By Unitedstatess 
Becoming a pharmacy technician is an excellent career choice if you’re interested in healthcare and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. Pharmacy techs play a vital role in assisting pharmacists, preparing medications, and providing customer service in various settings, from hospitals to retail pharmacies. However, to work as a pharmacy technician, you typically need to obtain a license or certification. Here’s a full guide on how to get your pharmacy technician license and what the process involves.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
The first step toward becoming a licensed pharmacy technician is to ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, which generally includes:
- Age Requirement: Most states require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: You must have a high school diploma or GED before you can enroll in any pharmacy tech training programs or pursue certification.
- Clean Criminal Record: Many states will require you to pass a criminal background check, so having a clean record can be essential.
Why This Matters
Pharmacy technicians need to be responsible and trustworthy, as they handle medications that can affect people’s health. Educational and legal requirements help ensure that only qualified individuals can take on this role.
Step 2: Enroll in a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
While not all states require formal education, completing a pharmacy technician training program can significantly boost your chances of becoming certified and licensed. Many employers prefer to hire pharmacy techs who have completed accredited programs, which provide foundational knowledge in areas like:
- Pharmaceutical Calculations
- Medication Preparation and Distribution
- Pharmacy Laws and Ethics
- Anatomy and Medical Terminology
Training programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, and even online institutions. Some programs also include clinical internships that provide hands-on experience in a real-world pharmacy setting.
Accreditation and Program Duration
When choosing a training program, make sure it’s accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or another recognized accrediting body. Most programs last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the curriculum and whether you’re pursuing a diploma or an associate degree.
Step 3: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or ExCPT
Certification is required or highly recommended in many states. There are two main certification exams:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE): Administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), this exam covers essential pharmacy technician knowledge, including medication safety, pharmacy law, and order entry.
- Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT): Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), this exam also tests your knowledge of pharmacy operations, patient safety, and general healthcare regulations.
Both exams are highly regarded, and passing one of them is a common step toward getting licensed. Most states accept certification from either the PTCB or NHA, but it’s a good idea to check your state’s specific requirements.
Preparing for the Exam
Many pharmacy technician programs provide study materials to help you prepare for certification exams. In addition, you can find online study guides and practice tests. Once certified, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years, which typically requires completing continuing education credits.
Step 4: Apply for Your State Pharmacy Technician License
After completing your education and passing a certification exam, the next step is to apply for a pharmacy technician license in your state. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so it’s important to check with your state’s Board of Pharmacy for the specific steps.
Typical Requirements Include:
- Application Form: You’ll need to fill out and submit a formal application.
- Proof of Certification: Submit proof that you’ve passed a certification exam like the PTCE or ExCPT.
- Application Fee: Most states charge a fee to apply for a license, which can range from $50 to $150.
- Background Check: You may also need to submit to a background check and fingerprinting as part of the process.
Once approved, you’ll receive your pharmacy technician license, which allows you to legally work in the state.
Step 5: Maintain Your License and Certification
Once you’ve obtained your pharmacy technician license, it’s important to maintain it. Most states require that pharmacy technicians renew their licenses every one to two years. In addition, if you’re certified through the PTCB or NHA, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years.
Continuing Education
To renew your license and certification, you’ll typically need to complete continuing education (CE) credits. The PTCB, for example, requires 20 hours of CE every two years, including one hour of pharmacy law. CE programs are often available through your employer, professional organizations, or online platforms.
Special Considerations by State
While the general process for becoming licensed as a pharmacy technician is similar across the U.S., each state has specific requirements. Here are a few state-specific guidelines:
- California: Requires pharmacy techs to complete a recognized training program, pass the PTCE or ExCPT, and submit a detailed application.
- Texas: Requires registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, along with certification.
- Florida: Pharmacy technicians must complete a board-approved program and pass a background check.
Always check with your state board to ensure you meet all legal requirements.
Advantages of Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand, and getting licensed opens up many career opportunities. Some of the benefits include:
- Job Security: The healthcare field continues to grow, and pharmacy techs are needed in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
- Competitive Salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was around $36,740 as of 2023.
- Room for Advancement: As a pharmacy technician, you can pursue further education to become a pharmacist, or you may move into supervisory roles with experience.
Conclusion
Getting a pharmacy technician license is a rewarding path that combines education, certification, and practical experience. By following these steps—meeting educational requirements, passing a certification exam, and applying for a state license—you can start a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.
With strong demand for healthcare professionals, pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician offers job security, opportunities for growth, and the chance to play a vital role in patient care.