How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Delaware

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

Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
Background Check: Complete a thorough criminal background check.
Application: Apply to the Delaware State Board of Pharmacy and pay the required fee.
Certification and Training: While PTCB certification is not mandatory, it is recommended.
Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour of pharmacy law and 1 hour of patient safety, with a $40 renewal fee.

Pharmacy Technicians in Delaware play a critical role in healthcare, supporting pharmacists and ensuring efficient pharmacy operations. While formal education isn’t mandatory, it is recommended for better employability.

Here are the specific requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in Delaware.

Basic Requirements

Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
Background Check: A thorough criminal background check is mandatory.
Application Fee: Candidates must pay the requisite fee.

Certification and Training

Certification: PTCB certification is not required to practice in Delaware, but it is recommended.
Training: Completion of a recognized PTCB course is beneficial for employment prospects.

Registration Process

Apply: Candidates must apply to the Delaware State Board of Pharmacy.

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

Training Programs in Delaware

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

Delaware Technical Community College (various locations)
Polytech Adult Education (Woodside)
Stanton Campus (Newark)

Resources

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

Conclusion

Meeting Delaware’s requirements is essential for pharmacy technicians looking to pursue a career. Always refer to the Delaware State Board of Pharmacy for the latest information and updates.