How to get your certification as a pharmacy technician Pharmacy technicians can get their certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association. Both of these organizations provide the certification. Both of these certificates have extremely comparable entry criteria and process procedures that must be completed. In order to become certified as a pharmacy technician, you will need to follow these procedures.
- Get your high school diploma or your general education diploma (GED). The requirement that participants in certification programs have a minimum academic level equivalent to that of a high school graduate.
- Complete a training program in pharmacy technology and graduate. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists ought to validate this program before it can be considered legitimate. Community colleges and vocational institutions often provide these types of training programs, and the duration of time needed to finish them is often little more than a year.
Students in programs that prepare them to work as pharmacy technicians learn topics such as recordkeeping, the elementary mathematics required for doing pharmacy calculations, dispensing drugs, pharmaceutical regulations and ethics, medical terminology, and insurance.
Additionally, they may give students hands-on experience working in a real-life pharmacy environment. If you already have at least 500 hours of experience working as a pharmacy technician, you may be eligible to satisfy the requirements for qualifying.
- Prepare yourself to take the exam to become a certified pharmacy technician. You can better prepare for the exam by using the study materials and practice tests that are provided to you by the PTCB. Additionally, candidates can choose to get free exam preparation materials from the NHA, or they can pay a fee to receive more in-depth study programs.
- Put in an application to take the exam to become a certified pharmacy technician. The PTCB examination application and participation cost is $129 per candidate. The NHA charges a total of $117 for the application cost as well as the exam fee. However, there are certain pharmacies that could foot the bill for their employees to take the test. If you already have a job in a pharmacy, you should inquire with your employer about whether or not they provide that choice.
- Participate in the Certification Exam for Pharmacy Technicians. The test is administered on a computer, but you have to take it in person at a testing facility in your area. The PTCB examination consists of 90 questions and must be finished in around two hours. The NHA examination consists of one hundred questions and must be finished in a little more than two hours. The CPhT test covers topics including as pharmacology, pharmaceutical safety, quality assurance, patient services, inventory management, pharmacy regulations, billing, information systems, and compounding, regardless of the style of certification that you select.
- Obtain a score that is acceptable. Immediately following the conclusion of the test, you will be provided with a preliminary score that will provide you with an indication of how well you performed on the test. In about two to three weeks, you will be given your final grade. If you are successful in passing the examination, you will be awarded both a real certificate and a digital badge that you will be able to showcase in many places, including your email signature, bio, and résumé. However, you will be required to pay a fee each time that you sit for the examination.
- Obtain your state license. After you have received your certification as a pharmacy technician, you may also be required to submit an application for a state license depending on where you plan to work and live. Contacting the Board of Pharmacy in your state can provide you all the information you need on the prerequisites for obtaining a license.
- Meet continuous education requirements. You are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every two years in addition to paying the certification renewal fee in order to keep your certification as a pharmacy technician. Courses for continuing education can be taken in-person or online, but they are required to include pharmacy law for at least one hour and patient safety for at least one hour. There are several professional organizations, such as the PTCB, NHA, and the National Pharmacy Technician Association, that offer chances for continuing education for its members.
Related: how to keep your resume current: a guide.
How do I become a certified pharmacy technician in Alabama?
Alabama State Requirements – Candidates must satisfy the Alabama State Board’s standards in order to be eligible for a license to practice as a pharmacy technician in that state. These are the following:
Candidates must be at least 17 years old to be considered.
Candidates are required to have either a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Candidates are anticipated to go through a comprehensive review of their criminal histories. Candidates are required to provide a notarized version of their application in addition to paying the required application cost of $60.
In the state of Alabama, certification from the PTCB is NOT needed to work in the field. Candidates for the Alabama pharmacy technician licensure are required to have successfully completed a state-approved education program within the preceding six months of their registration.
How long is the pharmacy tech program at Fortis College?
Reviewed: 1/22/2018 Certificate of Completion: Pharmacy Technician Year of Graduation: 2017
“They provide you with a lot of useful facts that demonstrate how adaptable they are. I am a single mother who was able to make it through the first semester of the program, but I ultimately had to withdraw from it because of employment obligations.
