How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Connecticut

Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Connecticut

  1. Meet Minimum Requirements: Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Complete a Training Program: Complete initial training as determined by the pharmacist manager of each pharmacy. This training may include on-the-job training and related education, which must be completed before performing regular tasks.
  3. Get National Certification: Although not mandatory, obtaining certification through PTCB or NHA is recommended to improve employment opportunities.
  4. Register with the State: Submit an application for registration to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, including proof of training and background check clearance.
  5. Pass the Background Check: Complete any required fingerprinting and background check as part of the registration process.
  6. Receive State Registration: Upon approval, register as a pharmacy technician with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection to receive your state registration, allowing you to work in Connecticut.
  7. Maintain Continuing Education: While the state does not require specific continuing education hours, certified technicians must follow the CE requirements of their certifying body, such as PTCB or NHA.

State Requirements

  • Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Education: High school diploma or GED required.
  • Training Program: Completion of a Board-approved training program.
  • Certification: PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) certification is recommended, though not always mandatory.
  • Registration: Must register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
  • Supervision: Work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
  • Direct Supervision: Pharmacy technicians must work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist who is physically present and oversees the dispensing process.
  • Technician-to-Pharmacist Ratio: The ratio of technicians to pharmacists in institutional pharmacies shall not exceed three technicians per supervising pharmacist.
  • Continuing Education: Maintain certification through the required continuing education (CE) credits.
  • Background Check: A background check is typically required.

Training and Education

Pharmacy technicians in Connecticut must complete initial training as determined by the pharmacist manager of each pharmacy. This training includes on-the-job and related education, and must be completed prior to performing regular tasks.

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Training programs that satisfy Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection requirements are often available through community colleges or vocational schools and provide foundational knowledge in pharmacology, healthcare ethics, and practical pharmacy skills.

Completing this training helps prepare aspiring pharmacy technicians for certification exams and the real-world responsibilities of the job.

Pharmacy technicians are also required to complete both initial and continuing training to ensure ongoing competency. The training must be documented by the supervising pharmacist, and records must be readily available for inspection.

Certification

While certification is not mandatory in Connecticut, it is highly recommended for pharmacy technicians who want to advance in their careers. National certification can be obtained through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which offers the ExCPT exam.

Both of these certifications demonstrate a higher level of competency, and earning them can enhance employment prospects, increase job stability, and potentially lead to higher pay.

Employers often prefer certified technicians because they are equipped with validated skills, which can lead to more responsibility and opportunities for career growth. Additionally, having a certification can make candidates more competitive when applying for roles in different pharmacy environments, such as hospitals or specialized care settings.

Licensing and Registration

All pharmacy technicians in Connecticut must register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. This registration ensures that technicians meet the necessary requirements to work under the supervision of a pharmacist in a community or hospital setting. Registration typically involves providing proof of education, training, and background check clearance.

The registration process involves submitting an application, paying the required fees, and providing proof of initial training. If the registration expires, technicians must renew it by submitting the renewal application along with the required fee and proof of continuing education.

In some cases, if a registration has expired for an extended period, technicians may need to complete additional training or meet other requirements to reinstate it.

Pharmacy technicians moving from other states may need to provide evidence of their credentials to qualify for reciprocity, allowing them to practice in Connecticut without repeating all requirements.

Continuing Education

While there’s no requirement to maintain a certain amount of CE hours on the state level, technicians with national certifications must follow the requirements set by their certifying body, such as PTCB or NHA.

These organizations often require technicians to complete a specific number of CE hours to maintain their certification. To maintain certification and stay current with industry standards, pharmacy technicians are required to complete continuing education (CE) credits.

PTCB requires technicians to complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, including one hour in pharmacy law, while NHA requires 20 hours of CE, with one hour focusing on patient safety.

CE helps technicians stay up to date with the latest developments in pharmacy practices, medications, and safety protocols.

Resources

The Connecticut State Board of Pharmacy Information

Address:                      165 Capitol Avenue. Hartford, CT
Phone:                        860-713-6100 or

Toll-free No:               800-842-2649
Website:                     http://www.ct.gov/dcp/site/default.asp

Professional Associations

The CPA or Connecticut Pharmacists Association

www.ctpharmacists.org.

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