Are you thinking about becoming a pharmacy technician? Every pharmacy needs a pharmacy technician because they guarantee that consumers get the prescriptions they require.
In California, you must complete both training and certification to work as a pharmacy technician.
The steps required to become a certified pharmacy technician in California will be covered in this article, so stay tuned.
We will discuss the educational prerequisites, the necessary certificates, and more.
The need for health-care services is rising significantly both in California and across the nation. Being a pharmacy technician will enable you to offer a valuable service to people.
These professionals work in hospitals, supermarkets, retail pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities.
In order to process some prescription orders, pharmacy technicians may also need to operate automated dispensing equipment.
The licensing, job description and employment criteria to work as a pharmacy technician varies by state in the US.
The next section discusses the specific duties of a pharmacy technician in California.
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Specific Duties of a Pharmacy Technician in California
The duties of these professionals range widely, however, the ones below are some common and specific duties.
Pharmacy technicians in California have the following responsibilities:
- Gather the necessary data to fill and distribute prescriptions.
- Measuring, putting together, and labelling pharmaceutical drugs.
- Organize and assist in keeping track of the pharmacy’s inventory.
- Processing payments and insurance claims.
- Undertake information entry for clients or patients.
- Set up a time for clients to speak with a qualified pharmacist about their illnesses or drugs.
Basic Pharmacy Technician Requirements in California
You must register with the California State Board of Pharmacy and maintain your registration in order to operate as a pharmacy technician in California.
You must complete and submit an application for a pharmacy technician license along with a $195 non-refundable fee to be considered for a license.
Along with the application, you must send a recent photo, proof of your completion of pharmacy technology training, a self-query report, and live-scan fingerprints.
Shown below are additional requirements:
- A high school diploma or a GED is required
- Should have a sound moral foundation.
- Should have a clean record with no criminal history.
The following pharmacy technician documentation must be submitted as proof:
- Form DD214 for military pharmacy technician training from one of the federal armed services.
- Proof of graduation or the completion of coursework.
- PTCB certificate from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board certificate,
- ExCPT certificate from the National Healthcare Association Pharmacy Technician Certification Program.
Training Requirements to become a pharmacy technician in California
The Board of Pharmacy in California specifies the training requirements necessary to obtain a license. Any of the following choices is acceptable:
- Programs in pharmacy technology offered by a federal military service through which a credential might be obtained and approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
- Other programs with a minimum of 240 hours of instruction including those in pharmacy practice settings, pharmacy technician duties and responsibilities.
Also, pharmaceutical and medical terms, dosage calculations, drug identification, giving prescriptions, and processes and techniques for drug manufacturing, labeling, and packaging.
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Education of Pharmacy Technicians
In California, a high school diploma or an equivalent is the minimum educational qualification for a pharmacy technician.
Some pharmacy technicians acquire their knowledge through specific in-store training.
Depending on the needs of various employers, the length and curriculum of these training programs can change.
In California, pharmacy technicians can also earn an Associate’s degree or pass the requirements of a recognized pharmacy school.
Although it’s not usually required, many employers may pay for their employees to pass the certification exam.
Licensure and Certification Needed to Become A Pharmacy Technician in California
The state of California has the following criteria and certification for Pharmacy Technicians in addition to the high school graduation or GED, fees, and a mandatory criminal background check:
Associate’s Degree In Pharmacy Technology From A Program Accredited By The American Society of Health–System.
These programs cover a range of topics, including math, data entry and record keeping, methods of delivering pharmaceuticals, and pharmacy law and ethics.
The names, functions, and dosages of the medicines or drugs that technicians would encounter while doing their duties are also taught to them.
Many of these programs or courses also offer opportunities for clinical experience, giving the student some real-world training and experience.
Finish The Training Program That Has Been Prescribed By The Board
This can be any other course that offers a training period of at least 240 hours of instruction and includes instruction in medical and pharmaceutical terminology, abbreviations, and symbols that are frequently used in prescriptions.
These programs also teach the knowledge of dosage and storage needs, and the capacity to calculate necessary dosages using both the metric and apothecary systems.
Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam To Become Certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
A recent reorganization took place in the most recent PTCE version. Instead of the three components that were present in earlier exams, there are now a total of nine sections on the exam.
There are subsections in each of the nine areas, and the exam now emphasizes topics like pharmacy information systems and pharmaceutical safety.
The exam currently offers 90 questions in total.
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Go For Recertification
Every two years, certified technicians are required under PTCB regulations to apply for recertification.
To renew their PTCB certification, pharmacy technicians need to attain a minimum of 20 hours of pharmacy-related ongoing training.
Under the guidance of a pharmacist, a technician can earn up to ten hours of on-the-job training by accomplishing tasks that stretch and enlighten them in new ways.
In accordance with PTCB guidelines, pharmacy technicians in the state of California are required to spend at least one hour learning about pharmacy law.
Estimated Earnings of Pharmacy Technicians In California
Salary ranges for Pharmacy Technicians with under a year of experience in a few Californian cities are shown below.
- Los Angeles: $39,105
- Fresno: $34,808
- Sacramento: $37,548
- San Francisco : $43,527
- San Diego: $37,349
Conclusion
With the right preparation, being a pharmacy technician in California is a goal that is attainable.
Interested candidates can enter this professional field with confidence if they are aware of the educational requirements and certification procedure.
To succeed as a pharmacy technician, one must utilize all available resources, including training and certification programs.
Anyone can qualify for this rewarding career with effort and perseverance.
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FAQ
How Long Does It Take To Get A California Pharmacy Tech License?
Depending on your chosen professional path, becoming a pharmacy technician can be completed in nine months to two years.
While associate degree programs typically need two years to complete, certificate programs can typically be finished in a year or less.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Pharmacy Technician?
You must successfully finish a two-year approved pharmacy technician program that combines classroom instruction and real-world experience.
As a pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician, you will often work at a pharmacy while you complete your level 3 apprenticeship.
How Do I Get My Pharmacy Technician License In California?
For licensing, one must complete an accredited pharmacy technician program or hold a valid PTCB or ExCPT certification.
What is The Difference Between A Pharmacy Technician And A Pharmacy Assistant?
A pharmacy technician, like a pharmacy assistant, assists in the pharmacy’s administration of inventory, customer service, and prescription accuracy.
However, as regards preparing prescriptions and performing the last check before drugs are given to the patient, a pharmacy technician has more responsibility.
Should I Become A Pharmacy Technician Before a Pharmacist?
A wonderful first step toward becoming a pharmacist is becoming a pharmacy technician. Having practical work experience before starting pharmacy school can give you an edge over your peers.
How Many Years, Of Course, Is A Pharmacy Technician?
In Nigeria, it takes three years.
How Much Do Hospital Pharmacy Techs Make in California?
As of December 27, 2022, the average Hospital Pharmacy Technician income in California is $47,394, while the range frequently ranges from $42,739 to $52,880.
Can I Study Pharmacy Technician Online?
The Diploma in Pharmacy Skills is an online credential earned online that will prepare you for a variety of positions in healthcare and dispensing pharmacies.
Are Pharmacy Technicians In Demand in the USA?
Yes. Between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4% increase in employment for pharmacy technologists.
A projected 16,600 jobs should become available during that time. It may seem simple to assist a pharmacist in dispensing prescription medication, but it involves a great deal of accuracy and attention to detail.
Is The PTCB Exam Hard?
The PTCB exam can be challenging, thus preparation is essential for success. As with any other significant exam, studying in advance can significantly impact your final grade.
