How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Nebraska

To become a pharmacy technician in Nebraska, 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, including fingerprints.
Certification: Certification through PTCB or ExCPT is recommended but not required.
Training: Complete training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Registration: Apply to the Nebraska State Board of Pharmacy with a $25 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 Nebraska must adhere to specific state regulations. While certification is not required, it is highly recommended for career advancement. Training under a licensed pharmacist is mandatory.

Basic Requirements

Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
Background Check: A criminal background check, including fingerprints, is mandatory.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $25.00.

Certification and Training

Certification: Certification through PTCB or ExCPT is approved but not required. More information can be found on the PTCB website.
Training: Training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist is required.

Registration Process

Apply: Candidates must apply to the Nebraska State Board of Pharmacy within 30 days of starting employment.
Approval: Candidates cannot practice until they receive approval from the 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 $25.00 is required every two years.

Average Salary

Annual Salary: The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Nebraska is approximately $32,730.
Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $15.73.
Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

Job Growth: Employment for Pharmacy Technicians in Nebraska 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 Nebraska

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

Metropolitan Community College (Omaha)
Southeast Community College (Lincoln)
Central Community College (various locations)

Resources

Nebraska 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.

Industry Trends and Advanced Roles

Evolving Role of Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technicians in Nebraska are taking on more complex responsibilities, including medication therapy management and patient education.

Technological Advancements

Technological advances, such as automation and telepharmacy, are creating new opportunities and skill requirements for technicians.

Advanced Career Paths

Medication Therapy Management: Assisting pharmacists in managing patient medication regimens.
Telepharmacy: Supporting remote dispensing and patient counseling services.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring pharmacy practices comply with state and federal regulations.

Professional Development

Continuing Education and Training

Engaging in continuing education and training programs is crucial to staying updated with industry standards and advancements.

Networking Opportunities

Joining professional associations like the Nebraska Pharmacists Association (NPA) and the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) can provide valuable networking, career growth opportunities, and access to the latest industry resources.

Mentorship Programs

Participating in mentorship programs can provide career guidance and support from experienced professionals.

Community Engagement

Health Education Initiatives Pharmacy technicians can contribute to public health by organizing and participating in health workshops and community events to educate the public on medication safety and wellness.

Conclusion

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