How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Florida

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

1. Age and Education: Be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
2. Background Check: Complete a criminal background check.
3. Application: Apply to the Florida Board of Pharmacy, pay a $60 fee, and submit a notarized application.
4. Training: Complete a Board-approved training course within 6 months of registration and submit evidence within 10 days.
5. Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety.

Florida has a high degree of regulation for Pharmacy Technicians. Candidates must register with the Florida Board of Pharmacy and complete a board-approved training course. While PTCB certification is not mandatory, it enhances employment prospects and salary potential.

Basic Requirements

1. Age: Candidates must be at least 17 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 $60.00 fee and submit a notarized application.

Certification and Training

• Certification: PTCB certification is not required but recommended. More information is available on the PTCB website.
• Training: You must complete a State Board-approved course within 6 months of registration. Evidence of completion must be submitted within 10 days.

Registration Process

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

Continuing Education

• Hours: Pharmacy Technicians must complete 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 Florida is approximately $32,350.
• Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $15.56.
• Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

• Job Growth: Employment for Pharmacy Technicians in Florida 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 Florida

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

• Broward College (Fort Lauderdale)
• Hillsborough Community College (Tampa)
• Miami Dade College (Miami)
• Palm Beach State College (Lake Worth)

Resources

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

Job Outlook and Opportunities

Growing Demand The demand for pharmacy technicians in Florida is increasing due to expanding healthcare services and an aging population.

Employment Settings Pharmacy technicians in Florida 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 Florida is approximately $15.56, and with experience and certifications, earnings can be higher.

Professional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

• You must be at least 17 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 Florida?

• PTCB certification is not required but recommended to enhance employment prospects and salary potential.

How do I renew my pharmacy technician license?

• Renewal requires completing 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety, and paying the renewal fee.

What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Florida?

• The demand is growing, providing numerous job opportunities.

Where can I work as a pharmacy technician in Florida?

• 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 Florida?

• The average salary is $15.56 per hour, with potential for higher earnings based on experience and additional certifications.