Virginia Pharmacy Technician Requirements and Training Programs

Pharmacy technicians work pharmacy counters, attending to customers’ needs and dispensing medication. They work in various health care settings, from hospitals to retail locations, executing numerous tasks that don’t need the professional judgment of a pharmacist. Their primary responsibilities include managing inventory, labeling, dispensing and formulating medications, billing, and data entry. Pharmacy technicians must communicate effectively with customers and other medical professionals. They should be knowledgeable about the medications they dispense in order to respond to patient questions. Virginia’s pharmacy technician training programs, managed by the Board of Pharmacy, ensure prospective technicians obtain the knowledge and techniques required to support licensed pharmacists. A Board-developed state exam measures technicians’ knowledge of the basic responsibilities as required by Virginia Law.

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Pharmacy Technician Schools in VA

Virginia Pharmacy Technician Requirements

License Requirement

Licensed pharmacies must, by law, hire board-registered pharmacy technicians only. If you’re enrolled in an approved pharmacy technician training program and must perform the duties of a pharmacy technician, you must first apply for and be issued a registration as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee. You may apply for registration as a pharmacy technician program after enrolling and completing a state-approved program.

After graduating from the program, you must obtain national certification before submitting your online application for registration. There are currently only two Board approved exams: the PTCB and the ExCPT exam.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to register as a pharmacy technician in Virginia.

Education Requirement

Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy does not prohibit non-high school graduates from registering as pharmacy technicians. However, national certification is required for registration, and a high school diploma is required to apply for the PTCB or ExCPT exam.

Other Requirements

The Board of Pharmacy requires all candidates seeking registration to complete a criminal background check. The Board may refuse to grant registration based on a review of your criminal history. Pending felony charges or crimes involving moral turpitude, and violations of state, federal or local drug laws can affect your ability to register as a pharmacy technician. If you have a history or substance abuse or drug dependency, the Board will need confirmation from your doctor that you’re capable of performing your duties as a pharmacy technician.

The Pharmacy Technician Program

Content

State approved training programs provide classroom instruction along with laboratory and a pharmacy externship to prepare graduates for employment as pharmacy technicians at hospitals, retail outlets, health care agencies, and other health care settings. In July 2022, the Board of Pharmacy has outlined specific requirements for pharmacy technician programs that are approved. A board-approved program must be:

  1. Jointly accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), or
  2. An accredited training program operated through the Department of Education’s (DOE) Career and Technical Education program, or
  3. A program operated through a federal agency or branch of the military, or
  4. A program accredited by an accreditation body approved by the board.

The training covers all aspects of federal and state laws as they pertain to the pharmaceuticals. Other essential topics include pharmacology (drugs and their interactions in the human body), side effects, and the use and abuse of drugs. Pharmaceutical calculations help students learn the basics of drug preparations, and package and distributions help them assist pharmacists with these common activities. To complete the training, students must participate in a practical learning experience by working for a stipulated period in a hospital or community pharmacy.

Program graduates are prepared to sit for the national PTCB or ExCPT exams to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Duration and Cost

Pharmacy technician training costs depend on what the program offers in terms of certification. Certificate and diploma programs run for 6 to 20 weeks, and the average cost of tuition is $9,300. Some programs include extended practice hours for the pharmacy technician externship and can cost as much $23,500 for tuition only. All programs have associated costs attached, which students must budget for: textbooks, course materials, registration, background screening, CPR, uniform, immunization and exam fees are just some of the extra costs of pharmacy tech training.

National Exams

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy requires candidates for registration to obtain national certification from the PTCB or NHA. The NHA exam (ExCPT) is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Successful completion of the exam will lead to the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. National certification increases your employment opportunities nationwide. The cost for the exam is $117.

The other board-recognized option is the PTCB exam. The PTCB exam contains 90 multiple choice questions in the two-hour exam. You must score 650 out of 900 to pass the exam. The PTCB requires a high school diploma and criminal background check for certification. You must also meet the biennial continuing education requirements to maintain certification. Registration for the PTCB exam is $129.

Acquiring Your State License

Application

Currently, the Board of Pharmacy accepts online applications for pharmacy technician and pharmacy technician trainee registration.

