Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Texas
- Complete Education: Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Pursue Training: Enroll in a pharmacy technician training program, which can enhance knowledge and provide hands-on experience.
- Earn Certification: Pass either the PTCB or NHA certification exam to qualify for state registration.
- Register with TSBP: Apply to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, including a background check and fingerprinting.
- Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years to maintain certification and registration.
State Requirements
- Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Certification: Obtain certification from either the PTCB or NHA.
- Registration: Register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
- Background Check: Pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
- Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification.
- Supervision: Must work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Education and Training
To become a pharmacy technician in Texas, candidates must pursue education and training that meets state guidelines. While formal education isn’t mandated, most candidates complete a pharmacy technician training program, which can range from a few months to two years.
These programs, often offered by community colleges or vocational schools, cover essential topics like pharmaceutical calculations, medical terminology, and pharmacy law.
Additionally, some programs include hands-on experience through externships in pharmacies, providing students with practical skills in prescription preparation, medication labeling, and customer service.
Upon completing training, prospective technicians can move on to the certification and registration stages, preparing them for roles in retail, hospital, or other pharmacy settings.
Certification
For those seeking certification, PTCB and NHA recommend completion of an accredited program, although on-the-job training is also an option. Many employers prefer or require PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certification, so completing an accredited program can be advantageous.
Both certifications require passing a comprehensive exam that tests knowledge in areas like medication safety, pharmacy law, and order entry.
To be eligible for these exams, candidates typically need to complete an accredited training program or have equivalent work experience.
The PTCB exam, for example, requires candidates to have completed or be in the process of completing a pharmacy technician training program or have equivalent experience.
The ExCPT exam by the NHA has similar prerequisites, making sure that certified technicians meet the minimum standards of knowledge and practice.
Licensing/Registration
In Texas, all pharmacy technicians must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) before they can legally work in a pharmacy setting. This process requires applicants to complete an online application, submit required documentation, and pay a registration fee. As part of this registration, candidates must provide proof of their certification through either the PTCB or NHA.
Additionally, fingerprinting and a background check are mandatory for all applicants. This step ensures compliance with state regulations and verifies that technicians meet the standards of professional conduct required by the TSBP. After initial registration, technicians must renew their registration every two years, coinciding with their continuing education requirements for certification renewal.
In summary, registration with the TSBP is essential for legal employment and requires both initial certification and periodic renewals. This process ensures that all pharmacy technicians in Texas adhere to the high standards of safety and professionalism expected within the field.
Continuing Education
To maintain certification and registration in Texas, pharmacy technicians must fulfill continuing education (CE) requirements every two years. Both the PTCB and NHA mandate 20 hours of CE for renewal, which ensures that technicians remain updated on industry practices and patient safety standards.
For PTCB certification, CE must include:
- Pharmacy Law: At least one hour focused on pharmacy law.
- Patient Safety: One hour dedicated to patient safety.
- Elective Topics: The remaining hours can cover various pharmacy-related subjects, allowing technicians to tailor their education to their interests or job requirements.
In Texas, these CE hours also satisfy the TSBP’s registration renewal requirements, aligning certification and licensing needs. By staying informed through CE, pharmacy technicians enhance their skills and ensure adherence to evolving healthcare regulations.
Resources
Texas Board of Pharmacy
www.tsbp.state.tx.us
Office: Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe St., Tower 3, Suite 600. AUstin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 305-8000
Fax: (512) 305-8082
Professional Association for Texas pharmacy technicians:
The Texas Pharmacy Association
www.texaspharmacy.org