Pharmacy Technician Tennessee Requirements

To become a pharmacy technician in Tennessee, 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 fingerprinting.
Application: Submit a notarized application with a passport photo and a $50 fee to the Tennessee State Board of Pharmacy.
Training: Complete training under a licensed pharmacist.

Pharmacy technicians in Tennessee must register with the Tennessee State Board of Pharmacy and meet specific requirements to practice.

While national certification is not mandatory, it is beneficial.

Eligibility Criteria

Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Education: High school diploma or GED.
Background Check: Criminal background check, including fingerprints.
Application Fee: $50.00 non-refundable, including a passport photo and notarized application.

Training and Certification

Certification: The state does not require certification, but PTCB certification is beneficial. The PTCB website has more information.
Training: Must be completed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Application Process

Apply: Submit an application to the Tennessee State Board of Pharmacy.
Approval: Must receive approval before starting work.

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 $30,450.
Hourly Wage: About $14.63.
Job Growth: Positive outlook with opportunities for advancement, including roles like lead technician or pharmacy manager.

Training Programs in Tennessee

Chattanooga State Community College (Chattanooga)
Southwest Tennessee Community College (Memphis)
Nashville State Community College (Nashville)

Resources

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

Conclusion

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

Advanced Certifications and Specializations

Pharmacy technicians in Tennessee can enhance their careers with additional certifications such as:

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

Career Advancement Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians can pursue various career advancement opportunities, including:

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

Networking and Professional Development

Joining professional organizations offers valuable networking and continuing education opportunities:

Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA): Provides resources and networking.
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT): Offers national resources and professional development.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): Provides 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.