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Looking to become a pharmacy technician? In most states, you’ll need to get licensed. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a pharmacy tech license.
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Introduction
To work as a pharmacy technician in the united states you will need to obtain a pharmacy tech license. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state, but you will generally need to complete an accredited training program and pass a national or state exam. In some states, you may also need to complete a background check. After you have obtained your license, you will need to renew it every few years and complete continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in pharmacy technology.
What are the requirements to get a pharmacy tech license?
The requirements for a pharmacy tech license vary from state to state. In most cases, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited pharmacy tech program, and pass a state-administered exam. Some states may also require you to complete a background check.
Complete a pharmacy tech program
In order to become a licensed pharmacy technician you must complete a pharmacy tech program that has been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). There are many different accredited programs offered by community colleges, technical schools, and online pharmacies. Once you have completed an accredited program, you will need to pass the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE) in order to become certified.
Pass the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE)
To become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT), you must first pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCE is a computer-based exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
There are nine content areas on the PTCE:
– Pharmaceutical calculations
– Pharmacy law and ethics
– Patient safety
– Medication management
– Medication orders
– Inventory management
– Sterile and non-sterile compounding
– Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
– Quality assurance and improvement
You must complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program before you can sit for the PTCE. Most programs take about six months to complete, but there are accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as three months.
Register with the state Board of Pharmacy
In order to become a licensed pharmacy technician, you will need to register with the state Board of Pharmacy in the state in which you intend to work. To do so, you will need to submit a completed application, along with the required fees. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be issued a license.
How do I renew my pharmacy tech license?
You will need to renew your pharmacy tech license every two years. The process is simple and can be done online. You will need to login to your account, pay the renewal fee, and update your information.
Complete continuing education (CE) courses
Continuing education (CE) is defined as the educational activities which serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance and relationships that a health professional uses to provide services for patients, the public, or the profession.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia require CE for licensure renewal. The number of hours of CE required varies by state. The topics of the CE courses must be relevant to pharmacy technician practice. States have different ways of Approved Providers (APs) of continuing education. Some boards approve individuals or organizations to provide courses while others approve specific courses.
You may be able to get CE credit for attending in-service programs offered by your employer or completing online CE courses offered by APs approved in your state. You can find a list of state-specific approved providers on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) website.
Renew registration with the state Board of Pharmacy
Contact your state Board of Pharmacy to renew your pharmacy technician registration. You will need to complete a renewal form and pay a renewal fee. Once your registration is renewed, you will receive a new certificate that you must display in your workplace.
Conclusion
In order to become a licensed pharmacy technician, you will need to complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program and pass a national certification exam. Some states also require pharmacy technicians to pass a state-specific exam. Once you have completed all of the necessary requirements, you will be able to apply for a license from your state’s Board of Pharmacy.
