Pharmacy Technician Pennsylvania Requirements

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

1. Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
2. Background Check: Have a clean criminal record, no felonies.
3. Certification: Not required by the state, but PTCB certification is beneficial.
4. Training: Provided under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

No state-mandated continuing education, but 20 hours of CE every two years is recommended for certified technicians.

In Pennsylvania, the State Board of Pharmacy does not regulate pharmacy technicians. Certification is not mandatory, but obtaining PTCB certification can enhance career prospects.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
2. Education: High school diploma or GED.
3. Background Check: Clean criminal record, no felonies.

Training and Certification

• Certification: The state does not require certification, but PTCB certification is beneficial. The PTCB website has more information.
• Training: Provided under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.

Application Process

• Apply: Employment at a pharmacy according to job descriptions and employer requirements.

Continuing Education

• CE Requirements: None are required by the state. However, 20 hours of CE every two years is recommended for certified technicians.

Salary and Job Outlook

• Annual Salary: Approximately $34,736.
• Hourly Wage: About $16.70.
• Job Growth: Positive outlook with opportunities for advancement, including roles like lead technician or pharmacy manager.

Training Programs in Pennsylvania

• Harrisburg Area Community College (Harrisburg)
• Community College of Philadelphia (Philadelphia)
• Westmoreland County Community College (Youngwood)

Resources

• Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy: For regulations and updates.
• PTCB: Certification details and exam information.
• ASHP: Accredited training programs and CE resources.

Conclusion

Obtaining certification and meeting employer requirements are essential for those pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania. For up-to-date information, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy.

Advanced Certifications and Specializations

Pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania can advance their careers by obtaining additional certifications such as:

• Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT): Specializes in preparing sterile medications.
• Medication Therapy Management (MTM): Assists pharmacists in managing patients’ medications.
• Chemo Certification: Focuses on handling and preparing chemotherapy drugs.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians can pursue various career advancement opportunities, including:

1. Lead Technician: Supervising other technicians and managing daily operations.
2. Pharmacy Supervisor/Manager: Handling administrative and managerial responsibilities.
3. Instructor: Teaching in pharmacy technician programs.
4. Specialized Pharmacy Roles: Working in hospitals, oncology clinics, or compounding pharmacies.

Networking and Professional Development

Joining professional organizations provides networking and continuing education opportunities:

• Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA): Offers resources and networking.
• American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT): Provides national resources and professional development.
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): Offers certification and continuing education.

Important Considerations

• Ethical Conduct: Upholding ethical guidelines and maintaining patient confidentiality is crucial.
• Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with pharmacy management software and automated systems is important.
• Customer Service Skills: Excellent communication and customer service skills are essential for patient interactions.