How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Indiana

To become a pharmacy technician in Indiana, 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.
Certification: Pass the PTCB or ExCPT exam.
Application: Apply to the Indiana State Board of Pharmacy and pay a $25 fee.
Training: Complete a recognized PTCB course.
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 Indiana must adhere to state-specific regulations to ensure they are adequately prepared for their roles. Certification is required to practice in Indiana.

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 a $25.00 application fee.

Certification and Training

Certification: Candidates must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or ExCPT exam. More information can be found on the PTCB website.
Training: Completion of a recognized PTCB course is necessary.

Registration Process

Apply: Candidates must apply to the Indiana 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 Indiana is approximately $30,450.
Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $14.64.
Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

Job Growth: Employment for Pharmacy Technicians in Indiana 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 Indiana

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

Ivy Tech Community College (various locations)
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Vincennes University (Vincennes)

Resources

Indiana 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 Indiana’s requirements is essential for those looking to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Technician. Always refer to the Indiana State Board of Pharmacy for the latest information and updates.