How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Georgia
- Find and Complete a Training Program: Enroll in a pharmacy technician training program that offers comprehensive education and practical skills, preparing you for a career in the field.
- Obtain National Certification: Although not a state requirement, consider getting certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the ExCPT exam by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This can enhance your professional standing and job opportunities.
- Get State License/Registration: Register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. This process involves completing an online application, undergoing a criminal background check, paying a $100.00 fee, and providing necessary additional details.
- Maintain License/Certification: Renew your registration with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy before June 30th of odd-numbered years. If you are nationally certified, follow the certifying body’s requirements for renewal and continuing education to keep your certification active.
State Requirements
- Age and Education: Applicants must be at least 17 years old and either currently enrolled in high school, have a high school diploma, or a GED.
- Criminal Background Check: A criminal history background check through Fieldprint is required for all applicants.
- Employment Information: If currently employed in a pharmacy, applicants must submit the license number of the pharmacy where they are employed.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $100.00 is required for registration.
- Registration with the Board: Pharmacy technicians are required to register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. This process includes completing an online application and the Pharmacy Technician Application Supplement
Training/Education
Georgia and its board of pharmacy don’t have specific requirements for pharmacy technology programs. However, choosing a good training program is still crucial. These programs provide important knowledge and skills, covering areas like pharmacology and pharmacy law.
An essential component of a good training program is the practical experience, often achieved through an externship. This hands-on experience is invaluable, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world pharmacy settings and gain practical skills.
A solid training program also helps in preparing for national certification exams like the PTCE or ExCPT.
Certification
In Georgia, certification for pharmacy technicians is not mandated by the Board. However, the Board recognizes certifications from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
If an applicant is certified through PTCB or NHA, they need to submit a copy of their certificate to the Board. This recognition indicates that while certification is not a state requirement, obtaining it from these recognized bodies can be beneficial for professional development and employment opportunities
Licensing/Registration
In Georgia, pharmacy technicians are required to register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy rather than obtain a traditional license. The registration process involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and meeting other criteria such as age and educational qualifications.
This registration serves as the official recognition by the state for pharmacy technicians to practice in a pharmacy setting. In Georgia, technicians must renew their registrations before June 30th of odd-numbered years.
Unlike some states, Georgia does not mandate specific training programs or continuing education (CE) for pharmacy technicians. The state also does not require pharmacy technicians to pass a competency test.
Continuing Education
In Georgia, pharmacy technicians are not required to obtain continuing education (CE) credits for maintaining their registration with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. This means that, unlike in some other states, pharmacy technicians in Georgia do not need to complete a certain number of CE hours to renew their registration every two years.
Pharmacy technicians who are certified through organizations like the PTCB or NHA might have CE requirements to maintain their national certification, which can be beneficial for professional development and career advancement.
Resources:
The Georgia State Board of Pharmacy Information
Office: 237 Coliseum Drive. Macon, GA 31217
Phone: 478-207-2440
Website: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/pharmacy
Are There Any Professional Associations?
The Georgia Pharmacy Association, and they can be found at www.gpha.org.