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Pharmacy Technician South Carolina Requirements

To become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina, follow these steps:

  1. Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Background Check: Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting ($52 fee).
  3. Certification: Obtain PTCB or ExCPT certification.
  4. Training: Complete state-approved training or 1,000 hours of pharmacy-related work.
  5. Application: Submit an application to the South Carolina State Board of Pharmacy with a $40 fee.
  6. Continuing Education: Complete 10 hours of CE annually.

Pharmacy technicians in South Carolina must meet state and national certification requirements to practice. The PTCB exam is the approved national certification exam.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Education: High school diploma or GED, proficiency in English.
  3. Background Check: Criminal background check, including fingerprints ($52.00 fee).
  4. Application Fee: $40.00 non-refundable.

Training and Certification

  • Certification: Required through PTCB or ExCPT. More info on the PTCB website.
  • Training: Complete state-approved training or 1,000 hours of pharmacy-related work.

Application Process

Continuing Education

  • CE Requirements: 10 hours of CE annually, approved by ACPE or CME.
  • Renewal: Annual renewal fee of $15.00.

Salary and Job Outlook

  • Annual Salary: Approximately $33,176.
  • Hourly Wage: About $15.95.
  • Job Growth: Positive outlook with opportunities for advancement, including roles like lead technician or pharmacy manager.

Training Programs in South Carolina

  • Midlands Technical College (Columbia)
  • Trident Technical College (Charleston)
  • Greenville Technical College (Greenville)

Resources

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

Conclusion

Meeting South Carolina’s requirements is essential for those looking to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician. For up-to-date information, visit the South Carolina State Board of Pharmacy.

Advanced Certifications and Specializations

Pharmacy technicians in South Carolina 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 explore various career advancement opportunities, including:

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

Networking and Professional Development

Joining professional organizations provides valuable networking and continuing education opportunities:

  • South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA): 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.
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