How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Idaho

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

Age and Education: Be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
Background Check: Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprints (not required for candidates under 18).
Certification: Obtain certification through PTCB or NHA.
Application: Apply to the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy.
Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour of pharmacy law and 1 hour of patient safety.

Pharmacy Technicians in Idaho must meet specific requirements to ensure they are well-prepared for the role. These include age, education, certification, and background checks. Below are the detailed requirements to obtain a pharmacy tech license in Idaho.

Basic Requirements

Age: Candidates must be at least 16 years old.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
Background Check: A thorough criminal background check, including fingerprints, is mandatory (fingerprints not required for candidates under 18).
Application Fee: Candidates must pay the requisite application fee.

Certification and Training

Certification: Certification is required, either through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) ExCPT exam. More information can be found on the PTCB website and NHA website.

Registration Process

Apply: Candidates must apply to the Idaho 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 is required every two years.

Average Salary

Annual Salary: The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Idaho is approximately $31,200.
Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $15.03.
Factors Influencing Salary: Factors such as experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

Job Growth: Employment for Pharmacy Technicians in Idaho 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 Idaho

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

College of Western Idaho (Nampa)
Idaho State University (Pocatello)
North Idaho College (Coeur d’Alene)

Resources

Idaho 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 Idaho’s requirements is essential for pharmacy technicians pursuing a career. Always refer to the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy for the latest information and updates.