Are you looking for a stable career in healthcare that doesn’t require years of university education? Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia offers an excellent opportunity to get paid while you learn, stepping into a vital role within the medical field. The University of Virginia (UVA) Health System provides a comprehensive, ASHP/ACPE accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Program that allows you to earn while gaining the skills and credentials you need to succeed.
This program is designed for both individuals new to the pharmacy field and those already working as technicians seeking formal training and certification. It prepares you to meet Virginia state requirements and excel in the national certification exams, opening doors to a rewarding healthcare career path.
What is the UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program?
The UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a nationally recognized program specifically designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical experience necessary to become a certified Pharmacy Technician. Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), this program ensures you receive standardized, high-quality training that is respected nationwide.
The primary goal of the program is to prepare you for a successful career as a pharmacy technician. It achieves this by:
- Providing comprehensive online classroom training through Pharmacy Technician University.
- Offering hands-on, experiential training in UVA Health’s advanced pharmacy facilities.
- Thoroughly preparing you to pass national certification exams, a crucial step in becoming a registered Pharmacy Technician.
Upon acceptance into the program and securing a Pharmacy Technician position at UVA Health, you will get paid while you learn, progressing in your role as you complete the training and achieve Virginia state registration.
Inside the Training Program: What to Expect
The UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a structured 426.5-hour program designed to be completed within 9 to 12 months, offering flexibility while maintaining rigor. Participants have a maximum of two years to finish the program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
The training is broken down into three key components:
- Didactic (136.9 hours): This portion is delivered online through Pharmacy Technician University. It’s self-paced, allowing you to study according to your schedule, and includes graded quizzes, unit exams, a midterm, and a final exam to ensure knowledge retention and comprehension.
- Simulation (65.6 hours): You’ll engage in simulated pharmacy practice scenarios, observed and evaluated by experienced local instructors. This hands-on simulation bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
- Experiential (224 hours): The most significant portion of the program involves practical experience at designated UVA Health pharmacy sites, under the guidance of an assigned preceptor. This real-world experience is invaluable for developing your skills and confidence as a pharmacy technician.
This blended learning approach ensures you receive a well-rounded education, combining online learning convenience with essential in-person practical training.
Do You Qualify? Admission Requirements
UVA Health is committed to student success, both within the training program and in your future career. To ensure every student is set up for success, there are specific admission requirements:
- Educational Background: Applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). This ensures a foundational level of education necessary for the program’s demands.
- English and Math Proficiency: You need to demonstrate sufficient English language and math skills to handle the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician. This is assessed through the TRC Reading Comprehension and Math Assessments. A minimum score of 70% on each assessment, achievable within three attempts, is required.
- Background Checks: Candidates must pass screenings for illicit drug use and a criminal record background check. This is crucial for patient safety and maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical practice.
- Immunization Compliance: You must comply with the immunization requirements of UVA Health and any experiential training sites. This protects both you and patients in a healthcare environment.
- Age and State Requirements: Applicants must meet Virginia’s state-specific age requirements for pharmacy technician employment and any other regulations set by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
- Employer-Specific Requirements: If applicable, you must also meet any specific requirements set by UVA Health as your employer.
Important Note: UVA Health is dedicated to inclusivity. Applicants needing special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Program Director to discuss their needs. The Program Director has the final authority on applicant acceptance, ensuring all qualifications are met.
Your Application Path: How to Join the Program
Ready to start your journey towards becoming a Pharmacy Technician and get paid while you learn? Here’s how to apply:
- Search for Job Openings: Visit the UVA Health Careers website and search for “Pharmacy Technician 1” positions. These roles are specifically linked to the training program.
- Apply Online: When a “Pharmacy Technician 1” position is available (listings are posted as needed, so check back regularly), apply directly through the career website.
- Include Required Documents: Make sure to include a compelling cover letter explaining your interest in becoming a Pharmacy Technician and an updated resume highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
Securing a “Pharmacy Technician 1” position is your first step into the program, allowing you to earn a paycheck while undergoing comprehensive training.
Licensing and Registration in Virginia: Your Professional Credential
To practice as a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia, you need to obtain the necessary license and registration. The UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program is specifically structured to help you meet these requirements seamlessly.
Here are the steps to become a licensed Pharmacy Technician in Virginia:
- Complete an Approved Training Program: Successfully finish a Virginia Board of Pharmacy-approved training program, such as the ASHP/ACPE accredited UVA program.
- Register for and Pass a National Exam: Register and pay for a national certification exam. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offer recognized exams (PTCE and ExCPT respectively).
- Submit Virginia Pharmacy Technician Registration Application: After passing the national exam, complete an online Virginia Pharmacy Technician Registration Application through the Virginia Board of Pharmacy website.
License and Registration Fees (Approximate and Subject to Change):
- Pharmacy Technician Trainee Registration Application Fee: $20 (Required for those in training performing technician duties)
- National Certification Exam Fee (PTCB or NHA): Approximately $125 – $129
- Pharmacy Technician Registration Initial Application Fee: $35
- Pharmacy Technician Registration Annual Renewal Fee: $35
*Note: Exam fee reimbursement may be available through UVA Health’s tuition and education benefits upon passing the national exam.
By following these steps after completing the UVA program, you’ll be fully qualified and licensed to work as a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia, having earned while you learned a valuable and in-demand skill.
Contact Information for Program Inquiries:
UVA Health Department of Pharmacy Services
1240 Lee Street
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Program Director:
Timony Couturier, CPhT
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 434.982.2626
Chief Pharmacy Officer:
Danielle Griggs, PharmD, MBA, MS
Start your healthcare career journey today with the UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program – a pathway to professional growth where you get paid while you learn and build a fulfilling future in healthcare, no four-year degree required upfront.