  • Submit your completed application online
  • Must submit documentation of completing high school or equivalent
  • Must complete the documents required to initiate a criminal records check
  • Submit a recent passport-sized photo with your application
  • Request and submit proof of national certification to the Board of Pharmacy
  • Submit documents to validate US citizenship or residency

Renewal

You must maintain your registration in order to continue working as a pharmacy technician. Registration is due annually, and the cost for the renewal is $25. Pharmacy techs must also complete a minimum of 5 hours of continuing pharmacy education annually. The hours must be from an ACPE-approved program or certain Category 1 CME, or a program that the Board of Pharmacy approved. Credits earned outside of these requirements will not qualify for registration renewal.

Transfers

Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy does not approve transfers from other states through reciprocity or otherwise. Out-of-state technicians, certified by the PTCB, can apply for registration using their national certification. All other technicians must complete a state-approved training program and apply for registration as outlined above.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463
Phone: (804) 367-4456
Fax: (804) 527-4472
Automated License Verification: (804) 270-6836
Email: pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov

State-Approved Pharmacy Technician Training Programs in Virginia

Abingdon, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Washington County Public Schools

225 Stanley Street, Abingdon, VA 24210

540-628-1870

 

Virginia Highlands Community College (online)

P.O. Box 828, Abingdon, VA 24210

276-739-2400

Arlington, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Arlington Career Center

816 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington, VA 22204

703-228-5800

Big Stone Gap, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Mountain Empire Community College

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3441 Mountail Empire Rd., Big Stone Gap VA 24219

276-523-2400

Charlottesville, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

American National University

3926 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22911

434-295-0136

 

Piedmont Virginia Community College

501 College Drive, Charlottesville VA 22902

434-977-3900

 

UVA Health Department of Pharmacy Services

1240 Lee Street, Charlottesville VA 22903

434-924-2390

Chesapeake, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Chesapeake Career Center

1617 Cedar Road, Chesapeake VA 23322

757-547-0134

Chester, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Chester Career College

751 West Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23836

804-751-9191

Chesterfield, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Chesterfield Career and Technical Center

10101 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield VA 23832

804-639-8668

Christianburg VA, Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Montgomery County Public Schools (Virginia)

750 Imperial Street, Christianburg VA 24060

(540) 382-5100

Danville, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

American National University

336 Old Riverside Drive, Danville, VA 24541

434-793-6822

Dublin, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

New River Community College

5251 College Drive, Dublin, VA 24084

540-674-3633

 

Pulaski County High School Career and Technical Education

5014 Cougar Trail Rd, Dublin VA 24084

501-234-2076

Fairfax, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Fairfax County Public Schools

3877 Fairfax Ridge Road, Fairfax VA 22030

571-423-4552

Falls Church, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Stratford University

Falls Church, VA 22043

703-734-5314

Fisherville, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Valley Vocational Technical Center

49 Hornet Road, Fishersville, VA 22939

540-245-5002

Franklin, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Paul D. Camp Community College (Online)

100 N. College Drive, Franklin, VA 23851

757-569-6050

Glen Allen, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Stratford University

11104 W. Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA 23060

804-290-4231

Grundy, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Buchanan County Career, Technology and Higher Learning Center

P.O. Box 833, Grundy, VA 24614

276-935-4551

 

Buchanan General Hospital

Route 5, Box 20, Grundy, VA 24614

276-935-8718

Harrisonburg, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

American National University

1515 Country Club Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

540-432-0943

Henrico, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare

2105 East Parham Road, Ste 108, Henrico VA 23228

1 866-348-6920

 

Fresh Start Healthcare, LLC

8568 Sanford Drive, Henrico VA 23228

804-539-3809

 

Virginia Pharmacy

2212 Carlisle Avenue, Henrico, VA 23231

804-334-2274

 

Edgenuity Online Pharmacy Technician Training

9507 Woodman Road, Suite B, Henrico, VA 23228

804-517-4029

 

J.T. Pharmacy

9507-B Woodman Road, Henrico, VA 23228

804-517-4029

Highland Springs, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Henrico County Public Schools

100 Tech Drive, Highland Springs, VA 23075

804-781-1820

Leesburg, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

The Compounding Center

36-C Catoctin Cir SE, Leesburg VA 20175

703-779-3301

Locust Grove, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Germanna Community College

