License Requirements for a Pharmacy Tech
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 32-percent increase in job opportunities for trained pharmacy technicians because of a rise in the elderly population over the next five years. As pharmacists seek professionals to assist them with filling prescriptions, more emphasis will be put on hiring licensed pharmacy technicians that have the education and experience to handle these tasks successfully.
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Function
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Licensed pharmacy technicians are trained to assist pharmacists with technical and administrative functions within a pharmacy setting. Pharmacy technicians must be supervised by a licensed pharmacist; their responsibilities include filling prescriptions, mixing medications and maintaining patient files. They are licensed to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, assisted living facilities and retail pharmacies.
The Facts
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According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), there are only five states that currently do not have licensing requirements for pharmacy technicians: Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and New York. Pharmacy technicians working in states with licensing requirements must be at least 18 years old and have a GED or high school diploma in addition to completing the training requirements established by the state. Some states may also require pharmacy technicians to be nationally certified by an accredited certification board such as the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.
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Regulation
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Each state has a Board of Pharmacy that is responsible for approving license applications based on the state's education and training requirements. Education and training requirements are different in each state, but most states require pharmacy technicians to complete an associate degree or other training program and pass a state and/or national certification exam. Most states also require pharmacy technicians to work a certain number of hours as interns or aides under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Types
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In some states there are two types of licenses that pharmacy technicians can obtain. In these states, applicants that qualify for a license can gain work experience as licensed pharmacy technicians. After a year, they are required to become certified pharmacy technicians. Certified pharmacy technicians receive their national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT). Both licensing authorities require pharmacy technicians to pass an exam and take continuing-education courses to obtain and renew their national certification.
Considerations
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Licensing boards take several precautions to ensure that the public is protected and that licensed pharmacy technicians have good moral character. In many states, applicants must pass a federal and a state background check to qualify for a license. Fingerprint testing may also be required as part of the application process. Applicants with any type of drug conviction will not be approved for a license.
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