Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assist in the various activities of the pharmacy department. Pharmacy technicians assist the pharmacist in preparing and distributing medications, maintaining the day-to-day inventory, and maintaining records

Certified Pharmacy Technician Facts

DC Registration Required? 

Yes

Projected DC Annual Job Openings  

68*

Average DC Yearly Salary

$46,520*

DC Registration Requirements

Pharmacy technicians are governed by the DC Board of Pharmacy. To become registered as a pharmacy technician, applicants must:

Education Prerequisites

Have obtained a high school diploma, its equivalent, or a board-approved examination

Certifications

Have a current certification from one of the following organizations or another organization approved by the board:

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

Completion of a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program or equivalent work experience (500 hours)
Pay $129 exam fee
Maintain certification with 20 hours of continuing education every two years
Have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent
Completed a pharmacy technician training or education program within the last 5 years

National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT)

Have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent
Completed a pharmacy technician training or education program within the last 5 years
Pay $125 exam fee
Maintain certification with 20 hours of continuing education every two years

Background Check

Undergo a criminal background check

Training Requirements

Complete a pharmacy technician training program that is approved by the DC Board of Pharmacy. Accreditation bodies include the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Higher Education Licensure Commission for Accrediting Agencies.

License

Following the completion of training, register with the DC Board of Nursing through Credentia.com

Current DC Healthcare Academy Training Programs

Pharmacy Technician

Fall 2025: George Washington Health

Winter 2026: Howard University College of Pharmacy

Learn More

*Projected Annual Openings are based on regional O-NET data for nursing assistants from 2020-2030 and projected openings Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-2052.00?

*Average yearly salary is based on regional O-NET data for nursing assistants https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-2052.00?zip=20001