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Wondering how to get a pharmacy tech license in California? Look no further! This guide provides everything you need to know about how to get a pharmacy tech license in California.
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Introduction
In order to work as a pharmacy technician in California, you must have a valid pharmacy technician license issued by the California Board of Pharmacy (Board).
You may qualify for a pharmacy technician license by meeting one of the following criteria:
-You have graduated from a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program OR
-You have completed at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist OR
-You are currently licensed and in good standing as a pharmacy technician in another state AND you have passed an equivalency exam approved by the Board
If you meet any of the above criteria, you must then pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once you have passed the PTCE, you may apply for a pharmacy technician license by completing and submitting an application to the Board.
Please note that applicants who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving drugs or dishonesty within the last 10 years may not be eligible for licensure.
What are the requirements to get a pharmacy technician license in California?
In order to work as a pharmacy technician in California, you must have a valid pharmacy technician license. To qualify for a license, you must complete an accredited pharmacy technician program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). You must also complete a criminal background check and register with the California Board of Pharmacy.
Education
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to apply for a pharmacy technician license in California. You will also need to complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program and pass a national certification exam.
Training
Most pharmacy technicians complete a formal training program that Teach them the skills they need to perform their jobs, such as measuring and mixing medications, checking patients’ insurance coverage, billing patients for medications, and answering patient questions. Pharmacy technicians who have completed formal training programs generally have the best job prospects.
There are many ways to become a pharmacy technician, but most pharmacy technicians complete a formal training program offered by community colleges, technical schools, or hospitals. These programs typically last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some employers prefer to hire pharmacy technicians who have completed formal training programs.
Community colleges and technical schools offer the majority of formal pharmacy technician training programs. Programs typically last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or diploma.
Many hospital pharmacies offer on-the-job training for pharmacy technicians. In this type of program, candidates are usually able to complete their training in less than 1 year.
Certification
All pharmacy technicians in California must be certified with the California Board of Pharmacy (BOFP). Certification is not the same as licensure, but it is required in order to work as a pharmacy technician in California.
There are two ways to become certified:
-Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
-Graduate from a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
If you choose to take the PTCE, you must first submit an application to the BOFP. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to register for the exam. The PTCE is a computer-based exam that consists of multiple-choice questions. It is offered year-round at testing centers around the country.
If you choose to complete a pharmacy technician training program, you must graduate from an ASHP-accredited program before you can apply for certification. ASHP-accredited programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some hospitals and pharmacies. Most programs take between six and twelve months to complete.
How to get a pharmacy technician license in California
In order to practice as a pharmacy technician in California, you must first obtain a pharmacy technician license from the California Board of Pharmacy (CPB). To be eligible for a pharmacy technician license, you must complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program and pass a national pharmacy technician certification exam.
Complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program
In order to become licensed as a pharmacy technician in California, you will need to complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. This program will provide you with the necessary education and skills to work in a pharmacy.
Once you have completed a pharmacy technician training program, you will then need to take and pass the California Pharmacy Technician Exam. This exam is administered by the California Board of Pharmacy.
Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
In order to become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) in California, you will need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCE is a national examination administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
To be eligible to take the PTCE, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also have completed a pharmacy technician training program or have at least 1 year of work experience as a pharmacy technician.
Once you have met all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the PTCE on the PTCB website. The exam fee is $129. The PTCE is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers.
The PTCE is a computer-based exam that consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into 4 sections:
-Therapeutic Procedures (20 questions)
-Pharmacy Operations and Patient Safety Procedures (30 questions)
-Medication Order Entry and Fill Process Procedures (30 questions)
-Administrative Procedures (10 questions)
You will have 2 hours to complete the exam. A score of 700 on a scale of 900 is needed to pass the exam.
Register with the California Board of Pharmacy (CBP)
The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician in California is to register with the California Board of Pharmacy (CBP). To do this, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Complete a criminal background check
Submit your fingerprints
Complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program
Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
Upon completing these requirements, you will be issued a registration card, which must be renewed every two years.
Conclusion
There are a few ways to become a pharmacy technician in California. The most common way is to complete an accredited pharmacy technician program and then pass the national certification exam. Another way is to have at least two years of experience working as a pharmacy technician and then pass the national certification exam. Some employer-based programs may also be available. Whichever route you choose, it is important to make sure that you are properly licensed and registered with the state of California.