When I asked for a breakdown of all these costs, they never supplied one but continue to hassle me for it I wish I had never gone. They charged me $5,000 for departing early, which is insane.” Former employee as well as student
Reviewed: 3/31/2015 Accreditation: Graduate of Pharmacy Technician Program Year: 2006
“I attended and received a degree from Fortis College.
Something that, up until quite recently, I was pleased to acknowledge. In addition, I worked for the company. Another thing that I am pleased to express in this regard I put in a lot of effort to achieve where I was, but it was all for naught when top management decided to demote me.
- As an employee, I am aware that these individuals do not genuinely care about you despite what they claim;
- You are only a student;
- The upper management couldn’t be less concerned about your success;
- They are just interested in having you sign up;
Believe me when I say that is the only thing that the admissions committee is concerned about. After you have arrived at your destination, the campus in Mobile, Alabama is no longer concerned in your progress. They simply want you to remain a student so that they may collect the tuition fee that is due to them for each individual student.
My employment required me to try to convince former students who had dropped out to enroll again. It didn’t matter how I got them there; the important thing was that I did. If a student did not show up for class, I would consider it to be my fault and I would leave.
By the way, I used to be the chairperson of the department. I am aware that if the present Dean of Education does not like you, then it is best for you to go since you are causing her problems. Please spare yourself the hassle and enroll in a regular institution; even if they don’t genuinely care about your academic performance, at least they don’t pretend to.
- You don’t have to go to school in order to get a job in any of the fields that Fortis College prepares its students for, like as a pharmacy technician, dental assistant, medical assistant, or any of the other fields;
You may be able to acquire training on the job. You may receive your licenses in the majority of states by contacting a board or taking a certification exam. Heed my warning: there is absolutely no need to enroll in this institution. It is a terrible course of action.
- Because I’ve sat on both sides of the table, it’s my responsibility to know this information.”
Reviewed: 1/13/2015 Certificate of Completion: Pharmacy Technician Year of Graduation: 2014
“ONLY NINE MONTHS WERE REQUIRED OF ME TO COMPLETE MY STUDIES AT FORTIS COLLEGE IN ORDER TO GET MY CERTIFICATION AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN;
THE SCHOOL IS VERY NICE, AND THE HANDS-ON TRAINING IS FANTASTIC DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PHARMACY LAB IS SET UP IN SUCH A WAY THAT GIVES YOU THE SENSE THAT YOU ARE ACTUALLY WORKING IN THE PROFESSION. MY TIME SPENT AT THE SCHOOL WAS FILLED WITH AWESOMENESS, AND I GOT A LOT OUT OF IT THANKS TO THE FANTASTIC PROFESSORS WHO TEACH THERE.
I WOULD RECOMMEND THE SCHOOL TO EITHER MY FRIENDS OR TO COMPLETE STRANGERS. I had a great day, and at the same time I met some wonderful new people because the entire staff is very kind.”
Reviewed: 10/1/2014 Accreditation: Graduate of Pharmacy Technician Program Year: 2011
“On this campus, I would never advise someone to take Fortis.
The teachers have very little compassion for their students. I finished the first module successfully and asked to have my loan amount increased. After I had agreed to the terms of an increased loan amount, they refused to pay me my money.”
Reviewed: 4/5/2014 Certificate of Completion: Pharmacy Technician Year of Graduation: 2014
“The Fortis College professors in Indianapolis are among the very finest in the business.
- Not only do they impart expert knowledge and experiences, but they also show concern for the students as unique persons;
- I complete the requirements to earn my diploma as a Pharmacy Technician;
- My advice is for you to say yes! This is the end!”
Reviewed: 3/7/2013 Accreditation: Graduate of Pharmacy Technician Program Year: 2013
“I’m in the process of graduating from this institution’s pharmacy technician program, and I have to say that, on the whole, I’m very dissatisfied;
During the admissions tour, they promised we would be doing over half of the activities, but we never really did any of them. The course requirements demand for a significant amount of practical experience, which was never provided in any way. After paying such an exorbitant amount for tuition (more than 15,000 dollars), the only thing we did in class was read from a book and go over some handouts.
Can pharmacy technicians administer vaccines in Alabama?
In (2) In order to administer vaccines, a pharmacist, intern, or extern must be licensed and/or registered by the Alabama Board of Pharmacy and meet with the standards outlined in the following paragraphs: a. The pharmacist, the intern, and/or the extern must all have a certificate in basic cardiac resuscitation that is kept up to date, and they must all have it.
