Best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Kennewick Washington

Key Takeaways

• Kennewick, Washington offers strong pharmacy technician training options through local colleges and accredited online programs with in-person externships.
• Most programs can be completed in 6 to 12 months and prepare graduates for the PTCB or NHA national certification exams required for many employers.
• Washington State requires pharmacy technicians to be licensed through the Department of Health, which includes completing an approved training program.
• Columbia Basin College is the primary local public institution serving Kennewick students, with additional options in nearby cities and hybrid formats.
• Pharmacy technician job demand in the Tri-Cities region remains steady due to hospital systems, retail chains, and long-term care facilities.

Why Choose a Pharmacy Technician Career in Kennewick, WA?

Kennewick is part of the Tri-Cities region, along with Pasco and Richland. This fast-growing area in Benton County supports a strong healthcare sector, anchored by Trios Health, Lourdes Health, Kadlec Regional Medical Center, and major retail pharmacy chains such as CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.

Pharmacy technicians in Washington State play a vital role in preparing medications, processing prescriptions, managing inventory, and supporting licensed pharmacists. According to statewide workforce data, employment opportunities remain stable due to an aging population and expanding healthcare services.

For residents of Kennewick, enrolling in an accredited pharmacy technician program provides a direct path to certification, licensure, and entry-level healthcare employment within a year.

Top Pharmacy Technician Programs Near Kennewick

1. Columbia Basin College – Pasco, WA

Distance from Kennewick: Approximately 15 minutes
Program Type: Certificate of Achievement
Format: Primarily on campus with clinical training
Duration: About 9 to 12 months

Columbia Basin College is the most established public college serving the Kennewick area. Its pharmacy technician program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in community, hospital, and long-term care pharmacies.

Program highlights:

• Preparation for the PTCB certification exam
• Hands-on lab training that simulates real pharmacy settings
• Externship opportunities with regional healthcare employers
• Financial aid eligibility for qualifying students

This program is ideal for students who prefer structured, in-person instruction and access to local employer networks in the Tri-Cities area.

2. Charter College – Pasco, WA

Distance from Kennewick: About 20 minutes
Program Type: Career-focused diploma program
Format: Blended or campus-based options
Duration: Approximately 10 months

Charter College offers a pharmacy technician program designed for fast entry into the workforce. The curriculum focuses on pharmacy operations, pharmacology basics, dosage calculations, and customer service.

Key benefits:

• Career services and job placement assistance
• Flexible scheduling for working adults
• Certification exam preparation included in curriculum

This option may be attractive to students looking for an accelerated, career-oriented environment.

3. Online Pharmacy Technician Programs with Local Externships

Several nationally accredited institutions offer online pharmacy technician training that allows Kennewick students to complete coursework remotely while fulfilling externships at approved local pharmacies.

Common features include:

• Self-paced online learning modules
• Virtual labs and pharmacy simulation software
• Externship placement coordination in the Tri-Cities region
• Preparation for PTCB or NHA certification exams

Online programs can be completed in as little as 6 to 9 months, making them a flexible option for parents, full-time employees, or career changers.

Side-by-Side Program Comparison

School Location Duration Format Certification Prep Columbia Basin College Pasco, WA 9 to 12 months On campus PTCB Charter College Pasco, WA About 10 months Blended/Campus PTCB or NHA Accredited Online Programs Online + Local Externship 6 to 9 months Online PTCB or NHA

Washington State Licensing Requirements

To work legally as a pharmacy technician in Kennewick or anywhere in Washington, you must register with the Washington State Department of Health.

Basic steps include:

1. Complete a Pharmacy Commission-approved training program.
2. Apply for Pharmacy Technician credential through the Washington State Department of Health.
3. Pass a national certification exam such as the PTCB or ExCPT, if required by employer.
4. Submit to a background check.

While Washington does not always require national certification for licensure, most major employers in the Tri-Cities region strongly prefer or require PTCB certification.

What You Will Learn in a Quality Program

The best pharmacy technician programs in Kennewick cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Core curriculum typically includes:

• Pharmacy law and ethics in Washington State
• Pharmacology and drug classifications
• Dosage calculations and measurement systems
• Prescription processing and insurance billing
• Sterile and non-sterile compounding basics
• Customer service and communication skills

Externships provide direct exposure to retail or hospital pharmacy operations, helping students transition smoothly into employment.

Cost and Financial Aid Options

Program costs vary depending on institution type:

• Community colleges often offer lower in-district tuition rates.
• Private career colleges typically have higher tuition but shorter completion timelines.
• Online programs range widely in cost depending on accreditation and included exam fees.

Students attending Columbia Basin College may qualify for federal financial aid, state grants, workforce retraining funds, or scholarships. Veterans and displaced workers in Benton County may also be eligible for workforce development assistance.

Local Employment Outlook in the Tri-Cities

Pharmacy technicians in the Kennewick area commonly find work in:

• Retail chain pharmacies
• Grocery store pharmacies
• Hospital outpatient and inpatient pharmacies
• Long-term care and assisted living facilities

The Tri-Cities region has experienced consistent population growth, increasing demand for prescription services. Technicians who earn national certification and gain hospital experience often access higher wage potential and expanded responsibilities.

How to Choose the Right Program for You

When evaluating pharmacy technician programs near Kennewick, consider the following factors:

• Accreditation: Ensure the program meets Washington State Pharmacy Commission standards.
• Certification pass rates: Ask about PTCB exam success statistics.
• Externship partnerships: Confirm placement opportunities in local pharmacies.
• Total cost: Review tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and exam expenses.
• Schedule flexibility: Determine whether evening or hybrid options are available.

Request a campus tour, speak with program advisors, and review graduate outcomes before enrolling. A well-structured, accredited program combined with national certification is the most reliable path to launching your pharmacy technician career in Kennewick, Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pharmacy Technician Programs in Kennewick, WA

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Kennewick?

Most pharmacy technician programs near Kennewick take about 6 to 12 months to finish, including classroom work and an externship. After training, you can apply for your Washington State license and sit for a national certification exam if required by your employer.

What are the requirements to work as a pharmacy technician in Washington State?

You must complete a Washington Pharmacy Commission–approved training program, apply for a pharmacy technician credential with the Washington State Department of Health, and pass a background check. Many employers also prefer or require you to pass a national exam such as the PTCB or ExCPT.

Which schools near Kennewick offer pharmacy technician programs?

Columbia Basin College and Charter College in nearby Pasco both offer pharmacy technician training. You can also choose accredited online programs that include a local externship in the Tri-Cities area.

What will you learn in a pharmacy technician program?

You learn pharmacy law and ethics, basic pharmacology, dosage calculations, prescription processing, insurance billing, and compounding basics. You also build customer service skills and gain hands-on experience through lab work and an externship in a real pharmacy setting.

Are there good job prospects for pharmacy technicians in the Tri-Cities?

Yes. The Tri-Cities area has steady demand for pharmacy technicians in retail chains, grocery store pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Population growth and an aging community help support ongoing need for prescription and pharmacy services.