How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Connecticut

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

1. Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
2. Certification: Pass the PTCB exam.
3. Background Check: Complete a thorough criminal background check.
4. Application: Apply to the Connecticut State Board of Pharmacy with a $100 fee.
5. Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety, with a $40 renewal fee.

Pharmacy Technicians are in high demand in Connecticut due to significant growth in recent years. Candidates must pass the PTCB exam to be eligible to work. The Connecticut Board of Pharmacy requires that at least one of every three technicians per pharmacist be PTCB certified. Below are the detailed requirements to obtain a pharmacy tech license in Connecticut.

Basic Requirements

1. Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
2. Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
3. Background Check: A thorough criminal background check is mandatory.
4. Application Fee: Candidates must pay a $100.00 fee to the state treasurer.

Certification and Training

• Certification: Candidates must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.
• Training: Completion of a recognized PTCB course is necessary.

Registration Process

• Apply: Candidates must apply to the Connecticut State Board of Pharmacy.
• Approval: Candidates cannot practice until they receive approval from the State Board.

Continuing Education

• Hours: Pharmacy Technicians must complete at least 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years.
• Content: CE must include one hour of pharmacy law and one hour of patient safety.
• Fee: A renewal fee of $40.00 is required every two years.

Average Salary

• Annual Salary: The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Connecticut is approximately $45,900.
• Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $22.07.
• Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

• Job Growth: Employment for Pharmacy Technicians in Connecticut is expected to grow, with an increasing demand for healthcare services.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities for advancement include becoming a lead technician, specializing in areas such as oncology or compounding, or transitioning to roles such as a Pharmacy Technician Instructor or a Pharmacy Manager.

Training Programs in Connecticut

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

• Manchester Community College (Manchester)
• Middlesex Community College (Middletown)
• Norwalk Community College (Norwalk)
• Goodwin College (East Hartford)

Resources

• Connecticut State Board of Pharmacy: For detailed regulations and updates.
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): This is for certification information and exam details.
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP): For accredited training programs and continuing education resources.

Conclusion

Meeting Connecticut’s requirements is essential for pharmacy technicians pursuing a career. For the latest information and updates, always refer to the Connecticut State Board of Pharmacy.

Job Outlook and Opportunities

Growing Demand The demand for pharmacy technicians in Connecticut is increasing due to the expansion of healthcare services and the aging population.

Employment Settings Pharmacy technicians in Connecticut can find employment in:

• Retail pharmacies
• 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 Connecticut is approximately $22.07, and with experience and certifications, earnings can be higher.

Professional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

• 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 Connecticut?

• Yes, PTCB certification is required.

How do I renew my pharmacy technician license?

• Renewal requires completing 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours in pharmacy law, and paying the renewal fee.

What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Connecticut?

• The demand is growing, providing numerous job opportunities.

Where can I work as a pharmacy technician in Connecticut?

• Opportunities exist 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, by obtaining additional certifications, specializing, taking on supervisory roles, or furthering education to become a pharmacist.

What is the average salary for pharmacy technicians in Connecticut?

• The average salary is $22.07 per hour, with potential for higher earnings based on experience and additional certifications.