How To Get Your Pharmacy Technician License?

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.

1. 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.
2. 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 pharmacy calculations, the process of dispensing pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical regulations and ethics, as well as 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. If you do not pass the test the first time, you have the opportunity to retake it up to three more times. However, you will be required to pay a fee each time that you sit for the examination.
7. 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.
8. 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.

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How do I become a licensed pharmacy technician in Alaska?

The rules and guidelines that regulate the profession of pharmacy technician are continuously getting stricter as the function and duties of pharmacy technicians continue to expand. A nationwide standard can be provided for technicians by organizations such as the Pharmacy Technicians Certification Board (PTCB), but in the end, it is up to each state to decide its own minimal standards for working as a pharmacy tech.

You can use the following reference guide to learn how to become licensed as a pharmacy technician in each state if you are a current tech or an aspiring tech who is unaware of the regulations that apply to you in your state. Simply select a state from the list to read up on the prerequisites for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician there.

Alabama The Alabama Board of Pharmacy requires that you register with them. Alaska To get registered with the Alaska Board of Pharmacy, you will need to finish an on-the-job training program that is overseen by a pharmacist-in-charge. Arizona Either: Either become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and then register with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, or register with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and then pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

1. Arkansas Applicants must register with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy and one of the following: Either obtain a passing score on a test developed by the board of pharmacy or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
2. California To register with the California State Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps: Earn an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology, or; Complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program that provides a minimum of 240 hours of training, or; Graduate from a school of pharmacy that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, or; Complete a pharmacy technician training program provided by a branch of the armed forces, or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training Colorado In the state of Colorado, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician.

Connecticut In order to register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, you must complete one of the following steps: Either complete on-the-job training under the supervision of a pharmacy manager or get nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying institution that is recognized.

Delaware In the state of Delaware, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. United States: District of Columbia In the District of Columbia, pharmacy technicians are not needed to have a license at this time; however, there is a possibility that registration could become mandatory in the coming years.

Florida Complete a training program for pharmacy technicians that has been deemed acceptable by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, and then register with the state board. Georgia Please submit an application supplement and register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.

Hawaii In Hawaii at this time, there are no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. Idaho Either: Either become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency and register with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician, or register with the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician in training and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or another approved certification exam.

Illinois Participate in a pharmacy technician training program, become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Indiana To register with the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps: Either graduate from a pharmacy technician training program that has been recognized by the state board or get nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying entity that has been approved.

State of Iowa Either: Either become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency and register with the State Board as a certified pharmacy technician, or register with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or another approved certification exam within a year of registering; Register with the Kansas Board of Pharmacy and demonstrate competency by taking and passing a test developed by the state board.

Register with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Louisiana Become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency. First, you must register with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician candidate.

• After that, you must complete 600 hours of on-the-job training and a board-approved training program.
• Maine Complete a training program that involves learning on the job, and then register with the Board of Pharmacy in Maine.
• In order to qualify for the “advanced” classification, technicians are required to get national certification with the PTCB.

Maryland To register with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps: Either complete a pharmacy technician training program that has been recognized by the board and which includes a minimum of 160 hours of on-the-job training, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying body.

Massachusetts Before you may register with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy, you must first become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying organization that has been accepted, and you must also complete one of the following requirements: Complete a pharmacy technician training course that has been approved by the ASHP, or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program that has at least 120 hours of practical instruction and 120 hours of theoretical instruction, or; Complete at least 500 hours of training on the job in a licensed pharmacy.

Michigan To register with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps: Either complete a board-authorized training program for pharmacy technicians that is offered by an employer and culminates in a test, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized certifying organization.

Minnesota To register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps: Complete a pharmacy technician training program that has been approved by the Board of Certification and is either: Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP); Employer-based and board-approved, providing a minimum of 240 combined hours of practical and theoretical instruction.

Complete a training program for pharmacy technicians offered either by a branch of the armed forces or by an educational establishment or college that is accredited and board-approved. Mississippi Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying organization that is accepted, and register with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy.

1. Register with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy in the state of Missouri.
2. Montana Obtain your national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or from another certifying organization that is recognized, and then register with the Montana Board of Pharmacy.
3. Nebraska If you live in Nebraska, you are required to register with the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Nevada Register with the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy by fulfilling one of the following requirements: Perform 1500 hours of on-the-job training as a pharmacy technician-in-training, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency and perform 500 hours of on-the-job training as a pharmacy technician-in-training, or complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and perform 350 hours of on-the-job training as a pharmacy technician-in-training, or complete a Technicians who have been registered in one jurisdiction but wish to work in Nevada may transfer their registration to the Silver State provided the conditions for licensure in their home state are comparable to those of Nevada.

Register with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy in the state of New Hampshire. The state of New Jersey Obtain a registration number from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. NM (New Mexico) Register with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy as a non-certified technician, finish an on-the-job training program directed by a pharmacist-in-charge, become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, and apply for certified technician designation with the State Board.

The Big Apple In the state of New York, there are presently no prerequisites for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. North Carolina (US state) To register with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps: Complete an employer-based on-the-job training program within the first 180 days of beginning employment in a pharmacy, or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program conducted by an accredited institution or college, or; Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency.

State of North Dakota Before you may register with the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy, you need to get a national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and complete one of the following requirements: Complete either an on-the-job training program overseen by a pharmacist-in-charge or a pharmacy technician training program that has been approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Ohio In the state of New York, there are presently no prerequisites for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. On the other hand, as a result of the adoption of Emily’s Law, anybody who wants to work in the field of technology in the state of Ohio must either: Either successfully complete an employer-based on-the-job training program that culminates in a board-approved test or get your national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized certifying organization.

• Oklahoma Completing an on-the-job training program that is employer-based and is administered by a licensed pharmacist, as well as registering with the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy, are also requirements.
• Oregon Either: Register with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, successfully complete an on-the-job training program directed by a pharmacist-in-charge, and pass the PTCE; Become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, and then register with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician.

Pennsylvania In the state of Pennsylvania, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. However, if a measure that is now in the legislative process is passed and signed into law, pharmacy technicians in the state of Pennsylvania will be required to finish a training program that has been authorized by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy and to register with the state board.

Rhode Island To register with the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps: Complete a pharmacy technician training program that is accredited by the ASHP, complete a pharmacy technician training program that is provided by a military branch, or complete a pharmacy technician training program that is provided by an accredited, Board-approved institution or college, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency.

South Carolina The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy requires that you register with them. State of South Dakota Either: Register with the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician-in-training, successfully complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program, and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE); Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, and then register with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician.

1. Register with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy in the state of Tennessee.
2. Register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee, finish a board-approved on-the-job training program, become nationally certified through the PTCB, and then apply for registered pharmacy technician designation with the state board.

These are the requirements to become a registered pharmacy technician in Texas. Utah Become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, complete an approved pharmacy technician training program that includes at least 180 hours of on-the-job training, complete an approved pharmacy technician training program, and apply for pharmacy technician designation with the Department of Commerce.

Register with the Vermont Board of Pharmacy in the state of Vermont. Virginia To register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps: Either graduate from a training school for pharmacy technicians that has been recognized by the board, or get nationally certified through the PTCB.

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Washington Complete a training program for pharmacy technicians that is recognized, get nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized certifying organization, then register with the Department of Health in Washington state.

West Virginia Either: You can either register with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and complete an on-the-job training program that culminates in a test approved by the state board, or you can do one of the following: Get nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), complete 20 hours of on-the-job training, and register with the state board to work in the field.

Wisconsin In the state of Wisconsin, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. Wyoming Obtain your national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and then register with the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy.