How to Apply for Pharmacy Technician Licensure
As pharmaceutical science advances and more retail pharmacies expand, pharmacy technicians can expect great opportunities in this growing field. To get ahead in your career as a pharmacy technician it's important to hold the highest credentials possible. Employers look at experience, certification, and licensure. Knowing how to attain these important credentials will make your career path a little smoother.
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Instructions
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Becoming a licensed pharmacy technician
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Graduate from a formal pharmacy technician training program. These programs can be found online or at a local community college. A formal training program prepares you to take the certification exam.
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Take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification test at www.ptcb.org (find a link in Resouces). If you did not complete a formal program and want more information before taking the test. "Delmar's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review," by Patricia K. Anthony, is a book that covers pharmacy law, mathematical equations, and drug names. After passing the National Pharmacy Technician Certification test you can use the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician.
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Apply for a license through your state's Board of Pharmacy (Find a link in Resources to the National Association of State Boards of Pharmacy to a link to your state's board). Some states require certification prior to licensing; others do not. Check with your state before applying.
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Apply for an entry-level pharmacy associate job at a retail pharmacy. After you work more than 500 hours, most retail pharmacies have an in-house test you can pass to become licensed in your state. Being registered or licensed as a pharmacy technician in your state is not equivalent to being nationally certified.
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Tips & Warnings
You must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your certification. States may require continuing education as well as an annual license renewal. Check with your state to find out more.
