Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Vermont
- Meet Eligibility Requirements. Ensure you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
- Register with the Vermont OPR. Submit an application online to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation and pay the required fee.
- Complete Training (Optional). Although not required by the state, complete an on-the-job or formal pharmacy technician training program to enhance your skills.
- Consider National Certification. Obtain certification through the PTCB or ExCPT to improve your job prospects and expand your responsibilities.
- Start Working Under Supervision. Begin your role as a pharmacy technician under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- Renew Registration Every Two Years. Keep your registration current by renewing every two years through the Vermont OPR.
- Complete Continuing Education (If Certified). Fulfill CE requirements if you hold national certification or administer immunizations.
State Requirements
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education Requirement: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Registration: Must register with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and pay a non-refundable application fee.
- Training Requirement: No formal education required, but some employers may provide on-the-job training or prefer candidates with national certification.
- Certification (Optional): National certification through PTCB or ExCPT is not mandatory but may be desirable for job prospects and responsibilities.
- Continuing Education: Not required for most pharmacy technicians. However, certified pharmacy technicians administering immunizations must complete specific immunization-related CE.
- License Renewal: Must renew license every two years.
- Background Check: Must have no disqualifying criminal records.
Education and Training
In Vermont, formal training is not required by the state to become a pharmacy technician, but it can significantly enhance your career prospects. Many technicians gain their skills through on-the-job training provided by their employers under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.
However, completing a formal pharmacy technician training program is highly recommended as it provides a solid foundation in key areas like pharmacy law, pharmacology, medication safety, and patient interaction.
Pharmacy technician training programs typically include coursework in subjects such as:
- Pharmacy laws and regulations
- Medication dosage calculations
- Pharmacology and drug classifications
- Compounding and dispensing procedures
- Inventory management
These programs often combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience, which helps technicians develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Certification
In Vermont, certification is not required by the state to become a pharmacy technician. However, pursuing certification can be a valuable step for those looking to advance their careers or enhance their skills.
National certification demonstrates a higher level of competency and can make you more attractive to employers, especially in competitive job markets. Many employers prefer or even require certified technicians for more advanced roles, such as handling prescription orders or compounding medications.
The two most recognized certifications are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Both exams test a pharmacy technician’s knowledge of medication safety, pharmacy law, and the technical aspects of dispensing medications. To be eligible for these exams, candidates typically need to complete an accredited training program or have substantial on-the-job experience.
Licensing/Registration
In Vermont, registration with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) is required to work as a pharmacy technician. All individuals who intend to perform pharmacy-related tasks must complete the registration process before starting work.
To register, applicants need to provide basic personal information, confirm that they meet the state’s eligibility requirements (such as being 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent), and submit the required fee.
The registration process is typically completed online, and there is no formal training required by the state, although employers may offer or require it.
Pharmacy technician registrations must be renewed every two years. The renewal process is also handled through the OPR’s online system, and pharmacy technicians are responsible for ensuring their registration remains active.
If a technician’s registration expires, they can apply for reinstatement, but additional steps may be required, such as providing proof of recent work experience or completing CE credits, depending on how long the registration has lapsed.
Reciprocity is another important aspect for technicians moving to Vermont. While Vermont does not automatically transfer pharmacy technician registrations from other states, technicians can apply to the OPR and provide proof of their previous registration or licensure, which may help streamline the process.
Continuing Education
In Vermont, continuing education (CE) is not required for most pharmacy technicians unless they hold national certification or are involved in specialized duties, such as immunization administration. Certified technicians who handle immunizations are required to complete two hours of immunization-related CE during each two-year registration period.
While state CE requirements are minimal, staying current with industry standards is crucial for career development, and many technicians voluntarily pursue additional education to enhance their skills and job prospects.
For those holding a national certification, like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), CE is required to maintain certification. Both the PTCB and ExCPT mandate 20 hours of CE every two years, which must include at least:
- 1 hour in pharmacy law
- 1 hour in patient safety
These CE activities help certified technicians stay updated on the latest practices, safety procedures, and regulatory changes. CE credits can typically be earned through online courses, workshops, or professional organizations, allowing technicians to focus on areas of interest or specialization.
Resources
Vermont Board of Pharmacy
www.vtprofessionals.org
Office: National Life Building, North, FL 2. Montpelier, VT 05620-3402
Telephone: (802) 828-2373
Fax: (802) 828-2465 fax
Professional Association for Vermont pharmacy technicians:
Vermont Pharmacists Association
www.vtpharmacists.com