Pharmacy Technician Requirements in Washington
The position of a pharmacy technician is ideal for people who have a keen attention to detail and a desire to assist others in maintaining their health. Work entails dispensing prescriptions, managing inventory, and assisting pharmacists and patients with various other tasks. 
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand across the country, so now is an excellent time to consider this healthcare career as your next step.
To work as a pharmacy technician in the state of Washington, you must first obtain a license from the Washington State Department of Health. The requirements for licensure vary by state, and this guide will help you become a pharmacy technician in Washington.
Basic Pharmacy Tech Requirements in Washington
The following are the minimum requirements to register as a pharmacy technician:
- Must be at least 18 years or older
- Must have a high school diploma or a GED
- Must have either completed a formal Board-approved pharmacy technician training program; or completed an on-the-job pharmacy technician training program that is Board-approved or evidence of pharmacy technician training provided by a branch of a federal armed services
- Show proof of completing eight hours of study Washington state and federal pharmacy law which is coordinated with a Washington state-licensed pharmacist
- Show proof of passing a Board-approved national examination
- Show proof of completing four hours of AIDS education
- Submit answers for background checks
To obtain a license with the state, fully complete and submit the online Pharmacy Technician Application together with the registration fee of $140. Licenses must be renewed annually on or before your birthday with a $140 fee.
See the video below for an overview of the online application process:
Training Requirements
Washington State requires successful completion of a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program that includes 8 hours of pharmacy law study.
In addition to selecting a Board-approved school, ensure that the program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Accredited programs have demonstrated that they meet the recommended requirements to help you pass one of the national exams.
Every pharmacy technician must complete at least 10 continuing education units per year. One of the ten hours must be spent on pharmacy law. The CE units must be obtained through a Board-approved or ACPE-accredited program.
Certification Requirements
The state of Washington recognizes national certification programs for pharmacy technicians.
Please consult the WAC Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission Sections 246-945-203 through 246-945-220 for more information regarding requirements for pharmacy techs.
Pharmacy Tech Training in Washington
Below lists schools available for training:
North Seattle Community College
North Seattle Community College offers a 9 month Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program that is accredited by the ASHP and Washington State Board of Pharmacy.
The program required an externship of 432 hours available through one of many pharmacies or hospital locations.
Location:
9600 College Way N.
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-934-3790.
Clover Park Technical College
Clover Park Technical College has a ASHP accredited Pharmacy Technician program that begins every summer and winter quarter.
The program combines online, classroom, laboratory, and clinical training. During the clinical experience quarter, students must attend 32 hours of clinical experience per week, Tuesdays through Fridays.
This program lasts approximately three quarters, depending on how much time needed to complete all graduation requirements.
Locations:
Lakewood Campus
4500 Steilacoom Blvd SE
Lakewood, WA 98499-4004
Phone: 253-589-5800
South Hill Campus
17214 110th Ave E
Puyallup, WA 98374-9509
Phone: 253-583-8904
Renton Technical College
Renton Technical College has a Pharmacy Technician program where you can earn either a Certificate of Completion or Associate of Applied Science degree. The certificate requires 5 quarters of study, while the degree takes 6 quarters of study to complete.
The program is ASHP accredited and includes an externship at a retail or hospital pharmacy.
Location:
3000 NE 4th Street
Renton, WA 98056
Phone: 425-235-2352
Spokane Community College
Spokane Community College offers both an Associate in Applied Science – Pharmacy Technician and a Certificate – Pharmacy Technician. Programs are available either online or you can choose between 5 campus location for in-person learning.
Classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical pharmacy training are all part of the certificate program and is ASHP accredited.
To earn your associate degree, you must completed 25 credit hours of required classes and an additional 7 hours of electives approved by the department.
Locations:
Colville
985 S. Elm St.
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: 509-685-2120
Inchelium
14 Community Center Loop
Inchelium, WA 99138
Phone: 509-722-3702
Newport
1204 W. Fifth St.
Newport, WA 99156
Phone: 509-447-3835
Republic
63 N. Keller St. Ste. B
Republic, WA 99166
Phone: 509-775-3675
Spokane
1810 N Greene Street
Spokane, WA 99217-5399
Phone: 509-533-8400
If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacy technician in a state other than Washington, check out the links below:
This is an excellent time to think about a career as a pharmacy technician! A career as a pharmacy tech is rewarding and offers numerous advantages.
Are there any online schools that are Board-approved for Washington State? Thanks.
Heather – if the online school is a Pharmacy Commission-approved technician training program, is is accepted. Please visit this page for more details: http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/PharmacyTechnician/LicenseRequirements. You should contact the Pharmacy commission to ensure the program is approved.
I am a licensed pharmacy technician at illinois state, im i able to apply for pharmacy technician license at washington? What are the actual criterion’s for that?
halo, i have passed the ptcb exam and now have a certified pharmacy technician certificate. Do i need to have a license to work? please help
Mariam – please visit this page for requirements for working in Washington: http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/PharmacyTechnician/LicenseRequirements
Yakima Valley College has a one year WA state approved hybrid pharmacy technician program. Most of their classes are online with only an on-campus evening lab courses during winter quarter only and a 240 hour student internship in community pharmacies during the spring. They are ASHP accredited candidates. http://www.yvcc.edu/academics/programs/AlliedHealthTechProgram/Pages/default.aspx
I work in Oregon as Pharm Tech since 1995. It was on the job training. They have not provided that training since around 1996. I am at a loss of getting info around my formal training. I am certified. Any help?
Forgot I am trying to get licensed in Washington and they require that info
If working in the pharmacy as a clerk-wanting to move up (I have experience). It clearly states that I must have either completed a formal Board-approved pharmacy technician training program or completed an on-the-job pharmacy technician training program that is Board-approved….are the Conduent Courses board certified?
Hey, I’m looking into relocation to Washington, and I’m Nationally Certified as a Pharmacy tech, through PTCB, so would I just need to apply for the state license?
If I am a Certified Pharmacy Technician in South Dakota can my license be transferred to Washington or would I have to do more Schooling or CEUs?
Hi! Where can I get an application to become licensed Pharmacy Technician in Washington State. I am board approved through PTCB. I have my testing scores.
Hello – you can apply online from this page on the DOH of Washington state site: https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/PharmacyTechnician/ApplicationsandForms
where can i take my pharmacy law class for my washington license?
I have been working in Canada as a Pharmacy Assistant for over 21 years. I am looking to move to Washington State and was wondering if my past experience will help towards becoming certified or do I have to complete an actual course.