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Pharmacy Technician Virginia Requirements

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

  1. Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Certification: Obtain PTCB or ExCPT certification.
  3. Background Check: Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
  4. Registration: Register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and pay a $25 fee.
  5. Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety.

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy oversees the licensing of pharmacy technicians in Virginia. Technicians must complete a required training program and pass a board-approved exam. Once approved, they must wear a tag identifying their role in the pharmacy.

To prepare for the PTCB exam and obtain a pharmacy tech license, candidates must register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, pay the application fee, and submit the necessary documents.

Due to high competition, candidates are encouraged to apply promptly to meet the growing demand in this profession.

Number of Pharmacy Technicians

  • Total: Data not specified.

Minimum Age Requirement

  • Candidates must be at least 18 years old.

Education Requirements

  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • Candidates must be proficient in the English language.

Certification Requirements

  • Yes, PTCB or ExCPT certification is required to practice in Virginia.

Background Checks

  • Candidates must undergo a thorough criminal background check, including fingerprinting.

Registration and Licensing

  • Yes, registration with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy is required.
  • Non-refundable application fee: $25.
  • Licenses must be renewed annually for a fee of $25.

Continuing Education Requirements

  • 20 hours of board-approved continuing education (CE) every two years.
  • 1 hour must be in pharmacy law.
  • 1 hour must be in patient safety.

Technician Representation on Board

  • No, Pharmacy Technicians are not represented on the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

Average Salary

  • $15.19/hr

Advanced Certifications and Specializations

Pharmacy technicians in Virginia can pursue advanced certifications to enhance their careers:

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

Career Advancement Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians can explore various pathways for career advancement:

  1. Lead Technician: Supervising other technicians and ensuring smooth operations.
  2. Pharmacy Supervisor/Manager: Handling 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 offers valuable networking and continuing education opportunities:

  • Virginia Pharmacists Association (VPhA): 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 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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