Washington State Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

To become a pharmacy technician in the state of Washington, the state requires two things. You must pass a national certification exam and complete a board-approved training program. Applicants must obtain education and training from:

(a)   Formal academic pharmacy technician training program approved by the board

OR

(b)   On-the-job pharmacy technician training program approved by the board.

In addition:

     (1) The minimum educational prerequisite for entering a training program shall be high school graduation or G.E.D.

     (2) Applicants must pass a board-approved national standardized pharmacy technician certification examination.

     (3) An out-of-state pharmacy technician applicant must meet the same requirements as a pharmacy technician trained in this state. The board must approve training programs approved in other states.

     (4) Applicants whose academic training has been obtained in foreign countries shall meet certification requirements as listed below:

     (a) Foreign pharmacy school graduates. Board approval of program completed for the degree.

     (b) Foreign medical school graduates. Board approval of program completed for the degree.

     (c) All foreign graduates for whom English is not the primary language shall provide proof of receiving a score of at least 173 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and a score of 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) prior to certification.

     (d) Foreign trained applicants must earn 520 hours of supervised experience in an approved pharmacy technician training program.

     (5) Prior to performing specialized functions, pharmacy technicians shall complete specialized training and meet proficiency criteria set forth by the board.

     (a) Unit-dose medication checking. The training proficiency criteria requires demonstration of 99% accuracy in medication checking.

     (b) Intravenous admixture preparation. The training proficiency criteria requires demonstration of 100% accuracy in intravenous admixture preparation of a representative sample of preparations provided by the facility using aseptic technique.

To become certified as a pharmacy technician, an individual must apply to the board for certification. The application must include:

     (1) A statement signed by the program director verifying the applicant has successfully completed the board-approved pharmacy technician training program.

     (2) Proof of passing a board-approved national standardized pharmacy technician certification examination.

Fortunately, the state of Washington is home to dozens of training programs that can help you pass the state exam and prepare for a successful career in the field. The Washington schools listed below are the most popular options for aspiring pharmacy technicians.

Washington Schools with Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:

Pharmacy Technician Programs - Major Washington  Colleges and Universities

University of Washington - Seattle

Renton Technical College - Renton

Clover Park Technical College - Lakewood

Pharmacy Technician Programs – Other Washington  Colleges

Centralia College - Centralia

Clark College - Vancouver

Edmonds Community College - Lynnwood

Grays Harbor College - Aberdeen

Lower Columbia College - Longview

Pima Medical Institute Renton - Renton

Pima Medical Institute Seattle - Seattle

Seattle Community College - North Campus Seattle

Skagit Valley College - Mount Vernon

Spokane Community College - Spokane

Tacoma Community College - Tacoma

Yakima Valley Community College - Yakima