Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina
- Meet Educational Requirements: Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete Pharmacy Technician Training: Either on-the-job or through a formal program at a vocational school or community college.
- Apply for Employment: Secure a position in a pharmacy under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- Register with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (NCBOP): Register with the NCBOP within 30 days of starting work. Submit a registration application and pay the $30 non-refundable fee
- (Optional) Obtain National Certification: Consider earning national certification through the PTCB or ExCPT to improve job prospects. Certification requires passing an exam but is not required for state registration.
- Renew Registration Annually: Renew your pharmacy technician registration with the NCBOP each year by paying the $30 fee.
- (For Certified Technicians) Maintain Continuing Education: If certified, complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including one hour focused on pharmacy law, to maintain certification.
State Requirements
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
- Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Criminal Background Check: May be required depending on the employer
- Training: Must complete a formal training program under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist within 180 days of starting work
- Registration: All pharmacy technicians must register with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (NCBOP) within 30 days of completing the training program supervised by a pharmacist-manager.
- License Renewal: Registration must be renewed annually for a fee of $30
- Supervision: Must work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist
- Continuing Education: Not required for state registration but necessary for maintaining PTCB certification (20 hours of CE every 2 years)
Training and Education
While formal post-secondary education is not mandated by the state, many employers prefer candidates who have completed specialized pharmacy technician programs.
These programs, often offered at community colleges or vocational schools, cover essential topics such as pharmacy law, pharmacology, medication management, and customer service, providing a solid grounding in both the technical and practical aspects of the job.
On-the-job training is a crucial component for non-certified pharmacy technicians in North Carolina. Within 180 days of starting employment, technicians must complete a formal training program designed and supervised by a licensed pharmacist-manager.
This training typically includes pharmacy terminology, calculations, dispensing systems, legal requirements, and proper handling and storage of medications.
The pharmacist-manager customizes this training to suit the specific tasks and workflows of the pharmacy, ensuring that the technician is equipped to perform their role safely and effectively.
Certification
Although North Carolina does not require pharmacy technicians to be nationally certified, obtaining certification can significantly enhance career prospects and earning potential.
The two primary certification options available are through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association’s ExCPT exam.
Certification typically requires passing an examination that tests key areas such as pharmacy law, medication safety, pharmacology, and inventory management. To be eligible for the PTCB exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and a clean criminal record.
Though certification is voluntary in North Carolina, many employers prefer to hire certified technicians because it indicates a higher level of expertise and reliability in performing tasks such as compounding medications and assisting with prescription processing.
Licensing/Registration
In North Carolina, pharmacy technicians must be registered with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (NCBOP) to work in any pharmacy setting. The state requires that all pharmacy technicians register within 30 days of beginning employment.
This registration process involves submitting an application to the NCBOP, along with a non-refundable fee of $30. The application includes personal information, proof of employment, and in some cases, may require a criminal background check, depending on the employer’s policies.
The registration must be renewed annually, and technicians are responsible for maintaining their active registration by paying the renewal fee each year.
Additionally, pharmacist-managers are responsible for ensuring that their pharmacy technicians are registered and have completed the necessary training within 180 days of employment.
Non-certified technicians need to complete their employer-led training before they can be officially registered.
Continuing Education
In North Carolina, continuing education (CE) is not mandated by the state for pharmacy technicians as part of their annual registration process. This means that technicians who choose not to pursue national certification through bodies like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) do not need to complete CE to maintain their state registration.
However, for pharmacy technicians who hold national certification, continuing education is a requirement. The PTCB, for example, requires certified technicians to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least one hour focused on pharmacy law.
Resources
North Carolina Board of Pharmacy
www.ncbop.org
Office: 6015 Farrington Road, Suite 201. Chapel Hill, NC 27515-4560
Mail: PO Box 4560
Telephone: 919-246-1050
Fax: 919-246-1056
Professional Association for North Carolina pharmacy technicians:
North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP)
www.ncpharmacists.org