Virginia Pharmacy Technician Program

Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in VA

Here at Stepful, we have a 4-Month Virginia Pharmacy Technician program that prepares you to take the NHA CPhT certification exam. We offer career coaching plus an optional in-person externship around Virginia.

Spots are limited. We accept qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis.
Program Currently Not Available in This Region.
  • 4-Month Online VA Pharmacy Technician Course

  • Receive your National NHA-CPhT Certificate

  • 100% Online Followed by In-Person Externship

  • Job Interview Prep and Resume Services

  • 1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment

  • Now Enrolling in Virginia!

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Get Your Pharmacy Technician Certification Online While in VA

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career by becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in Virginia, Stepful’s online pharmacy technician program can help you achieve your goals.

Our Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) & National Healthcareer Association (NHA) approved program prepares you to earn your CPhT certification online, perform all the duties of pharmacy technicians, and find a job near you in Virginia after graduation.

Our Virginia pharmacy technician classes take 4 months to complete and cover essential topics such as pharmacology, prescriptions, pharmacy calculations, and more.

At Stepful, it's not just about getting certified; we are here to help students gain real world experience and land full time jobs. The Stepful staff is here to support you at every stage of the journey. From career preparedness to help finding an in-person externship*, we're here to help you launch your career in healthcare.
*Please note, students must be available M-F, 9-5 p.m. to be eligible for externship support.

4 months of online training
130 clinical hours
PTCB CPhT & NHA CPhT Certification Prep
75%
NHA Certification Pass Rate
+12 Points Above the National Average
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How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Virginia

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in ensuring that the medications prescribed to patients are safe and effective. They are essential to patient care. Pharmacy technicians are regulated by the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy. Here are the requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Virginia:
1

Graduate from High School or Complete Your GED

To work as a pharmacy technician in Virginia, you have to be 18 years or older. Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED, undergo a criminal background check, and must be proficient in the English language. 

You’ll need proof of these items when you enroll in a training program and register with the state.

2

Enroll in and Complete a Pharmacy Technician Course

In Virginia, national pharmacy technician certification is required for most pharmacy technician roles. To be eligible to take the certification exam, you should enroll in a pharmacy technician course accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

At Stepful, our accredited online pharmacy technician course offers a 4-month program that prepares students to take their national exam with confidence.

3

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Externship

Externships provide valuable hands-on experience, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. This exposure gives you insight into how pharmacies and healthcare facilities operate. 

Look for externship opportunities at local pharmacies, hospitals, or long-term care facilities to gain experience. At Stepful, we also offer externship opportunities for our students, helping them build professional relationships with licensed pharmacists and other pharmacy technicians, ensuring they’re well-prepared for their future careers.

4

Pass Your Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

To work as a pharmacy technician in Virginia, you must pass either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and NHA's ExCPT.  

You are eligible to take the exam if you have at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician. Stepful, we also provide students the opportunity to take the NHA-CPhT exams, with full support from our staff every step of the way.

Additionally, candidates must apply to the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy. The application process includes submitting a passport-sized photo and having the application notarized.

5

Start your Career

It’s time to embark on your new journey as a certified pharmacy technician. At Stepful, we offer career coaching and resume assistance to help you navigate the job search process. Once you have landed an interview, our team also helps you prepare, ensuring you’re ready to answer each question with confidence.

You can explore job openings at local facilities in your area, such as UVA Health, through the Virginia Workforce Connection, or at local pharmacies. With your certification and our support, you’re on your way to fulfilling a healthcare career in Virginia.

Apply Now
  • Get Hired as a Pharmacy Technician

    Our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search in Virginia.

  • Pharmacy Tech Classes that Fit your Life

    Our Virginia pharmacy technician course is completely online and includes an optional in-person externship in VA. Part-time and evening classes are available.

  • Supportive Community

    We’re there for you every step of the way. Your instructor, coach, and peers will do whatever they can to help you succeed.
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It works

80% of graduates are employed as medical assistants within 3 months of graduation

Graduate our online medical assistant training program & find jobs at top healthcare companies—just like Stepful’s alumni.
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Monique
New Jersey, New Jersey
The reason I joined Stepful is to pursue my life-long dream of working in the medical field. And they made it happen!
Imani
Brooklyn, New York
This is the first time someone invests in me. Thank you Stepful for the leap of faith.
Juan
Queens, New York
Thank you Stepful for helping me land my dream job as a Medical Assistant in a Doctor's office. I wouldn’t have made it without you.
Jianee
Bronx, New York
Amazing school! Great learning environment! It allows you to apply your skills into the medical field.

Pharmacy Technician Classes at Your Own Schedule in Virginia

Learn online, part-time, and at your own schedule while in VA. Morning & evening classes are available. Get 1:1 support from enrollment to employment.

4 Months

Program length

Part Time

Morning & Evening Classes

$41,650

Average starting salary

NHA-CPhT

Certification

Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program has received accreditation by ASHP! American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is the only nationally-recognized pharmacy association that accredits pharmacy technician training programs in the United States. ASHP accreditation represents formal recognition of the high quality of services and care provided by Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program.

What you'll learn

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Weeks 1-4

Learn the foundational healthcare knowledge you need to become a well-rounded pharmacy technician and start diving into pharmacy practice.

Weeks 5-9

Master the ins and outs of pharmacology and get hands-on with pharmacy calculations and prescription medications.

Weeks 10-14

Prepare for your certification exam and work with your Stepful coordinator to find a clinical externship at a convenient location.

Weeks 15-20

Apply everything you learned online and earn clinical hours in a pharmacy setting. Our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search.

Virginia Pharmacy Technician Course
Schedule & Upcoming Classes

Start Date
Graduation Date
Timing
Status

Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia: Certification & Licensing

Pharmacy technicians in Virginia must work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Despite needing a national pharmacy technician certification or license to practice it's ethically important to follow Virginia’s Regulations Governing the Licensure of Pharmacists and Registration of Pharmacy Technicians.
1

Virginia Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

In Virginia pharmacy technician students must pass a national exam to demonstrate their competency in the field. The most recognized options include the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) and the Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). 

Both exams can enhance your professional credibility. While certification is not required by the state, most employers prefer certified pharmacy technicians because it enhances professional credibility and ensures competency in the field.

2

Virginia Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

Besides registering with the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy. To maintain an active license, pharmacy technicians must complete 1.5 CEUs (equivalent to 15 contact hours) of continuing education from an approved program. 

At least three hours of the 15 contact hours should be obtained through the following:

  • One hour for attending a board meeting or formal hearing
  • One hour for serving a preceptor, pharmacy student, or resident in an accredited program

Two hours for volunteering in pharmacy services

Virginia Pharmacy Technician Scope of Practice & Common Responsibilities

Pharmacy technicians play a key role in assisting pharmacists and ensuring the smooth operation of the pharmacy by performing various essential tasks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of pharmacy technician duties in the state:

What Pharmacy Technicians Cannot Do in Virginia

In Virginia, pharmacy technicians must operate within a defined scope of practice. There are a few duties that pharmacy technicians are not authorized to perform, including:

  • Counseling patients on the medications.
  • Providing medical advice.
  • Interpreting prescriptions.
  • Performing tasks requiring a higher level of education.

What Pharmacy Technicians Can Do & Common Responsibilities in Virginia

Despite the previous restrictions, pharmacy technicians in Virginia have many important duties supporting pharmacists and ensuring the smooth operation of the pharmacy. Some responsibilities include:

  • Handling chemotherapeutic agents safely.
  • Assisting in the preparation and dispensing of medications.
  • Managing medication inventory.
  • Providing customer service.
  • Adhering to safety protocols.

Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia

Salary: $41,650/yr

Average salary in Virginia

Job Outlook: 6% growth

From 2023 to 2033

Local # of Jobs: 11,540

As of August 2024

If you enjoy helping others and ensuring they receive the right medications, while providing excellent customer service, a career as a pharmacy tech may be a perfect fit for you. The demand for pharmacy technicians in Virginia is expected to continue growing. 

With more than 55,000 people relocating to Virginia, the healthcare sector—including pharmacies and hospitals—is expanding to meet increasing demands. Top employers actively hiring pharmacy technicians include retail pharmacies, hospitals, and mail-order pharmacies.

In Virginia, the average salary for a pharmacy technician is $41,650 per year, which translates to approximately $20.02 per hour, but wages in Virginia may be higher depending on location and demand.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for pharmacy technicians nationwide is expected to grow by 7% in the next decade, providing strong job security and career advancement opportunities. 

Take the next step toward a rewarding career! Apply to Stepful today and prepare for your pharmacy technician certification. Employers are looking for qualified candidates like you!

Professional Organizations for Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia

Virginia offers valuable resources and support for both new and experienced pharmacy technicians. Joining a professional organization is a great way to get access to continuing education, certification programs, networking opportunities, and career development resources. Here’s a short list of excellent organizations you should consider to join:

  • Virginia Pharmacists Association (VPA): The VPA advocates for pharmacy professionals and provides educational programs.

  • National Pharmacy Technicians Association (NPTA): The NPTA offers certification support, training, and industry updates.

