by 
Pharmacy technicians in West Virginia have rewarding careers.
If you also plan on working in the industry, check out the article below for the training requirements.
Article Table of Contents
Training Requirements in West Virginia
In this state, you should be at least 17 years old to be able to train for a pharmacy technician position.
You should also be 18 years old when you apply for certification.
You should pass a background check and submit proof of having a high school diploma.
The first step is registering with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
Certifications for pharmacy technicians are available through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
If you choose to register as a trainee, you need 2,080 hours of training for over 2 years.
You must also enroll in a training program and work for at least 20 hours.
If you want to get certified, you should pick a trade school that is approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHSP).
Below you can read about the available schools in West Virginia:
- West Virginia Junior College: This college offers courses in Inventory Management, Sterile Compounding Procedures, and Management of Pharmacy Software.
- You will also be able to attend hands-on practice hours as well.
- Martinsburg College: This program features 18 credits and results in a pharmacy technician certificate.
- Mountwest Community and Technical College: This Board approved program offers an associate’s degree with 61 credits.
- Penn Foster Career School: The program is only available online and is also accredited.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Academy of Careers and Technology | 390 Stanaford Rd, Beckley, West Virginia 25801 |
| Carver Career Center | 4799 Midland Dr, Charleston, West Virginia 25306-6397 |
| Martinsburg College | 341 Aikens Center, Martinsburg, WV |
| Monongalia County Technical Education Center | 1000 Mississippi Street, Morgantown, West Virginia 26501 |
| Mountwest Community and Technical College | One Mountwest Way, Huntington, West Virginia 25701 |
| Ross Medical Education Center | 5707 MacCorkle Avenue S.E., Ste. 20, Charleston, West Virginia 25304-2816 |
| Ross Medical Education Center | 1064 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-1875 |
| West Virginia Junior College | 176 Thompson Dr., Bridgeport, West Virginia 26330 |
| West Virginia Junior College | 1000 Virginia St E, Charleston, West Virginia 25301 |
| West Virginia Junior College | 148 Willey St, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 |
| West Virginia University | 300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26104 |
How Can You Get Licensed in West Virginia
After meeting the education requirements, you will need to pass an exam.
In West Virginia, you can take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam provided by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
As another option, you can also take the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
In order to take the exam, you have to pay a fee.
You will need to renew your license once a year by the beginning of July.
Average Salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in West Virginia
In this state, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth of 11.5% from 2016 to 2026.
This means that pharmacy technician jobs increase by 300 every year.
You will also earn a higher salary if you have a higher education or live in a bigger city.
After you gain work experience, you will receive a higher salary than an entry-level.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $31,990 |
| Huntington | $31,017 |
| Morgantown | $34,381 |
| Parkersburg | $31,185 |
| Wheeling | $34,381 |
| Weirton | $34,258 |
| Fairmont | $34,381 |
| Martinsburg | $38,690 |
| Beckley | $31,709 |
| Clarksburg | $30,904 |
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 240 | $34,210 | $16.45 | $44,300 | $27,640 |
| Charleston, WV | 520 | $34,730 | $16.7 | $45,260 | $29,080 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 820 | $35,410 | $17.03 | $45,910 | $28,500 |
| Morgantown, WV | 480 | $36,960 | $17.77 | $44,760 | $28,960 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 140 | $33,570 | $16.14 | $42,630 | $26,820 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 230 | $34,210 | $16.45 | $44,910 | $26,350 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 280 | $35,120 | $16.89 | $43,940 | $28,280 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where Can You Get Hired as a Pharmacy Technician in West Virginia
There are numerous medical facilities hiring pharmacy technicians, such as drugstores, nursing homes, and hospitals.
Keep in mind that these facilities don’t have a traditional operating schedule and your working hours will vary.
You can choose to work full time or find a part-time job at first.
The cities that have the highest number of job openings include Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State