Virginia offers a wide range of pharmacy technician roles across hospital systems, retail chains, and specialty pharmacies. While certification is required to practice, there are several steps you can take to stand out and qualify for higher-paying opportunities in the state.

Pursue Advanced Certifications
Earning credentials beyond the required national certification—such as in sterile compounding or hazardous drug handling—can help you qualify for specialized, better-paying roles in hospital or oncology settings.


Seek Employment in High-Paying Areas
Regions like Northern Virginia (e.g., Arlington, Fairfax) and cities like Charlottesville tend to offer higher pharmacy technician wages due to cost of living and demand. Consider job hunting in these areas if relocation is an option.


Gain Experience in Specialized Work Settings
Hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and mail-order operations often pay more than retail. Roles in these environments also come with more complex responsibilities, making experience in them especially valuable.


Leverage Continuing Education and Career Development
Virginia requires 5 hours of CE annually, but going beyond that can signal initiative. Many employers in the state offer career ladders or raise opportunities tied to ongoing training.


Target Fast-Growing Pharmacy Sectors
Sectors like mail-order and specialty pharmacies are expanding rapidly across Virginia. These employers often pay more and may offer signing bonuses or shift differentials to attract certified pharmacy techs.

Are you interested in a career in healthcare and patient care? If so, a rewarding choice could be to become a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia. This field not only provides promising job prospects but also opens up opportunities for advancement. Here's a straightforward guide to help you kick-start your career as a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program

The first step towards this career is completing a Pharmacy Technician program. Virginia doesn't mandate that Pharmacy Technicians need to hold a degree, but employers generally favor candidates who have undergone formal training.

Various community colleges and vocational schools in Virginia, such as Virginia College, offer these programs. When choosing a program, ensure that it is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Alternatively, you can opt for an online certification program like Stepful, which is not only more affordable but also faster compared to traditional college programs.

>> Read More: How Much Do Pharmacy Technician School & Certification Cost?

Obtain a Pharmacy Technician License

Before you start practicing, all Pharmacy Technicians in Virginia are required to register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. The registration process involves completing an application, paying a fee, and passing a criminal background check.

Ensure you cross-check specific requirements and the process with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

Get Certified

Although Virginia doesn't require Pharmacy Technicians to be certified, getting certified could significantly boost your job prospects and salary potential as many employers prefer or require it.

To get certified, you need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Preparing for the PTCE demands knowledge and skills in areas like medications, pharmacy law and regulations, and pharmacy management.

Online programs like Stepful can be an excellent resource to prepare for the certification exam.

>> Read More: Pharmacy Technician Certification Options (PTCB, NHA, CPhT, & More)

Beginning your career as a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia requires a blend of appropriate education, registration, and certification. While the process might seem intricate at first, the rewards of aiding patients and working in the healthcare industry can make it all worthwhile.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that pharmacy technician roles will grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033—a pace that outstrips the average for most other jobs. Each year, this demand is expected to create around 47,400 openings, driven largely by retirements and professionals moving into other career paths.

In Virginia, pharmacy technicians are an essential part of the healthcare workforce, serving in a range of settings from retail drugstores to hospitals and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, roughly 11,540 pharmacy technicians were employed statewide. With an employment concentration of 2.899 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.96, Virginia closely mirrors national averages in both availability and demand for this critical role.