Requirements To Be A Pharmacy Tech

1. Foundational Educational Requirements

The first and most basic requirement to become a pharmacy technician is a high school diploma or its equivalent, a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. This demonstrates a baseline level of education and readiness for further training.

• High School Diploma: Completion of a standard high school curriculum is almost universally accepted.
• GED Certificate: The GED is an alternative for individuals who did not complete high school but passed an exam demonstrating high school-level academic skills.

A strong foundation in mathematics, particularly algebra, and basic science concepts is beneficial, as these subjects are directly applicable to pharmacy calculations and understanding drug information.

2. Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

While not required in every state, completing a pharmacy technician training program is highly recommended and sometimes mandated. These programs provide structured learning, covering essential skills and knowledge.

• Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by organizations like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). ASHP accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous standards and adequately prepares students for the profession.

• Curriculum: A typical pharmacy technician program curriculum includes:

  1. Pharmaceutical Terminology: Learning the language of pharmacy.
  2. Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Understanding legal and ethical responsibilities.
  3. Drug Classification: Categorizing medications by therapeutic effect and mechanism of action.
  4. Dosage Calculations: Mastering the math skills required for accurate dispensing.
  5. Medication Safety: Preventing medication errors and adverse drug events.
  6. Inventory Management: Managing drug supplies and preventing shortages.
  7. Compounding: Preparing customized medications (in some programs).
  8. Customer Service: Interacting with patients and healthcare professionals.
  9. Sterile Compounding (IV Preparation): Preparing sterile medications for injection (in advanced programs).

• Program Length and Format: Training programs vary in length, from a few months to a year or more. They can be offered in various formats:

  • On-Campus: Traditional classroom-based instruction.
  • Online: Flexible learning from home.
  • Hybrid: A combination of online and in-person classes.

3. Certification: PTCB and ExCPT

Many states require or strongly prefer pharmacy technicians to be certified. The two main certifying bodies in the United States are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which offers the ExCPT exam.

• PTCB (Certified Pharmacy Technician - CPhT):

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • High school diploma or equivalent.
    • Completion of a PTCB-recognized education program or 500 hours of qualifying work experience.
    • Passing the PTCB exam.
    • Disclosure of criminal history.
  • PTCB Exam: A computer-based exam covering areas such as medications, federal requirements, patient safety, and order entry and processing.
  • Recertification: Requires completing 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, including one hour in pharmacy law and one hour in patient safety.

• NHA (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians - ExCPT):

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • High school diploma or equivalent.
    • Completion of a pharmacy technician training program or at least 1200 hours of work experience.
    • Passing the ExCPT exam.
  • ExCPT Exam: A computer-based exam testing knowledge and skills in areas like pharmacology, pharmacy law, and dispensing processes.
  • Recertification: Requires completing 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.

4. State Registration and Licensing

In addition to certification, most states require pharmacy technicians to register with the State Board of Pharmacy or obtain a license. Requirements vary by state, but generally include:

• Application: Submitting an application form to the State Board of Pharmacy.
• Background Check: Undergoing a criminal background check.
• Fees: Paying a registration or licensing fee.
• Proof of Certification: Providing proof of PTCB or ExCPT certification (if required by the state).
• Age Requirement: Most states require applicants to be at least 18 years old.

It is crucial to check the specific requirements of the state where you plan to work, as regulations can change. Some states may have additional requirements, such as completing a state-specific training program or passing a state-administered exam.

5. Essential Skills and Qualities

Beyond formal requirements, successful pharmacy technicians possess a range of essential skills and qualities:

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Crucial for preventing medication errors.
• Strong Math Skills: Necessary for dosage calculations and inventory management.
• Communication Skills: Interacting with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Customer Service Skills: Providing excellent patient care and addressing concerns.
• Computer Skills: Using pharmacy software and electronic health records.
• Organizational Skills: Managing tasks efficiently in a busy pharmacy setting.
• Integrity and Ethics: Maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards.

6. Continuing Education

Even after becoming certified and registered, pharmacy technicians must engage in continuing education (CE) to maintain their certification and licensure. CE requirements vary, but typically involve completing a certain number of CE hours every one or two years. CE courses can cover a wide range of topics, including:

• New Medications: Learning about newly approved drugs and their uses.
• Changes in Pharmacy Law: Staying up-to-date on legal and regulatory changes.
• Medication Safety: Improving practices to prevent medication errors.
• Specialized Pharmacy Topics: Exploring areas such as compounding, sterile compounding, or specialty pharmacy.

7. Cost Considerations

The cost of becoming a pharmacy technician varies depending on the training program, certification exam fees, and state registration fees.

These are estimated costs, and the actual amounts may vary. Some employers may offer tuition reimbursement or pay for certification exams.

8. Career Advancement Opportunities

With experience and further education, pharmacy technicians can advance their careers in several ways:

• Lead Pharmacy Technician: Supervising other technicians and managing workflow.
• Specialized Pharmacy Technician: Focusing on areas such as sterile compounding, oncology pharmacy, or nuclear pharmacy. Requires additional training and certification.
• Pharmacy Technician Instructor: Teaching pharmacy technician training programs.
• Advancement to Pharmacist: Some technicians use their experience as a stepping stone to becoming a pharmacist by pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.

9. Key Resources

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): www.ptcb.org
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA): www.nhanow.com
• State Boards of Pharmacy: Locate the specific board for your state.
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP): www.ashp.org

10. Conclusion

Becoming a pharmacy technician involves meeting a combination of educational, certification, and registration requirements. While the specific requirements vary by state, understanding the general process outlined in this guide will help you navigate your path to becoming a successful pharmacy technician. Remember to meticulously research the regulations in your state and pursue accredited training programs to maximize your chances of success in this rewarding healthcare profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main certifications for pharmacy technicians?

The two primary certifications are offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) with their ExCPT exam. Each has its own eligibility requirements and recertification processes.

How often do I need to renew my pharmacy technician certification?

Both PTCB and NHA certifications require renewal every two years. This involves completing 20 hours of continuing education (CE), with specific requirements for law and patient safety for PTCB.

Are pharmacy technician training programs required in all states?

No, not all states mandate formal training programs. However, completing an accredited program, like those recognized by ASHP, is highly recommended as it provides structured learning and better prepares you for certification exams and the job itself.

What kind of math skills do I need as a pharmacy technician?

Strong math skills are essential, particularly in algebra. You’ll need these skills for dosage calculations, converting measurements, and managing inventory accurately.

How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician?

Costs vary depending on the training program, exam fees, and state registration. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $4,000 for a training program, around $120-$130 for the certification exam, and $25 to $200 for state registration. Continuing education will also incur costs.