Pharmacy Technician
Overview
Apply today to join the fall 2026 pharmacy technician cohort at Wenatchee Valley College! The fall 2025 program will have a delayed start date for students interested in becoming pharmacy technicians. Contact Professor Amanda Stringham for questions about the application process, program, and career opportunities.
The Pharmacy Technician Program at Wenatchee Valley College prepares students to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
Academic Pathways
One-Year Certificate
A four-quarter program consisting of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical pharmacy training. It aims to prepare you to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board national exam.
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer Degree
A two-year program consisting of general education, technical and pharmacy education courses. Learn the skills and knowledge you need to qualify for positions in community health systems and other pharmacies.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board approved
Wenatchee Valley College Pharmacy Technician program is a Washington State Board of Pharmacy Approved Program, a recognized program by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
Learn MoreProgram Outcomes
Learn
Learn about drug products, calculations, dosages, dispensing techniques, inventory management, aseptic techniques and Washington pharmacy law.
Study
Study and develop different skills, work attitudes and ethics, as well as develop proper work habits and appreciation for the job.
Train
Training includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice and clinical pharmacy training.
Prepare
Prepare to work in both community and hospital pharmacy settings.Outcomes
Graduate performance on national exam.
Graduating Class |
Student Pass Rate on PTCE |
| 2020 | 87.5% |
| 2021 | 80% |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2023 | 100% |
| 2024 | 72% |
| 2025 | 80% |
Requirements for State Licensing and Certification
To work as a pharmacy technician in Washington state, students must complete a Board Recognized Pharmacy Tech Training Program with at least 8 hours of WA State Law, pass a national exam, apply for certification, and pay associated fees.
Continuing Education (CE) is required to maintain your Washington State License as well as your National Certification. Both require 20 hours of ACPE-approved continuing education every two years. Obtaining CE is outside the scope of this program, but can be found on the internet, by attending pharmacy conferences or joining pharmacy associations. Two hours must cover pharmacy law and one hour of patient safety. There is a fee for renewal.
Career Outlook
Check out pharmacy technician salaries and growth projections for Washington state!
Learn More
Contact
| Amanda Stringham | Tracy Donnelly | Imelda Barragan | ||
| Program Director, Pharmacy Technician | Dean, Workforce Education & Allied Health | Administrative Assistant, Wenatchee Campus |