How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Massachusetts

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

Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
Background Check: Complete a criminal background check (~$38).
Certification: Pass the PTCB or ExCPT exam, or complete 500 hours of practical experience.
Application: Register with the Massachusetts State Board of Pharmacy, paying a $136 fee.
Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety, and pay a $51 renewal fee.

Pharmacy Technicians in Massachusetts must meet specific requirements to ensure competency and safety. Candidates must complete either 500 hours of training or pass the PTCB or ExCPT exam.

Basic Requirements

Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
Background Check: A mandatory criminal background check costs around $38.00.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $136.00.

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: Completing 500 hours of practical experience or a recognized PTCB course is required.

Registration Process

Apply: Candidates must apply to the Massachusetts State 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: An annual renewal fee of $51.00.

Average Salary

Annual Salary: The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Massachusetts is approximately $36,860.
Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $17.73.
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 Massachusetts is expected to grow, driven by 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 Massachusetts

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

Massachusetts Bay Community College (Wellesley Hills)
Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester)
Bunker Hill Community College (Boston)

Resources

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

Conclusion

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