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Washington is a good place to start your pharmacy technician career.
If you want to learn more about this job, read the article below.
Article Table of Contents
Training Requirements in Washington
The training criteria for pharmacy technicians are managed by the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission.
The first requirements include having completed high-school or an equivalent and passing a background check.
You also have to be 18 years old before you can apply for a license.
You must first enroll in a trade school and join a pharmacy technician training program.
The vocational college or trade school you enroll in should have received accreditation from the Board.
In Washington, some suitable schools that have available programs are:
- North Seattle College: This school has a pharmacy training program that lasts for 9 months.
- You will attend both theory classes and practical training.
- Renton Technical College: The program provides a Certificate of Completion but also an Associate of Applied Science degree.
- Carrington College: This is another accredited school that provides both a diploma program and an associate’s degree program.
- Penn Foster Career School: If you are looking for an online school, check out this pharmacy technician program.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Carrington College | 10102 E. Knox Ave., Suite 200, Spokane, Washington 99206-4187 |
| Clark College | 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington 98663-3598 |
| Clover Park Technical College | 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, Washington 98499-4004 |
| Edmonds Community College | 20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood, Washington 98036-5912 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 555 South Renton Village Pl-Ste 400, Renton, Washington 98057 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 9709 Third Ave NE Suite 400, Seattle, Washington 98115 |
| Renton Technical College | 3000 NE Fourth St, Renton, Washington 98056-4123 |
| Seattle Community College | 9600 College Way North, Seattle, Washington 98103-3599 |
| Skagit Valley College | 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, Washington 98273 |
| Spokane Community College | 1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, Washington 99217-5399 |
| Yakima Valley Community College | South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, Washington 98907-2520 |
Before you choose your program, you should know diploma programs last for less than a year.
On the other hand, enrolling in an associate’s degree program will last for about 2 years.
You can also get better-paying jobs if you attend higher education.
Online training programs are also accepted for this trade if attending in person is not possible.
How Can You Become Licensed in Washington
After you complete your training, you can apply for a working permit from the Commission.
You must also take and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.
This exam is available through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and requires a fee.
After you obtain your new permit, you have to renew it once a year.
You have to attend 10 extra education hours and pay a certain fee before you renew the license.
Average Salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in Washington
In Washington, the medical industry is constantly growing.
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a job increase of 9% in the period between 2016 and 2026.
Overall in the US, the industry will offer 12% more jobs within the same time period.
The salaries for pharmacy technicians vary based on your completed education and location.
If you live and work in a larger city, you have higher chances to find a job that pays well.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $38,420 |
| Spokane | $34,838 |
| Tacoma | $37,440 |
| Vancouver | $36,612 |
| Bellevue | $38,420 |
| Kent | $37,365 |
| Everett | $37,577 |
| Renton | $38,382 |
| Federal Way | $37,440 |
| Yakima | $34,759 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 220 | $46,170 | $22.2 | $58,380 | $35,980 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 220 | $47,880 | $23.02 | $60,170 | $36,200 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 250 | $44,840 | $21.56 | $54,080 | $36,350 |
| Longview, WA | 100 | $49,230 | $23.67 | $62,670 | $36,240 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 130 | $47,480 | $22.83 | $59,500 | $37,720 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 270 | $49,840 | $23.96 | $62,080 | $37,390 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 4,140 | $51,940 | $24.97 | $63,790 | $37,270 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 700 | $46,440 | $22.33 | $59,500 | $35,860 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 60 | $46,310 | $22.27 | $53,870 | $35,340 |
| Wenatchee, WA | 130 | $46,180 | $22.2 | $58,610 | $35,930 |
| Yakima, WA | 250 | $43,550 | $20.94 | $50,100 | $33,880 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where Can You Work as a Pharmacy Technician in Washington
As soon as you have your license, you can get hired by a medical facility in your area.
These might include pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes.
The industry is most developed in cities like Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Everett, and Yakima.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State