How do I renew my pharmacy tech license in TN?
Questions That Are Typically Responded To (FAQs) – The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy has compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions below. A connection to online forms or webpages has been provided for your convenience whenever it is relevant to the response.
- Information on how to get in touch with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy Telephone: Fax number: 615/741-2722 Email address: [email protected] Telephone: 615/253-1299 How do I go about submitting my application to the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy for a new license? A;
The application process is done online. To create an account, click on the following URL https://lars.tn.gov, then follow the on-screen instructions that appear. After you have made an account, navigate to the “What are you applying for?” section of the website, and pick “Board of Pharmacy.” From there, choose the particular application that you wish to submit.
What should I do if I can’t remember either my password or my user ID for the Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS)? A. If you have previously made an account in this licensure system, but cannot remember either your user name or password, please click the relevant link to “Forgot Password” or “Forgot user ID” in order to retrieve your account credentials.
These links are also available on the primary page, which may be accessed at https://lars.tn.gov. How can I make changes to my current home address? A. At this time, you are able to make changes to your home address by logging into your online account at https://lars.
tn. gov and selecting “To change any address” from the drop-down box that is located next to your license number. Alternatively, you can fill out and submit the Name and Address Change Form by sending it to the Board office via mail, faxing it to 615-741-2722, or sending it via email to pharmacy.
[email protected]. How can I make changes to the address of my practice site? A. You are able to change the address of your practice site by logging into your online account at https://lars. tn. gov and selecting “To change any address” from the drop-down box that is located next to your license number.
- Alternatively, you can fill out and submit the Name and Address Change Form by sending it to the Board office via mail, faxing it to 615-741-2722, or sending it via email to pharmacy;
- [email protected];
- How do I go about renewing my driver’s license? A;
You have the option of renewing your license either online at https://lars.tn.gov or by mailing in the renewal application, which you may have already received in the mail. The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy does NOT provide pharmacies with the ability to renew their licenses through the internet.
- I did not receive an application for renewal in the mail; yet, I need to renew my license; what can I do? You have two options for renewing your license: A;
- You can either make a copy of your license and submit it to the board office along with a check or money order to cover the renewal costs, or you can renew your license online at https://lars;
tn. gov. My question is: why haven’t I been getting renewal applications in the mail anymore? A. The renewal application is a courtesy service, and it is possible that you have chosen to receive communication from the Board office via email, in which case your renewal application will be sent to you via email.
If this is the case, you will need to either update your mailing address with the Board office or select to receive communication from the Board office via email. Can I renew my driver’s license up to what point in time before it expires? A.
You have the opportunity to renew your license sixty days before it is set to expire. How can I determine whether or not a license is now valid? You are able to check the licensing of any medical professional or facility in the state of Tennessee using our website, which may be found at: https://apps.
health. tn. gov/Licensure/ Individuals: https://apps. health. tn. gov/facilityListings/ Facilities: https://apps. health. tn. gov/Licensure/ Individuals: https://apps. health. tn. gov Can I get a printed copy of my driver’s license? A.
No. At this time, every license is mailed to the address that the Board office currently has on file for the applicant. Can I get a copy of my license sent to me through email? A. No. At this time, every license is mailed to the address that the Board office currently has on file for the applicant.
- When can I expect to get the actual copy of my license now that it has been approved? A;
- The physical copy of your application will be mailed to the address the office has on file when it has been completed, reviewed, and given the go-ahead to be processed;
In most cases, it will take between seven and fourteen days of business for you to obtain your actual copy. Your acceptance of my license has been processed, but you haven’t sent me a copy of it. The actual hard copy of your driver’s license might not reach you for up to two full weeks after it was ordered.
The license will be mailed to the address we have on file from the Board of Directors. Because mail sent by the state is not forwarded, you will need to contact the Board office if you have moved since your previous renewal in order to determine whether or not your license was returned to the office and to verify that your current address is accurate.
You may request a duplicate for a $25. 00 cost Q. How can I request a duplicate license? A. There is a cost of $25.00 associated with the issuance of each duplicate license. You have the option of submitting your request for a duplicate license online at https://lars.tn.gov/ and selecting the “Manage your licensing information” option.
