Yakima Valley College is accepting applications for the Pharmacy Technician program for fall quarter 2024. Deadline to apply for this four-quarter certificate or six-quarter degree program is August 1.
YVC’s Pharmacy Technician program prepares students to meet entry-level and advanced competencies for pharmacy technicians. Instruction includes core courses essential to health care professionals as well as specialty courses in pharmacy technology. Curriculum includes preparation for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which allows students to become a nationally-recognized Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Students also gain hands-on experience through externships in the local community.
Licensed pharmacy technicians are employed in a variety of workplaces including hospitals, medical clinics, retail stores, private pharmacies, long-term care facilities and mail-order pharmacies. There are also opportunities for career growth in advanced practice such as in controlled substance diversion, immunization administration and billing and reimbursement.
The career offers competitive pay with an average wage in the Yakima area of $22.61 per hour or $47,030 annually and a Washington state average of $26.63 per hour or $55,390 annually according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023.
Students enrolled in YVC’s Pharmacy Technician program are eligible for extra financial assistance through the college’s Opportunity Grant program. The program helps eligible low-income students with the cost of tuition and mandatory fees as well as reimbursement for textbooks and supplies.
Launch your new career! For more information about YVC’s Pharmacy Technician program call 509.574.4913 or email alliedhealth@yvcc.edu.