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Pharmacy Technician Utah Requirements

To become a pharmacy technician in Utah, 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 fingerprints.
  3. Certification: Obtain certification through PTCB or ExCPT.
  4. Application: Submit an application to the Utah State Board of Pharmacy with a $100 fee.
  5. Training: Complete training under a licensed pharmacist or through an accredited program.
  6. Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including one hour in pharmacy law.

Pharmacy technicians in Utah must register with the Utah State Board of Pharmacy and meet specific requirements, including certification and continuing education.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Education: High school diploma or GED.
  3. Background Check: Criminal background check, including fingerprints.
  4. Application Fee: $100.00 non-refundable.

Training and Certification

  • Certification: Required through PTCB or ExCPT. More info on the PTCB website.
  • Training: Complete training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist or through an accredited program.

Application Process

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

Continuing Education

  • CE Requirements: 20 hours of CE every two years, including one hour of pharmacy law.
  • Renewal: Biennial renewal required.

Salary and Job Outlook

  • Annual Salary: Approximately $33,652.
  • Hourly Wage: About $16.17.
  • Job Growth: Positive outlook with opportunities for advancement, including roles like lead technician or pharmacy manager.

Training Programs in Utah

  • Salt Lake Community College (Salt Lake City)
  • Davis Technical College (Kaysville)
  • Mountainland Technical College (Lehi)

Resources

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

Conclusion

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

Advanced Certifications and Specializations

Pharmacy technicians in Utah can pursue advanced certifications to further their careers:

  • Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT): Specializing in the preparation of sterile medications.
  • Medication Therapy Management (MTM): Assisting pharmacists in managing patient medications.
  • Chemo Certification: Focusing on the handling and preparation of chemotherapy drugs.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians can explore various pathways for career advancement, such as:

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

Networking and Professional Development

Joining professional organizations can offer valuable networking and continuing education opportunities:

  • Utah Pharmacy Association (UPA): 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 resources.

Important Considerations

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