Pharmacy technicians do more than just fill prescriptions behind the counter. Just as doctors rely on their team of nurses, pharmacists rely on their technicians for constant support. A big reason for the evolving role of pharmacy technicians is the reduction in health care costs. At a median annual salary of $36,740, a pharmacy technician’s salary is much lower than a registered pharmacist. Trained technicians can handle routine tasks such as filling prescriptions and customer service, freeing the pharmacist to attend to patient care and supervisory duties. Their evolving role might also see technicians advising on medical devices and drug classes. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for technicians to understand and operate within the boundaries of national regulations and methodologies regarding prescriptions. In most states, pharmacy technicians need a high school diploma and state licensure as the minimum requirement for employment. In Pennsylvania there are no laws governing the training, education or licensure of pharmacy technicians. However, considering the nature of their responsibilities, it’s clear that technicians should undergo extensive training before taking on the role.
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Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician Requirements
License Requirement
On November 30, 2020, Pennsylvania formalized the recognition of pharmacy technicians and gave the PA Board of Pharmacy oversight of technicians. Technicians must complete a criminal background check at the time of initial registration, must be 17 years of age (16 years for trainees), have a high school diploma, and complete a SBOP-approved training program.
Age Requirement
Pharmacy technicians should be at least 17 years (16 years trainees) to qualify for registration in Pennsylvania.
Education Requirement
You should have a high school diploma or GED, especially if you plan to apply for national certification. Both the PTCB and NHA, the two main certifying agencies, require candidates to provide proof of high school graduation as a requirement for certification. Basic reading, comprehension and math skills will help with pharmaceutical calculations and reading and interpreting prescriptions.
A high school diploma is also advantageous if you plan to pursue further education to get ahead of the competition.
Other Requirements
State requirements aside (or lack thereof), your first duty is to increase your chances of employment. Apart from education, training, and skills, a prospective employer will consider a candidate’s customer service skills, organization and attention to detail. Your friendly and customer-centered attitude will help when talking to customers and healthcare professionals.
Pharmacy technicians must be detailed-oriented as incorrect prescriptions can lead to major illnesses or death. A pharmacy technician’s duties could change from dispensing medications to following up on billing with insurance companies, at a moment’s notice. You must stay organized to balance your duties to the public and the pharmacy as a whole.
If you’re considering PTCB certification, you should have a good moral character with no felonies or convictions in your background.
The Pharmacy Technician Program
Content
The State Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to complete an approved training program as a prerequisite to registration. Programs that are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the leading national accrediting body for pharmacy technician training, will give you instant credibility and a competitive advantage over other pharmacy technicians.
There is currently one ASHP-accredited program in Pennsylvania. ASHP and SBOP accredited programs will ensure you receive the didactic, laboratory, and experiential training that will prepare you for employment at contemporary pharmacies. From an employer’s perspective, your accredited training demonstrates your commitment to excellence, quality, and public safety.
The training program will cover essential topics, such as anatomy, generic and brand name drug, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy law and ethics, billing systems, medical terminology, drug compounding, I.V. flow rates and others. Another aspect of the training is the experiential component, which places students directly in the work setting to practice their skills. The externship takes place at licensed community or hospital pharmacies, dispensaries or long-term care facilities. The employer may require students to complete a criminal background check and acquire insurance and immunization before providing services as pharmacy technician students.
Most programs also include an externship component that gives students a chance to gain hands-on experience to succeed on the job. Students will also receive intensive preparation for success on the PTCB exam.
Duration and Cost
Programs typically run from 6 to 12 months, depending on the class schedule. Tuition at Pennsylvania’s accredited providers are more affordable than most states. At an average of $3,100, students can reduce the cost by applying for financial aid. Expenses for textbooks, workbooks, insurance, registration, criminal background check, and uniform will increase the final cost of training. Check with the financial aid officer at your college or vocational school to find out about available sources of funding.
National Exams
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) develops, administers, maintains and promotes the nationally accredited Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE). The exam and accompanying certification identify pharmacy technicians who are able to support pharmacists through effective, safe and quality care. Candidates can carry the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation once they successfully pass the exam.
In Pennsylvania, a state with no regulations, certification is especially important to increase your competitive advantage. Once certified, you must obtain 20 hours of continuing pharmacy education over a two-year period to maintain your certification. The continuing education must cover at least one hour of medication safety. Applicants for the exam must possess a high school diploma and pass a criminal background check. The PTCE is available at more than 200 Pearson Vue centers across the nation. You must apply for the examination online and receive the PTCB approval letter before scheduling a test date at a center of your choice. The cost for testing and certification is $129.
Acquiring Your State License
Application
Candidates for licensure must be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Applicants must complete a background check as part of the registration.
Pharmacy Technician Application:
- Submit an application for registration
- Must complete a criminal background check at the time of initial registration
- Must be 17 years of age (16 years for trainees) – proof of age required
- Must pay the initial registration fee
- Must have completed a SBOP approved training program – applicants who have been working in a licensed pharmacy for more than a year will not be required to complete a training program (they will be grandfathered in)
Persons training as a pharmacy technician will be designated as a trainee and will work under a permit until completion of the training program. They will be registered with the SBOP after successful completion of the program and meeting all other requirements.
Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Phone – (717) 783-7156
Fax – (717) 787-7769
Email: st-pharmacy@pa.gov
ASHP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Pennsylvania
Bristol, PA Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Pennco Tech
3815 Otter St,
Bristol, PA 19007
(215) 234-1173
Camp Hill, PA Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Rite Aid Pharmacy
30 Hunter Lane
Camp Hill, PA 17011
256-479-1038
Harrisburg, PA Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Harrisburg Community College
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
800-ABC-HACC
Johnstown, PA Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
101 Community College Way,
Johnstown, PA 15904
814.262.6475
Newton, PA Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Bucks County Community College
275 Swamp Road,
Newtown, PA 18940
215-968-8000
Pittsburgh, PA Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Bidwell Training Center, Inc.
1815 Metropolitan Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
(412) 3223-4000 X221
Uniontown, PA Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Laurel Technical Institute
11 East Penn Street
Uniontown, PA 15401
724-983-0700
West Mifflin, PA Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Community College of Allegheny County
1750 Clairton Road, Route 885
West Mifflin, PA 15122
(412) 469-6280