West Virginia offers various opportunities for pharmacy technicians to advance their careers and increase their salaries. Here are five practical steps tailored to the state's landscape:

Complete a State-Approved Training Program and Obtain Certification
The West Virginia Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to complete a board-approved training program. While national certifications like the PTCB or NHA are recognized, they do not replace the state's training requirements. Completing both can enhance your qualifications and job prospects.


Explore Employment in Hospital and Health System Settings
Positions within hospital systems such as WVU Medicine, Charleston Area Medical Center, and Mon Health often offer higher salaries and comprehensive benefits compared to retail pharmacies. These roles may also provide opportunities for specialization and career advancement.


Consider Opportunities in Rural and Underserved Areas
Rural regions in West Virginia may offer incentives like sign-on bonuses or tuition assistance to attract pharmacy technicians. Working in these areas can provide valuable experience and potentially higher compensation.


Develop Specialized Skills
Acquiring skills in areas such as sterile compounding, inventory management, or insurance billing can make you a more competitive candidate for advanced positions, which often come with increased pay.


Seek Employers Offering Career Development Programs
Some healthcare employers in West Virginia provide structured career advancement opportunities, including continuing education support and internal promotions. Engaging with such programs can lead to higher-paying roles and long-term career growth.

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in West Virginia can be a rewarding experience. Below are some steps to help you navigate through this career path in the Mountain State.

Get Your High School Diploma or GED
Your first step to becoming a pharmacy technician in West Virginia is to complete your high school diploma or GED. This is a basic requirement for most pharmacy technician programs.

In West Virginia, pharmacy technicians must have completed high school or equivalent education. This is also a prerequisite for most certification exams such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the ExCPT.

Enroll in a Pharmacy Technician Program
West Virginia does not require pharmacy technicians to complete a program from an accredited institution, but it can be beneficial. These programs offer in-depth training on topics like medication names, dosages, and dispensing techniques.

Some local institutions include West Virginia Junior College and the University of Charleston. For those looking for more affordable options, Stepful offers online certification training that is more affordable than traditional college.

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

Obtain Your Pharmacy Technician Certification
While West Virginia does not require certification, it is highly recommended. Certification can increase job prospects and potential earnings. There are two main certification bodies: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Both require passing an exam, and the PTCB requires completion of an accredited program or equivalent work experience. After certification, pharmacy technicians in West Virginia must register with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

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

Remember, becoming a Pharmacy Technician requires commitment and dedication to education and training. But with the right steps, you can start a rewarding career in this healthcare field in West Virginia.

If you're considering a career as a pharmacy technician in West Virginia, the outlook is promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 47,400 job openings each year, primarily due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

As of May 2023, West Virginia employed approximately 3,530 pharmacy technicians. The state had an employment concentration of 5.13 pharmacy technicians per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 1.69, suggesting a higher concentration of pharmacy technician jobs compared to the national average.

The annual mean wage for pharmacy technicians in West Virginia was $37,910 as of May 2023.

Given the national growth trend and West Virginia's higher concentration of pharmacy technician employment, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in the state appears favorable.