  • Virginia Society of Health-System Pharmacists (VSHP): The VSHP focuses on advancing pharmacy practice in hospitals and health systems.
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Pay
with a loan
$166*
per month for 12 months
Pay $59 to secure your spot now.

Once the class starts, you will pay $166* per month.
Pay
as you go
$249*
every 2 weeks over 8 payments
Pay $59 to secure your spot now.

Once the class starts, you will pay $249 every two weeks over 8 payments.
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Resources for Aspiring
Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy Technician Program FAQs

What is Stepful?

Stepful provides online training for healthcare careers, including pharmacy technicians. We are on a mission to create economic opportunity for 1 million job seekers in healthcare.

What is included in Stepful’s Virginia pharmacy technician program tuition?
Tuition includes online instructor-led Zoom classes, clinical sessions, PTCB & NHA certification exam prep, dedicated 1:1 coaching and job support services. Exam fees are not included in your tuition.
What is the refund policy?
A student who cancels before the first week of class receives a refund with tuition paid to date with the exception of the $59 non-refundable registration fee. Thereafter, the student who cancels receives a prorated refund.
What are the requirements to enroll in your Virginia pharmacy technician training program?
You need a copy of your high school diploma or GED and a stable internet connection.
What pharmacy technician certifications do you prepare me for?
Our classes prepare you to test for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s Certified Pharmacy Technician exam (CPhT). You will also be prepared to take the National Healthcareer Association's Certified Pharmacy Technician exam (ExCPT).
Is the program online or in-person?

The Pharmacy Technician program is 100% online and is followed by a 130-hour, in-person, unpaid clinical externship near you around Virginia. Stepful has partnerships with pharmacies across the nation and will do its best to find a convenient location for you.

Do you help graduates find a job?

Yes! After you pass the certification exam and complete your in-person externship, our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search in Virginia.

Do you have a partnership with the National Healthcareer Association?
Yes! Our program is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), a leading credentialing organization in the healthcare industry. Our status as an NHA-Recognized Education/Training Program ensures your full preparation for the NHA Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) exam.
What tuition payment options are available?
Students have the options to pay upfront or in installments with a flexible payment plan. Stepful offers partial scholarships, reach out to our admissions team for more information.

FAQs About Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia

What is the average salary for pharmacy technicians in Virginia?

The median salary for pharmacy technicians in Virginia is $41,650 per year or $20.02 per hour.

Here is a full list of pharmacy technician salaries in Virginia cities:

  • Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA – $37,610 ($18.08)
  • Charlottesville, VA – $44,480 ($21.39)
  • Harrisonburg, VA – $39,640 ($19.06)
  • Lynchburg, VA – $37,590 ($18.07)
  • Richmond, VA – $40,790 ($19.61)
  • Roanoke, VA – $38,990 ($18.75)
  • Staunton-Waynesboro, VA – $40,210 ($19.33)
  • Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC – $39,350 ($18.92)
  • Winchester, VA-WV – $37,630 ($18.09)
How do pharmacy technician salaries in Virginia stack up to other locations?

The median pharmacy technician salary nationally is $37,790. Pharmacy technicians in Virginia make slightly less than that at $41,650.

What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Virginia?
Pharmacy technician jobs are projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032 nationwide. This is slightly higher than the national average of 5% but lower than other health technologists and technician jobs (7%).
What are the education requirements for pharmacy technicians in Virginia?
In Virginia, to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, you must complete a pharmacy technician training program that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), or operated by DOE's Career and Technical Education program, or a federal agency or branch of the military, or a program accredited by an accreditation body approved by the board. You must also pass a national certification examination administered by PTCB or NHA. There is a trainee registration that allows you to work as a pharmacy tech while you are completing these requirements.
Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Virginia?
In Virginia, pharmacy technicians must be certified and licensed. Pharmacy technician candidates in Virginia must pass a background check, fill out a questionnaire, pass a certification exam, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Licensees must be renewed annually. If you fail to renew your license for five years, you must retake your certification exam.
Where can a pharmacy technician work in Virginia?

Pharmacy technicians in Virginia typically work in retail pharmacies and pharmacies in hospitals. Nationally, around 52% of pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and drug retailers while 16% work in hospitals.

Your new Pharmacy Technician career starts here

Get 1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment
Spots are limited. We accept qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis.
Program Currently Not Available in This Region.
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  • 4-Month Online Pharmacy Technician Course

  • Receive your National NHA-CPhT Certificate

  • 100% Online Followed by In-Person Externship

  • Job Interview Prep and Resume Services

  • 1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment