Pharmacy Technician

 

This is a new course offering. Information is still being finalized.

• Location: WANIC at LWTech
• 3 High School Credits: CTE (1.5), Health (0.5), Lab Science (1.0)
• No Tuition
• Program fees may apply Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students
• College Credits and Certifications available: Contact WANIC to find out more
• Prerequisites: Algebra 1 - Students are required to have successfully completed and passed the course without any adjustments to the standards. Minimum 8th grade reading level ability. 

This is a full year 3-period Skill Center class (3 high school credits).

The WANIC Pharmacy Technician Program prepares students for careers in pharmacy and the broader healthcare industry through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and workplace experience. Students learn how medications move safely from a prescription to the patient while developing the accuracy, professionalism, and communication skills required in healthcare settings.

During the first year, students build a foundation in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, common disease processes, and the uses and classifications of frequently prescribed medications. They practice pharmacy calculations involving dosage, quantity, measurement, conversions, concentrations, and dilutions. Students also learn how to interpret prescriptions, enter patient and medication information, prepare and label medications, maintain inventory, process insurance information, and use pharmacy technology.

Medication and patient safety are emphasized throughout the program. Students study federal and Washington pharmacy laws, patient privacy and confidentiality, infection control, medication storage, error prevention, quality assurance, and the ethical responsibilities of pharmacy professionals. Laboratory activities allow students to practice prescription processing, medication preparation, inventory procedures, customer service, and other pharmacy operations in a controlled learning environment.

Beginning in the spring, eligible first-year students may participate in supervised work-based learning at a community, hospital, mail-order, retail, or other approved pharmacy setting. These experiences allow students to observe pharmacy operations, practice professional communication, and apply classroom and laboratory learning in an authentic workplace. Placements are based on student readiness and site availability and may be unpaid. Students will be responsible for transportation to and from their assigned workplace.

A future planned second-year option will provide advanced instruction and expanded field experience. Second-year students will continue developing skills in prescription processing, advanced pharmacy calculations, medication safety, inventory systems, sterile and non-sterile compounding, hospital pharmacy operations, and preparation for national certification. Students may spend a greater portion of the second year completing supervised experiential learning at approved pharmacy sites. Field experiences may include unpaid clinical placements as well as paid employment opportunities when available; paid placement is not guaranteed.

Students may have opportunities to earn CPR, AED, First Aid, or Basic Life Support certification and apply for a Washington State Pharmacy Assistant credential when appropriate for their work-based learning responsibilities. During the second year, eligible students may obtain a Washington Pharmacy Technician-in-Training endorsement, prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential after passing the national examination, and apply for Washington State Pharmacy Technician licensure after completing all applicable program and state requirements.

The program introduces students to career opportunities in community and retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, mail-order and central-fill operations, long-term care facilities, specialty pharmacies, and pharmaceutical distribution. Potential career pathways include pharmacy assistant, pharmacy technician, certified pharmacy technician, hospital pharmacy technician, medication history technician, sterile compounding technician, specialty pharmacy technician, and pharmacy inventory or purchasing technician. The program also provides a strong foundation for continued education in pharmacy, nursing, medical assisting, healthcare administration, and other allied-health professions.

Successful students will be dependable, detail-oriented, comfortable with mathematics and technical reading, and committed to protecting patient safety and confidentiality. Students should be prepared to work both independently and as part of a healthcare team, communicate respectfully with patients and professionals, follow precise procedures, spend extended periods standing, and demonstrate consistent attendance and workplace professionalism.

Minimum Requirements

• Open to students in grades 11–12; juniors are encouraged to apply if interested in completing the two-year pathway.
• Successful completion of Algebra 1 or an equivalent math course.
• Ability to read and understand technical information and complete multi-step calculations.
• Interest in pharmacy, medications, healthcare, science, or patient service.
• Commitment to regular attendance, punctuality, academic integrity, and professional behavior.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions and maintain patient confidentiality.
• Willingness to participate in laboratory activities, teamwork, professional communication, and supervised workplace learning.
• Ability to work carefully and remain focused in an environment where accuracy and safety are essential.

Recommended Preparation

Successful completion of Health, Biology, Chemistry, or Anatomy and Physiology is helpful but not required. Students should be comfortable using basic computer applications and communicating with patients, customers, and healthcare professionals.

 

Work-Based Learning Eligibility

Before entering a pharmacy workplace, students must:

• Earn a grade of B or better in the program or demonstrate competency in all required pharmacy skills.
• Demonstrate accuracy in pharmacy calculations and medication-safety procedures.
• Complete all required laboratory competencies and safety training.
• Maintain regular attendance and dependable, professional behavior.
• Demonstrate respect for patient privacy and compliance with confidentiality requirements.
• Meet any site-specific requirements, which may include a background check, immunization documentation, health screening, drug screening, or proof of insurance.
• Have reliable transportation to and from the assigned workplace or an approved transportation plan.
• Complete required student and parent/guardian agreements and workplace orientation.

Placement depends on student readiness and the availability and requirements of approved pharmacy partners. A workplace placement is not guaranteed and may be unpaid.

 

Second-Year Program Requirements

Enrollment in the second-year Pharmacy Technician program is not automatic. Students must:

• Successfully complete Year 1 with a grade of B or better.
• Complete all required Year 1 competencies and assessments.
• Demonstrate dependable attendance, professional conduct, and the ability to work independently.
• Meet established workplace-readiness and medication-safety standards.
• Be eligible for the credentials required for advanced experiential training.
• Meet the requirements of available pharmacy placement sites.
• Have reliable transportation to and from assigned field experiences.
• Receive approval through an objective program-readiness review.

Second-year enrollment and field placement are subject to space, student readiness, and the availability of qualified pharmacy partners.