Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Washington
- Meet Age and Education Requirements. Ensure you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a State-Approved Training Program. Enroll in and complete a Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission-approved training program, which includes practical experience.
- Complete Pharmacy Law Study. Complete 8 hours of Washington State pharmacy law study, verified by a licensed Washington pharmacist.
- Pass a National Certification Exam. Successfully pass the PTCE or ExCPT, which are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- Submit an Application to the Department of Health. Apply for a pharmacy technician license through the Washington Department of Health, including all required documentation and fees.
- Undergo a Background Check. Complete a criminal background check, which may include fingerprinting, as part of the licensing process.
- Maintain Your License. Renew your license every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education, including one hour each in pharmacy law and patient safety.
State Requirements
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education Requirement: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Certification Requirement: Must pass a national certification exam (PTCB or ExCPT).
- Training Requirement: Must complete a Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission-approved training program, which includes formal education and practical experience.
- Pharmacy Law Study: Must complete 8 hours of Washington State pharmacy law study, verified by a licensed Washington pharmacist.
- Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
- Continuing Education: Must complete 20 hours of CE every two years, with at least 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety.
- License Renewal: Must renew the license every 2 years, with a renewal fee of $140.
Education and Training
In Washington, formal training is required to become a licensed pharmacy technician. According to the Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, candidates must complete a board-approved training program, which can be fulfilled through various options such as formal academic programs, on-the-job training (OJT), or military training programs. The training must include at least 520 hours of supervised experience for OJT or a specified duration in formal academic programs.
Training programs typically cover a wide range of essential subjects, including pharmacy law and regulations, pharmacology, medication safety, and prescription processing. Many also provide instruction in sterile and non-sterile compounding, pharmacy calculations, and inventory management. The practical component involves hands-on training in real pharmacy settings, allowing candidates to gain experience under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.
Getting formal training is not only mandatory but also beneficial. It provides a comprehensive education that prepares candidates for the national certification exam and the practical demands of the job. It also enhances job prospects and ensures pharmacy technicians meet the necessary safety and legal standards for working with medications and patient information.
Certification
In Washington, national certification is a requirement for becoming a licensed pharmacy technician. To meet this requirement, candidates must pass one of the two nationally recognized certification exams: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) satisfies the requirement for certification under Washington state regulations. The PTCE is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) also satisfies Washington’s certification requirement. Like the PTCE, the ExCPT is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
The two most common certification exams, the PTCE and ExCPT, test pharmacy technicians on various domains such as medication management, pharmacy law, safety, and order entry. The exams differ slightly in structure and content but are both recognized by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy, and passing either one fulfills the state’s certification requirement.
Licensing/Registration
In Washington, licensing and registration are mandatory for pharmacy technicians. To practice, individuals must apply for a license through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). This involves submitting proof of completing a state-approved training program and passing a national certification exam, such as the PTCE or ExCPT. Along with these, applicants must submit a Pharmacy Technician Application and pay a non-refundable fee of approximately $140.
For those moving to Washington from other states, reciprocity may apply, but out-of-state training programs need approval by the Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission. Applicants must also demonstrate that their previous training and certification meet Washington’s standards. This can include submitting transcripts, proof of certification, and possibly undergoing a background check.
Washington State also requires pharmacy technicians to maintain accurate and up-to-date registration with the DOH. Changes in personal or employment details must be reported promptly to avoid complications in license renewal or work status.
Continuing Education
Pharmacy technician licenses in Washington are valid for two years and must be renewed on or before the technician’s birthday. Renewal requires completing 20 hours of continuing education (CE), including at least one hour in pharmacy law and one hour in patient safety. If a license expires, a pharmacy technician can apply for reinstatement, which may involve paying additional fees and meeting specific CE requirements to reactivate their license.
For nationally certified technicians, CE requirements are similar. For example, technicians certified through the PTCB must also complete 20 hours of CE every two years, with the same requirements for law and safety topics. Additionally, technicians renewing their certification must pay a renewal fee and ensure their CE hours are relevant to the pharmacy technician role.
The purpose of these CE requirements is to ensure pharmacy technicians stay updated on changes in pharmacy law, medication safety practices, and other key areas that impact patient care. By completing regular CE, technicians can improve their skills, remain compliant with state regulations, and provide safer, higher-quality service to patients.
Resources
Washington Board of Pharmacy
www.dhp.Washington.gov/Pharmacy/news_technician.htm
Office: Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300. Henrico Washington 23233-1463
Phone: (804) 367-4456
http://nhanow.com/pharmacy-technician/requirements/Washington.aspx
http://www.dhp.Washington.gov/pharmacy/pharmacy_faq.htm
http://www.nabp.net/news/washington-news-new-requirements-for-pharmacy-technician-certification
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.64A&full=true#18.64A.030