How Do I Become a Pharmacy Tech in Delaware?

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Delaware does not require a license, but an education in the field can go a long way towards becoming one.

In Delaware, becoming a pharmacy technician is a job that seems easy on the surface but actually requires a good deal of time and education. The state does not regulate pharmacy techs and there is no state certification necessary, but it's exceedingly difficult to enter the field without the proper education. Fortunately, the state offers a variety of vocational schools that will help you enter this field.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a vocational school with a program for pharmacy technicians. There are schools throughout Delaware, such as Delaware Tech, Boston Reed and Dawn Career Institute, that have programs that you can take either in the classroom or online. These programs will help teach you things like lab skills, filling prescriptions, process billing, keeping records and inventory, become knowledgeable of medications and being able to prepare IVs. Courses can cost in the neighborhood of $3,000 in some schools.

2. Enter an internship as part of your studies. Some schools include 24 hours worth of an internship in a hospital and retail setting. Pharmacy techs are trained to work in hospitals, drug stores, clinics and nursing homes, among other places.

3. Become a nationally certified pharmacy tech. While Delaware does not require you to be certified, being nationally certified will certainly help your job qualifications. You can prepare for and take the national certification exam online at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board website (ptcb.org). Your vocational school can also help offer national certification training. You can apply for national certification at any time.

References

• Boston Reed College: FAQ For Pharmacy Techs
• Dawn Career Institute: Pharmacy Technician
• Del Tech: Health Care Courses