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4-Month online CA 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
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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
Develop skills in processing and dispensing prescriptions, and prepare for the NHA ExCPT Exam with mock tests and a comprehensive review of key pharmacy concepts.
Weeks 15+
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.
Online Pharmacy Tech classes at your own schedule
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01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
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.
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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
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!
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$41,650
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6% growth
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11,540
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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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