Pharmacy Technician Schools in District of Columbia – DC

The District of Columbia currently employs only 800 pharmacy technicians according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  That is less than one percent of the total pharmacy technicians employed in the United States.  The job market for pharmacy technicians in the United States is strong and steady.  By the year 2016 it is expected to grow by 32%.  Due to an increased aging population and their pharmaceutical needs the demand for pharmacy technicians seems to be greater than ever.  In Washington, DC pharmacy technician schools offer accredited programs through either campus-based institutions or online.

The primary responsibility of a pharmacy technician is to assist a pharmacist in providing medication and other health care products to patients.  Pharmacy technicians work in retail or mail-order pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and doctor’s offices.  They work long hours and sometimes even work nights, weekends and holidays.  However, if you desire to help others, are willing to work hard becoming a pharmacy technician in the District of Columbia is a solid career choice.  The ease at which you can become a pharmacy technician in the District of Columbia and the current job market allow almost immediate employment. 

Continuing Education Requirements for a Pharmacy Technician in Washington D.C.

Since no formal training is required for pharmacy technicians in the District of Columbia, there are no mandatory continuing education requirements.  If you opt to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, your certification will need to be renewed every two years in order to be recognized. Completion of 20 contact hours of pharmacy-related topics within the two year certification period is required to be eligible for recertification.  At least one contact hours must be in pharmacy law.  Up to 10 contact hours can be earned under the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist under whom the pharmacy technician is employed.  Other hours can be completed from several different sources. 

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Pharmacy Techs in Washington, D.C. / District of Columbia may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the district, including Washington Hospital Center, and the George Washington University Medical Center.