How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Arizona

To become a pharmacy technician in Arizona, follow these steps:

Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Certification: Obtain PTCB certification.
Background Check: Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
Registration: Register with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy, pay a $46 application fee, submit a passport photo, and have the application notarized.
Continuing Education: Complete 24 hours of CE every two years, including 2 hours in pharmacy law.

The Arizona State Board of Pharmacy oversees the licensing of pharmacy technicians in Arizona. Technicians must complete a required training program. Once approved, they must wear a tag identifying their role in the pharmacy.

To prepare for the PTCB exam and obtain a pharmacy tech license, candidates must register with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy, pay the application fee, and submit the necessary documents. Due to high competition, candidates are encouraged to apply promptly to meet the growing demand in this profession.

Number of Pharmacy Technicians

Total: 12,246

Minimum Age Requirement

Candidates must be at least 18 years old.

Education Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required.

Certification Requirements

PTCB certification is required to practice in Arizona.

Background Checks

Candidates must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
Candidates must not have a history of drug-related crimes or any other serious felonies.

Registration and Licensing

Yes, registration with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy is required.
Candidates must apply to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy, include a passport photo, and have the application notarized.
Non-refundable application fee: $46.
Licenses must be renewed every 2 years at a cost of $46.

Continuing Education Requirements

24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.
2 of the 24 hours must be in pharmacy law.

Technician Representation on Board

Yes, Pharmacy Technicians have representation on the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.

Average Salary

$16.03/hr

Useful Links and Resources

Job Outlook and Opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians in Arizona

Growing Demand

The demand for pharmacy technicians in Arizona is increasing due to the expansion of healthcare services and the aging population, leading to more job openings in various settings.

Employment Settings

Pharmacy technicians in Arizona can find employment in:

Retail pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens)
Hospitals and clinics
Long-term care facilities
Specialty pharmacies
Mail-order pharmacy services

Career Advancement

Opportunities for career growth include:

Additional certifications (e.g., sterile compounding)
Specializations in areas like oncology or pediatrics
Supervisory or training roles
Pursuing further education to become a pharmacist

Salary Expectations

The average hourly wage for pharmacy technicians in Arizona is $16.03, with the potential for higher earnings based on experience and additional certifications.

Professional Resources

Arizona State Board of Pharmacy: Offers information on licensing, regulations, and continuing education requirements.
National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA): Provides resources for professional development and networking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the basic requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Arizona?

You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check.

Is certification required to work as a pharmacy technician in Arizona?

Yes, PTCB certification is required to practice in Arizona.

How do I renew my pharmacy technician license?

You need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours in pharmacy law, and pay the renewal fee of $46.

What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Arizona?

The demand is growing due to the increasing need for healthcare services, providing numerous job opportunities.

Where can I work as a pharmacy technician in Arizona?

You can work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, specialty pharmacies, and mail-order pharmacy services.

Can I advance my career as a pharmacy technician?

Yes, you can advance by obtaining additional certifications, specializing in specific areas, taking on supervisory roles, or pursuing further education to become a pharmacist.

What is the average salary for pharmacy technicians in Arizona?

The average salary is $16.03 per hour, with potential for higher earnings based on experience and additional certifications.