How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Virginia

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Virginia

  1. Meet Age and Education Requirements. Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  2. Complete a Board-Approved Training Program. Enroll in and finish a Virginia Board of Pharmacy-approved pharmacy technician training program.
  3. Pass a National Certification Exam. Pass the PTCB or ExCPT certification exam to demonstrate competency.
  4. Submit Your Registration Application. Apply online for registration with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and pay the required fee.
  5. Maintain Your Registration. Renew your registration annually and complete at least five hours of continuing education each year.
  6. Stay Certified. If nationally certified, ensure you meet additional CE requirements (e.g., 20 hours for PTCB certification).

State Requirements

  • Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Training: Complete a Virginia Board of Pharmacy-approved training program.
  • Certification: Pass a national certification exam (PTCB or ExCPT).
  • Registration: Submit a completed Virginia Pharmacy Technician registration application.
  • Background Check: Pass a criminal background check.
  • Continuing Education: 5 contact hours of continuing education annually to maintain certification.

Education and Training

In Virginia, completing a state-approved pharmacy technician training program is a key requirement for becoming a certified technician. The training is crucial for developing the foundational knowledge needed to pass certification exams and succeed on the job.

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Topics typically covered include pharmacology, pharmacy law, medication dispensing, and customer service. Additionally, most programs offer hands-on experience, allowing students to practice tasks like inventory management, preparing prescriptions, and understanding drug classifications​.

While some pharmacy employers may offer informal, on-the-job training, the Virginia Board of Pharmacy mandates formal training to ensure technicians meet standardized competence levels. Training programs vary in length, ranging from 8 to 18 months, and are offered by various institutions, including technical schools, community colleges, and proprietary pharmacy chains​.

Enrolling in a training program not only meets state requirements but also provides long-term benefits. It ensures technicians are fully prepared for the responsibilities they will face and can lead to better job satisfaction, increased earning potential, and greater job security in the growing field of healthcare​.

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Certification

In Virginia, pharmacy technicians are required to obtain certification to be eligible for employment. This certification can be achieved by either completing a Virginia Board of Pharmacy-approved training program and passing a board-approved examination or by providing proof of certification from recognized national certifying bodies like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These certifications ensure that technicians meet a standardized level of knowledge and competence in areas such as medication safety, pharmacy law, and dispensing processes.

The two most common exams for certification are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the PTCB and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) by the NHA. Both exams are designed to test a candidate’s understanding of pharmacy regulations, medication dispensing, and the handling of prescriptions. By passing one of these exams, technicians demonstrate that they are equipped with the skills necessary to assist pharmacists effectively and safely.

Alternatively, applicants can bypass the formal training program and state exam requirements by submitting evidence of current PTCB or NHA certification. This allows individuals who have already gained certification through national programs to meet Virginia’s regulatory requirements without completing additional state-specific exams or training programs​.

Licensing/Registration

In Virginia, registration is mandatory for all pharmacy technicians, and they must be registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy before practicing. The registration process requires applicants to complete a board-approved training program and pass a certification exam, such as the PTCE or ExCPT, or provide evidence of national certification. Once the necessary requirements are met, applicants must submit an online application and pay the required registration fee.

Pharmacy technicians must renew their registration annually. Failure to renew on time results in the registration being classified as expired, and technicians cannot legally work until their registration is reinstated. If the registration has lapsed for more than one year, a reinstatement application must be submitted, which may include additional fees and possible compliance checks. It’s important for technicians to renew promptly to avoid work disruptions and additional penalties.

For those moving to Virginia from other states, reciprocity is not offered for pharmacy technician registration. However, technicians who hold national certifications from bodies like the PTCB or NHA can submit their credentials as part of the registration process, allowing them to bypass state-specific training and examination requirements.

Maintaining an active registration is crucial for pharmacy technicians in Virginia. Keeping track of renewal dates and ensuring that all registration requirements are met helps avoid unnecessary delays and penalties, allowing technicians to continue their work without interruption​​.

Continuing Education

In Virginia, continuing education (CE) is required for pharmacy technicians to maintain their registration. Technicians must complete a minimum of 0.5 CEUs or five contact hours of approved CE annually for registration renewal. These courses can cover a range of topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law, and emerging pharmacy technologies. However, hours in excess of the annual requirement cannot be transferred or credited to future renewal years, so it is essential to stay on track each year.

The CE programs must be approved by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and meet specific criteria, as outlined in state regulations. Up to one hour of the required five hours may be earned through volunteer work, where pharmacy technicians provide free services at local health departments or clinics. For every three hours of volunteer service, technicians can earn one hour of CE credit, allowing them to give back to the community while fulfilling their renewal requirements.

Pharmacy technicians must also maintain documentation of their CE activities for at least two years following each renewal cycle. This documentation must be made available to the Board upon request, ensuring that all technicians remain in compliance. If needed, technicians can request an extension of up to one year to complete their CE, although such extensions are not automatic and must be requested in writing. Even when granted, extensions apply only to the year in question and do not exempt technicians from meeting current CE requirements​.

Resources

Virginia Board of Pharmacy 
www.dhp.virginia.gov/Pharmacy/news_technician.htm

Office: Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300. Henrico Virginia 23233-1463
Phone: (804) 367-4456

http://nhanow.com/pharmacy-technician/requirements/virginia.aspx

http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy/pharmacy_faq.htm

 

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