2130 Germanna Highway, Locust Grove, VA 22508

540-423-9030

Lynchburg, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

American National University

104 Candlewood Court, Lynchburg, VA 24502

434-239-3500

Martinsville, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

American National University

905 North Memorial Blvd., Martinsville, VA 24112

540-632-5621

 

Patrick Henry Community College (online)

645 Patriot Avenue, Martinsville VA 24112

276-656-0248

Mechanicsville, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Hanover County Public Schools

Mechanicsville, VA 23116

804-365-4546

Newport News, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

New Horizons Regional Education Center

13400 Woodside Lane, Newport News, VA 23608

757-874-4444

 

Stratford University

836 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601

757-873-4235

New Kent, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Bridging Communities Governor’s STEM Academy

7930 New Chipping Lane, New Kent VA 23124

804-966-8575

Norfolk, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Norfolk Public Schools

1330 N. Military Highway, Norfolk, VA 23502

757-368-4150

Portsmouth, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Tidewater Community College

120 Campus Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23701

757-822-2301

Richlands, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Southwest Virginia Community College

P.O. Box SVCC, Richlands, VA 24641

276-964-2555

Richmond, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Bremo Pharmacy Technician Preparatory Course

2002 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA 23230

804-285-8055

 

J.T. Pharmacy Technician Training

313 E. Broad Street, Richmond VA 23219

804-517-4029

 

Sargeant Reynolds Community College

700 East Jackson Street, Richmond, VA 23219

804-786-1375

 

Westwood Pharmacy

5823 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226

804-288-1933

 

Richmond Technical Center

Richmond, VA 23230

804-780-6237

Roanoke, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Carilion Clinic

1906 Belleview Avenue, Roanoke VA 24014

540-562-5700

 

The Kroger Company

3631 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke VA 24019

540-563-3602

 

Virginia Western Community College

3093 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke VA 24015

540-857-6476

 

West Pharmacy

2012 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018

540-774-5500

 

New Horizons Healthcare

3716 Melrose Ave, NW, Roanoke VA 24017

540-283-2552

Saint Paul, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Hamilton Pharmacy

16610 Russell Street, Saint Paul, VA 24283

276-762-9080

South Boston, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Halifax County Public Schools

P.O. Box 310, South Boston, VA 24592

434-575-2077

Springfield, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Northern Virginia Community College

6699 Springfield Center Dr., Springfield, VA 22150

703-822-6523

Virginia Beach, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Virginia Beach City Public Schools Technical and Career Education Center

2925 N. Landing Road, Virginia Beach VA 23456

757-648-5850

 

Stratford University

555 S. Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

757-497-4466

Weyers Cave, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Blue Ridge Community College

P.O. Box 80, Weyers Cave, VA 24486

540-453-2215

Wilkesboro, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Wilkes Community College (offered online)

1328 S. Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

336-838-6276

Williamsburg, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Heart to Heart Career Training Center

312 Waller Mill Rd, Suite 600, Williamsburg VA 23185

888-505-1277

Winchester, VA Pharmacy Technician Training programs:

Frederick County Public Schools Pharmacy Technician Academy

1415 Amherst Street, Winchester VA 22602

540-662-3888

Woodbridge, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Stratford University Woodbridge Campus

14349 Gideon Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22192

703-897-1982

Wytheville, VA Pharmacy Technician training programs:

Wytheville Community College

1000 E. Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382

276-223-4829

Other Pharmacy Technician training programs approved by Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy:

CVS/pharmacy

1 CVS DRIVE – mail code 2325, Woonsocket RI 02895

401-770-7055

 

MRxI Professional Pharmacy Technician Program

1001 Ogden Avenue, Suite 201, Downers Grove IL 60515

630-541-3600

 

National College of Business and Technology

1328 Hwy 11 West, Bristol, TN 37620

423-878-4440

 

Rite Aid Corporation

30 Hunter Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011

717-975-5768

 

Univ. of Florida College of Pharmacy (online)

Gainesville FL 32609

352-273-6275

 

Supervalu Pharmacies

3030 Cullerton Dr., Franklin Park IL 60131

847-916-4272

 

Target Corporation

1000 Nicollet Mall, TPS-1799, Minneapolis, MN 55431

804-418-7403

 

 

 

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