How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in West Virginia

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in West Virginia

1. Meet Basic Requirements. Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Complete a Training Program. Enroll in and finish an approved pharmacy technician training program.
3. Pass a National Certification Exam. Take and pass the PTCE or ExCPT exam, or meet alternative eligibility through training.
4. Submit an Application. Apply for registration with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy and pay the necessary fees.
5. Complete a Background Check. Undergo a fingerprint-based state and national criminal history check.
6. Receive Registration. Once approved, receive your official registration to work as a pharmacy technician.
7. Renew Registration. Renew your registration every two years and complete required continuing education.

State Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education Requirement: Must be a high school graduate or have a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
• Training Requirement: Must complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program.
• Certification: Must pass a national certification exam, either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
• Registration Requirement: Must register with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
• Background Check: Must complete a state and national electronic fingerprint-based criminal history check.
• Direct Supervision: Pharmacy technicians must work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
• Prohibited Tasks: Technicians are not allowed to perform drug regimen reviews, patient counseling, or clinical judgment tasks.
• Renewal: Registration must be renewed biennially with proof of completion of continuing education.

Education and Training

In West Virginia, completing formal training is just one of several pathways to becoming a pharmacy technician. You may complete a competency-based program approved by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy, either through a school or a pharmacy-provided training program. This pathway ensures that pharmacy technicians are well-prepared to handle the complex tasks they will face on the job, such as compounding, dispensing medications, and maintaining inventory.

Alternatively, candidates who have national certification (such as from the PTCB or ExCPT) and have practiced in another state may be eligible to become a pharmacy technician in West Virginia after demonstrating competency. Another pathway involves passing a nationally-recognized exam developed using standards approved by the board.

It’s also important to note that there are specific character requirements: applicants must not have recent felony convictions and must not be an abuser of alcohol or drugs. These criteria help ensure that only qualified and trustworthy individuals enter the profession.

Pharmacy Technician Trainees

A pharmacy technician trainee in West Virginia is someone who is undergoing supervised training to assist in pharmacist care but has not yet completed the requirements to become a fully registered pharmacy technician. 

To qualify as a trainee, individuals must submit an application, pay the required fees, and either have completed high school (or a GED) or be currently enrolled in a competency-based pharmacy technician program. This program can be part of a formal educational institution or an on-the-job training program provided by a pharmacy.

Unlike registered pharmacy technicians, trainees are still in the process of learning and are limited in their scope of practice. They must work under direct supervision and are subject to the same rules and regulations as fully registered technicians but cannot perform all of the tasks independently. 

Trainees are required to meet character and background check criteria similar to other healthcare professionals, including not having recent felony convictions or substance abuse issues.

Certification

In West Virginia, certification is one of the approved pathways to becoming a pharmacy technician. Specifically, candidates can obtain a national certification—such as the PTCE or ExCPT—if they have practiced as a pharmacy technician in another jurisdiction for a period determined by the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. This option provides flexibility for experienced technicians relocating to West Virginia.

Certification is not always mandatory for those who complete a board-approved training program in the state, but obtaining certification is a popular choice due to its advantages. Certified pharmacy technicians often enjoy broader job opportunities, higher pay, and increased responsibilities. Additionally, certification ensures technicians meet a national standard of competence, enhancing their credibility and potential for career advancement.

Ultimately, while certification is just one of several pathways, it remains a strong option for those looking to establish themselves as highly qualified professionals in the pharmacy field.

Licensing/Registration

In West Virginia, registration is required for all pharmacy technicians. To register, applicants must meet education and training requirements, submit an application to the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy, and undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Additionally, applicants must pay the applicable fees and provide proof of having completed an approved pharmacy technician training program or national certification exam.

Pharmacy technicians who have already practiced in another state may be eligible for reciprocity if they hold a valid national certification, such as the PTCE or ExCPT, and have experience in another jurisdiction. These individuals must submit verification of their certification and experience to the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy and meet state-specific requirements, including character checks.

Registration must be renewed every two years to remain active. If a registration expires, the pharmacy technician can apply for reinstatement, which typically involves paying a reinstatement fee and meeting any additional requirements set by the board. The process ensures that all registered technicians in West Virginia remain compliant with state regulations and qualified to assist in the delivery of pharmacy care.

Continuing Education

In West Virginia, continuing education (CE) is a requirement for pharmacy technicians to maintain their registration. Registered pharmacy technicians must complete a specific number of CE hours during each renewal period to stay updated on industry best practices and ensure they are delivering safe and effective care. The exact number of hours required can vary, but it typically includes topics related to pharmacy law, patient safety, and medication management.

If a technician holds a national certification through organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), they must also meet the CE requirements specific to their certification. For example, the PTCB requires technicians to complete 20 hours of CE every two years, which must include at least 1 hour on pharmacy law and 1 hour on patient safety. Similarly, the ExCPT requires 20 hours of CE every two years, with at least 1 hour of pharmacy law included in those hours.

Completing CE is essential not only for compliance with state regulations but also for career growth. It allows pharmacy technicians to stay informed about new medications, regulatory changes, and advances in pharmacy technology, all of which improve patient outcomes and enhance their professional skills.

Resources

West Virginia Board of Pharmacy
http://www.wvbop.com/

Address:           232 Capitol St.. Charleston, WV 25301
Phone:             304/558-0558
Fax:                 304/558-0572
E-mail:             wdouglass@wvbop.com

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