How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Illinois

To become a pharmacy technician in Illinois, 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.
Certification: Obtain PTCB or NHA certification within two years of initial registration.
Registration: Apply to the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy and pay a $60 fee.
Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety.

Pharmacy Technicians in Illinois are essential in supporting pharmacists and ensuring efficient pharmacy operations. While certification is not initially required, it must be obtained within two years to renew the license.

Basic Requirements

Age: Candidates must be at least 16 years old.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
Background Check: Candidates may need to undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprints.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $60.00 is required.

Certification and Training

Certification: Certification from PTCB or NHA must be obtained within two years of initial registration. More information is available on the PTCB website.
Training: Completing a recognized training program is recommended for better employment prospects.

Registration Process

Apply: Candidates must apply to the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy.
Approval: Candidates can work for up to 60 days under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist while their application is being processed.

Continuing Education

Hours: Pharmacy Technicians must complete 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years to maintain certification.
Content: CE must include one hour of pharmacy law and one hour of patient safety.
Fee: A renewal fee is required every year.

Average Salary

Annual Salary: The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Illinois is approximately $33,300.
Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $16.02.
Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

Job Growth: Employment for Pharmacy Technicians in Illinois 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 Illinois

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

City Colleges of Chicago (Chicago)
College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Edwardsville)

Resources

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

Career Paths and Specializations

Emerging Specializations Pharmacy technicians in Illinois can specialize in various areas to enhance their careers:

Oncology Pharmacy: Specializing in the preparation and handling of cancer medications.
Nuclear Pharmacy: Working with radioactive materials for diagnosis and treatment.
Compounding Pharmacy: Creating personalized medications for patients with specific needs.
Informatics: Integrating pharmacy practice with health information technology.

Certification for Specializations Obtaining certifications in specialized fields can lead to higher earning potential and advanced career opportunities. Various organizations, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), offer specialized certification programs.

Professional Development and Networking

Join Professional Associations

Engaging with professional associations can provide networking opportunities, resources, and continuing education:

Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA)
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT)
National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA)

Continuing Education Programs

Enrolling in continuing education programs helps pharmacy technicians stay updated with industry advancements and maintain their certifications.

Workshops and Conferences

Attending workshops and conferences allows pharmacy technicians to learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the field.

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