HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN WEST VIRGINIA

Pharmacy technicians are healthcare professionals who are supervised by licensed pharmacists. Pharmacy techs assist patients in getting their prescriptions filled by entering information into the computer, counting out pills and compounding medications that need to be mixed, printing prescription labels, and dispensing medicines to patients. They may also take inventory, take payments for medication, and answer phones. [Leer en español]

WEST VIRGINIA PHARMACY TECHNICIAN REQUIREMENTS

Pharmacy technicians in West Virginia must first register through the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. However, before they can register, they must become certified. Certification is available by taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Those interested in registering must be 18 or older and have a diploma from high school or a GED. You must complete a Board-approved pharmacy tech training program and apply for registration through the Board. An application fee will apply. The license for registered pharmacy techs must be renewed yearly by July 1st.

If you don’t have certification, you can still register as a pharmacy technician trainee. You can work as a pharmacy tech in training for a total of two years or 2,080 hours. Pharmacy techs in training can be younger than 18. However, they must complete a formal training program that is provided through an academic institution or a pharmacy. Additionally, they must complete 20 hours of training with the pharmacist in charge where they will be working.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN WEST VIRGINIA

Prospective West Virginia pharmacy technicians must complete a training program before they can work in that role. Programs that have been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHSP) are recommended because these programs are designed to help students pass the national certification exams. The following pharmacy technician programs are available in West Virginia:

West Virginia Junior College. West Virginia Junior College has campuses located in Bridgeport, Charleston, and Morgantown. This program is Board-approved. Some of the courses taught include Inventory Management, Sterile Compounding Procedures, and Management of Pharmacy Software. An externship is included in this program, allowing students to work in a pharmacy before graduation. This program prepares students to take the national certification exam.
Martinsburg College. Located in Martinsburg, WV, the goal of the program at Martinsburg College is to teach students pharmacological concepts and processes and pharmacy practices. This program consists of 18 credit hours, and graduates earn a pharmacy technician certificate. Students will learn pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmacy law, and more.
Mountwest Community and Technical College. Mountwest Community and Technical College are located in Huntington. This program is ASHSP-accredited. There are 61 credit hours required to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in this program. Students will learn how to prepare prescriptions, pour, measure, and mix medications, assist the pharmacist in filling prescriptions, and more. This program includes an internship.
Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

Would you like to help us make our content better?

Have you studied at a pharmacy technician school in West Virginia? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

How was your experience at this college? Was it worthwhile? Did it meet with your expectations?

If you'd like to help us, click here for a 4 minute survey

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION BOARD (PTCB)

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. This exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required of pharmacy technicians. It covers topics such as drug classifications, pharmacology, dosage calculations, record keeping, inventory control, and more. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must be 18 or older and have completed a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also have completed a Board-approved pharmacy technician program. The certification is valid for two years and must be renewed by July 1st of each year.

The PTCB Exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 2 hours. The exam fee is $129 and the renewal fee is $49.

SALARY AND CAREER OUTLOOK IN WEST VIRGINIA

From 2020 to 2030, the number of pharmacy technician jobs is expected to increase by 5 percent nationally. In West Virginia, these jobs are expected to increase by 10 percent with approximately 260 new positions being created.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data that show pharmacy technicians in West Virginia earn an average of $14.08 hourly or $29,280 annually. The more years of experience you have, the more you may be able to earn above the average salary. Top earners in the state can earn as much as $45,550 annually.

Find Schools Near You

WHERE TO WORK AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN WEST VIRGINIA

Pharmacy technicians work in drugstores or other retail pharmacies, independent pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes. Pharmacy techs may work either part-time or full-time. You should be prepared to stand for many hours and have good manual dexterity and communication skills. A certified pharmacy technician may work in any pharmacy setting in the state, such as a retail pharmacy, hospital, or mail-order pharmacy.

There are pharmacies located throughout West Virginia, so work should be available almost anywhere in the state. Furthermore, West Virginia is second among the states for the highest concentration of pharmacy tech jobs. You may want to start your job search in some of the larger cities like Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown.

Find Schools Near You

FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in West Virginia?

Ross Medical Education Center, Charleston
Mountwest Community and Technical College, Huntington
West Virginia Junior College, Morgantown
Penn Foster Career School, Online
Ashworth College, Online

How do you become a pharmacy technician in West Virginia?

You must be at least 18 years old
You must have a high school diploma or GED
Pass a criminal record check
Complete a Board-approved pharmacy tech training program
Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or ExCPT exam and apply for certification
Register with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy

How much do pharmacy technicians make in West Virginia?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of West Virginia made an average of $29,280 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $22,970 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $45,550.

ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS

Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Area

Academy of Careers and Technology

do not remove this text390 Stanaford Rd, Beckley, West Virginia 25801iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Academy of Careers and Technology’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the city of Beckley, WV. This public college has in the order of 124 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are in the order of $2,840 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $635. Program completion is normally 9 months.

Charleston, WV Area

Carver Career Center

do not remove this text4799 Midland Dr, Charleston, West Virginia 25306-6397iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Carver Career Center’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in Charleston in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Most of the school’s 278 students are on 2-year programs. Carver Career Center has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, and the Board of Trustees, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 96%. The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $5,237 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,851, depending on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. Staff on the program includes a technician, and a lab/clerical support member. The school offers start dates in August and January. You will be required to attend an interview. Class scheduling: evening, full-time. Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma or GED; preadmission exam; written interview questions; and, a personal interview. General Location Training Sites: Kanawha and surrounding counties of Charleston, WV. They say: Carver Career and Technical Educational Center offers the only ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician program in the state. The program is governed by an advisory committee of local pharmacists and technicians. Pharmacists and technicians at over 12 different clinical locations volunteer as preceptors for our students. Carver Career and Technical Education Center offer financial aid and job placement services are also available. Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician Program are required to take the PTCB National Certification Exam (the cost of the exam is included in the cost of the class).

Morgantown, WV Area

Monongalia County Technical Education Center

do not remove this text1000 Mississippi Street, Morgantown, West Virginia 26501iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Monongalia County Technical Education Center’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the city of Morgantown. The majority of the school’s 84 students are on short programs of under two years. Monongalia County Technical Education Center is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is, as a rough guide, in the order of $2,470 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,375. Program completion is normally 9 months.

Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Area

Mountwest Community and Technical College

do not remove this textOne Mountwest Way, Huntington, West Virginia 25701iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Mountwest Community and Technical College can be taken at their campus in Huntington in Cabell County. The college has roughly 2,257 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Mountwest Community and Technical College have institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and the program itself are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be about $3,354 and for students from other states likely to be about $8,774 yearly, while study materials may cost about $1,167, although this will vary with the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician and 2 lab/clerical support. The school offers start dates in the Fall. An interview is required. Class scheduling: Full-time, Day. Acceptance Requirements: H.S. diploma or GED. Students must complete 1st-year courses with a grade of “C” or better. Interview with Program Coordinator. General Location Training Sites: Within 50 miles of the college. Academic award: A.A.S Pharmacy Technician. They say: Hands-on skill development, laminar flow hoods for sterile intravenous compounding, experienced preceptors during experiential training, job placement assistance, and financial aid available. After completion of the program, students will earn an A.A.S Pharmacy Technician.

Charleston, WV Area

Ross Medical Education Center-Charleston

do not remove this text5707 MacCorkle Avenue S.E., Ste. 20, Charleston, West Virginia 25304-2816iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Ross Medical Education Center’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Charleston campus in the city of Charleston. This private, for-profit college has around 66 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are in the order of $14,150 annually. Program completion is normally 9 months. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Morgantown, WV Area

Ross Medical Education Center-Morgantown

do not remove this text1064 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-1875iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Ross Medical Education Center is taught at their Morgantown campus in Morgantown in Monongalia County. The majority of the school’s 84 students are on short programs of under two years. Ross Medical Education Center-Morgantown has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are, as a rough guide, in the order of $14,150 annually. Program completion is normally 9 months. This program has AHSP candidate status.

North Central West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Area

West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport

do not remove this text176 Thompson Dr., Bridgeport, West Virginia 26330iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

West Virginia Junior College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their Bridgeport campus in the town of Bridgeport. This private, for-profit college has roughly 210 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $12,650 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $207, although this will depend on the program.

Charleston, WV Area

West Virginia Junior College-Charleston

do not remove this text1000 Virginia St E, Charleston, West Virginia 25301iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

West Virginia Junior College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are imparted at their Charleston campus in the city of Charleston, West Virginia. The college has about 213 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. West Virginia Junior College-Charleston is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $12,625 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $207, although this will depend on the program.

Morgantown, WV Area

West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown

do not remove this text148 Willey St, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

West Virginia Junior College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their Morgantown campus in the city of Morgantown. Most of the school’s 291 students are on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $13,090 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $207, depending on the program.

Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna, WV-OH Area

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

do not remove this text300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26104iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in Parkersburg in Wood County, WV. The majority of the school’s 3,461 students are on 4-year programs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.* Tuition fees for in-state students are in the order of $2,712 and for students from outside the state approximately $9,648 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $1,500, although this will depend on the program.

* Accreditation status and tuition fees are correct at the time of the last update and are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college or university before applying.

OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

Residents of West Virginia may also wish to review their options in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and Kentucky.