- Alternatively, you can print off this Application for a Duplicate License, fill it out, and send it along with a check or money order;
- What steps do I need to take in order to turn in my license and retire it? A;
You are required to make your request to the Board office in written form. It is possible to finish the Affidavit of Retirement From Practice in Tennessee and then send it in to the office of the Board after doing so. What are the steps I need to do to finish the background check, and what is my OCA number? A.
- To obtain information on how to finish your background check, use the URL provided in the previous sentence;
- Please take note of the distinct process that applies to applicants residing in the state of Tennessee as opposed to candidates residing outside the state of Tennessee;
If I want to keep my pharmacist’s license current, how many hours of continuing education do I need to complete? Rule 1140-05-01 (1) of the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy reads as follows: 1140-05-. 1140-05-. 01 CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE Met in Order to Renew One’s Pharmacist License (1) In order to maintain their pharmacist license, all licensed pharmacists are required to participate in at least thirty hours of continuing education in the pharmaceutical field every two years.
At least fifteen (15) of the requisite thirty (30) hours must be achieved through active contract programs. The remaining hours can come from any source. A pharmacist must obtain the required fifteen (15) live contact hours from a program that has been designated as “live” by an ACPE-approved provider, from a program that has been approved by the Board prior to the expiration of the pharmacist’s license, or from an out-of-state program that has been approved by the board of pharmacy in the state where the program was presented.
This requirement must be met in order for the pharmacist to maintain their license. Where should I provide evidence that I have completed Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE)? A. The Board will conduct random audits of licensees who have recently renewed their pharmacist license in order to ensure compliance with its CPE requirements.
In the month that follows the month in which you renewed your pharmacist license, you will get notification if you are chosen at random for an audit. If you are one of the individuals who are audited. When that time comes, you will be expected to provide documentation showing that you have completed all of the Continuing Pharmacy Education that was earned during the previous two (2) year licensing cycle.
When a license has been issued by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy, when does it become invalid? A. The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy requires a renewal fee for each license type every two years, beginning with the month that the first license was issued. This cycle continues for a total of four years.
How can I get in touch with an investigator from the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy? A. You can contact the Board office by sending an email to pharmacy. [email protected] or by calling 615/253-1299. The personnel at the Board office will then transmit your email or call to the Pharmacist Investigator who is responsible for your region of Tennessee.
How can I get a copy of the inspection that was done on my facility? A. If your business location is audited by a Pharmacist Investigator, you will be given a copy of the inspection report on the same day so that you may save it with your other business documents.
- Should I register with the Controlled Substance Monitoring Database (CSMD) even if I don’t intend to use it? A;
- If you offer patient care to patients in Tennessee by prescription or dispensing controlled substances on more than fifteen (15) days in a calendar year, you are required to register in the CSMD;
This applies to both prescribing and dispensing controlled substances. To begin the process of registering for the CSMD, go to www.tncsmd.com and click on the “Register” button. This will get you started. To successfully finish the registration procedure, you will need to provide some identifying information.
After your registration has been reviewed and accepted, you will get an email with your username and a temporary password attached to it. Do you have any answers to my inquiries about the CSMD? A. If you need assistance, you may phone (615) 253-1305 or send an email to csmd.
[email protected], or you can visit the CSMD Program website here and look over their frequently asked questions. How can I get a letter verifying that I am a licensed pharmacist? that’s the question. You may obtain an unofficial copy by searching for your license on the Board’s Licensure Verification website and then selecting “Certification letter” from the drop-down menu that appears.
You are required to make a request in writing and include the name on the license, the license number, the profession, and the address where you want it mailed to in addition to including a check or money order for the amount of $25.00 made payable to the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy.
Only then will you be able to obtain an official Pharmacist License Verification Letter with a state seal. If I have already taken and passed a national certification test for pharmacy technicians, do I still need to register with the state to work in the pharmacy field? A.
Yes. The state of Tennessee does not mandate that pharmacy technicians get national certification. How can I make sure that my PTCB and ExCPT certifications are current? Your website does not appear to have any available spots.
The certifications offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy technician registration in any way.
The state of Tennessee mandates that pharmacy technicians get registration. Tennessee does not require national certification. If you have any queries about PTCB or Pharmacy Technician Certification | CPhT (nhanow.com), please visit www.ptcb.org.
ExCPT inquiries should be sent to www.nhanow.com.