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Wondering how to become a pharmacy tech in Texas? We’ve got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know about this exciting career path.
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Introduction
Becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas requires completing a training program and obtaining certification. Although not required, certification may improve job prospects. This article provides an overview of how to become a pharmacy technician in Texas, including information on education requirements, training programs, and certification.
Steps to Becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas
There are several steps you must take to become a pharmacy technician in Texas. First, you must complete a training program that has been approved by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). Next, you must pass a national certification exam. Finally, you must register with the TSBP as a pharmacy technician.
Complete a formal education program
pharmacy technicians in Texas must complete a formal education program that has been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). pharmacy technician programs typically last one year and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some programs may also offer an associate degree, which would take two years to complete.
Register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy
The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas is to register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). registration is not required for pharmacy technicians who have successfully completed a Board-approved training program, but all other technicians must register. The registration process includes an application, fingerprinting, and a fee. Once registered, technicians must complete at least four hours of continuing education every year and renew their registration annually.
Become certified
In order to become a certified pharmacy technician in Texas, you must first complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools across the state. Once you have completed a training program, you must then pass the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once you have passed the PTCE, you will be placed on the Texas Pharmacy Technician Certification Registry and will be able to begin working as a certified pharmacy technician in the state of Texas.
Maintaining Certification
Maintaining pharmacy technician certification in Texas requires meeting certain continuing education (CE) requirements. CE can be fulfilled in a variety of ways, such as attending live ce conferences, webinars, or home study courses. Once every 2 years, pharmacy technicians must also complete a pharmacy jurisprudence exam (PJE).
Renew registration every two years
You will need to renew your registration every two years. The renewal process is fast and simple, and can be completed online. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. You will also need to indicate whether you have been convicted of any felonies in the past five years. Once your renewal is processed, you will receive a new certificate that you must keep on file at your pharmacy.
Complete continuing education
Every two years, pharmacy techs in Texas must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education, including one hour of pharmacy law, two hours of ethics and three hours of medication safety. The remaining hours can be general CE or board-approved courses relevant to your job as a pharmacy technician.
Career Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in Texas
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or patients. They typically work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics or pharmaceutical companies. Although a high school diploma is typically sufficient for entry-level positions, many employers prefer to hire pharmacy technicians who have completed a formal education program.
Job growth
Temporary help services was the largest employer of pharmacy technicians in Texas in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The agency predicts that job opportunities for pharmacy technicians in the state will grow by 11.4 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job seekers with formal education and training, and those who are certified, should have the best prospects.
Salary expectations
The mean salary for pharmacy technicians in Texas is $32,140 per year, which is lower than the national average. However, there is a wide range of salaries across the state, with some technicians making as little as $21,000 per year and some making as much as $45,000 per year. The best-paid technicians are those who have advanced training and experience, who work in large hospitals or who work in the Houston area.
Conclusion
To become a pharmacy technician in Texas, you will need to complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. Once you are certified, you will need to register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. You will also need to renew your registration every two years and complete continuing education requirements.
