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Pharmacy Technician Nevada Requirements
To become a pharmacy technician in Nevada, 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.
- Training: Complete 1,500 hours of training as a ‘technician-in-training’ within three years or graduate from an ASHP-accredited program.
- Certification: While not required, PTCB or ExCPT certification is recommended.
- Registration: Apply to the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy with a $40 fee.
- Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety.
The state regulates Pharmacy Technicians in Nevada, and candidates must meet specific requirements to practice. While certification is not mandatory, it is approved and recommended.
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 $40.00.
Certification and Training
- Certification: Certification through PTCB or ExCPT is not required but recommended. More information can be found on the PTCB website.
- Training: Candidates must complete 1,500 hours of training as a ‘technician-in-training’ within the past three years or graduate from an ASHP-accredited program.
Registration Process
- Apply: Candidates must apply to the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy.
- Approval: Candidates cannot practice until they receive approval from the Board.
Continuing Education
- Hours: Pharmacy Technicians must complete at least 20 Continuing Education (CE) hours 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 Nevada is approximately $30,240.
- Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $14.54.
- Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.
Job Outlook and Career Advancement
- Job Growth: Employment for Pharmacy Technicians in Nevada 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 Nevada
Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:
- College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas)
- Truckee Meadows Community College (Reno)
- Pima Medical Institute (Las Vegas)
Resources
- Nevada 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 Nevada’s requirements is essential for pharmacy technicians pursuing a career. Always refer to the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy for the latest information and updates.