Hawaii Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

For pharmacy technicians who dream of sand and surf, living in Hawaii for work can be a dream. Hawaii offers many different options for pharmacy technicians. While Hawaii has fewer requirements for pharmacy technicians than some states in the U.S., most pharmacy techs who work on the Hawaiian islands find that the online and in-person education options available to them provide them with all the knowledge they need to do their job properly. Let’s take a look at the requirements for pharmacy technicians in Hawaii, as well as career options and the employment outlook for those considering a career as a pharmacy technician.

2027 Best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Hawaii

Finding the best pharmacy technician programs in Hawaii starts with clear, practical information. pharmacytechnicianschools.com ranks these programs to help you compare options and focus on schools that fit your goals. We look at key details such as program length, hands-on training, accreditation, and support for certification prep. Our goal is to make the search simpler for anyone planning a pharmacy technician career in Hawaii. Use this guide to review top programs and take the next step with confidence. For details on how we build our rankings, see https://www.pharmacytechnicianschools.com/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Kapiolani Community College

Honolulu, HI - Public 2-Year - kapiolani.hawaii.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Kapiolani Community College's Pharmacy Technician Program is a 305-hour hybrid certificate program designed for beginners. The curriculum combines online lectures with a hands-on in-person externship at community pharmacy sites, covering pharmacy laws, medical terminology, drug actions, dosage calculations, compounding, and sterile preparations. Graduates earn a Certificate of Competence from KCC and are eligible to take the national PTCB exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Career paths include retail and hospital pharmacy settings. The program uses a first-qualified, first-accepted admissions model with prerequisites in English and math, and an informational Zoom session is required before registration.

• 160 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCB)
• 305-hour non-credit program
• Online lectures plus in-person externship
• Externship at community pharmacy sites
• Earn Certificate of Competence from KCC
• Prerequisites: English 100 and Math 82
• Required information session via Zoom
• Contact: Martin Chong, Program Coordinator

#2

University of Hawaii Maui College

Kahului, HI - Public 4-Year - maui.hawaii.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Competence at University of Hawaii Maui College prepares students for entry-level positions in pharmacy settings. The curriculum combines general education courses such as Human Biology and Medical Terminology with specialized pharmacy courses including Pharmacy Technician Practice, Pharmacology and Treatment of Diseases, and Pharmacology Calculations. Students complete a work practicum to gain hands-on experience in a real pharmacy environment. The program emphasizes preparation for the National Certification Exam, equipping graduates to pursue careers as certified pharmacy technicians in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other healthcare settings. With small class sizes and supportive faculty, students receive personalized attention. A drug test and criminal background check are required for the practicum. Contact the Allied Health department for more information.

• 23 total credit hours
• Prepares for national certification exam
• Work practicum included
• Drug test and background check required
• Grade C or better in all courses

*Data extracted from: NCES IPEDS 2025 public dataset.

Hawaii Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

In Hawaii, pharmacy technicians must meet the following requirements per the Hawaii Board of Pharmacy:

– Age: Pharmacy technicians must be at least 18 years old.

– Education: Hawaii requires that all pharmacy technicians have a GED or high school diploma. While further education is not required, many pharmacy technicians find that they’re better able to do their job after going through a pharmacy technician education program.

– Background Check: All pharmacy technicians in Hawaii are subject to a background check. Having a criminal record does not necessarily mean that a person cannot work as a pharmacy technician. However, it must be clear that prior criminal history will not impede the pharmacy technician’s ability to ethically fulfill their duties.

– License: In Hawaii, licensure and certification are not required. However, many pharmacy technicians find that having a certification helps them to become more competitive in the job market. There are several national certifications offered for pharmacy technicians. In addition to becoming more competitive in the job market in Hawaii, having a national certification can also set pharmacy technicians up for success in the event that they move to a new state. Most certified pharmacy technicians also make more money than pharmacy technicians who do not have a certification. Starting as a non-certified pharmacy technician can be a good way to get a foot in the door of the industry, and working to earn certification while working as a pharmacy technician can allow pharmacy techs to gain valuable on the job experience while also boosting their resumes.

Hawaii Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook

In Hawaii, there are many employment options for pharmacy technicians. Some pharmacy technicians may choose to work in large, corporate pharmacies, while others may choose to work for small, independent pharmacies. Pharmacy technicians can also choose to work in a hospital or other healthcare setting. Hawaii is also home to many members of the military, and working either within the military or as a civilian for the military are excellent options for those who want to serve their country while also enjoying their passion for pharmacy.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for pharmacy technician positions will be approximately 4% from 2019-2029. This is on par with other careers in the United States. While the growth rate is positive, the field is still competitive. Going through more education/earning a certification can be a way to get a leg up on the competition in the field.

Hawaii Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs