31,530 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $21,910 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $41,950.

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Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Area

Aiken Technical College

2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC 29829
Pharmacy 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 29150-2499
Pharmacy 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 29607-2418
Pharmacy 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.

Columbia, SC Area

Midlands Technical College

1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, South Carolina 29170-2176
Pharmacy 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 29646
Pharmacy 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 29210
Pharmacy 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 29303
Pharmacy 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.

Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC Area

Trident Technical College

7000 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29423-8067
Pharmacy 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

* 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.