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Pharmacy Technician West Virginia Requirements

To become a pharmacy technician in West Virginia, 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.
  3. Certification: Obtain certification through PTCB or ExCPT.
  4. Registration: Submit an application to the West Virginia State Board of Pharmacy, including 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.

Pharmacy technicians in West Virginia must meet state requirements and be registered with the West Virginia State Board of Pharmacy. Certification through PTCB or ExCPT is required.

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: $25.00 non-refundable.

Training and Certification

  • Certification: Required through PTCB or ExCPT. More info on the PTCB website.
  • Training: Must be completed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Application Process

Continuing Education

  • CE Requirements: 20 hours of CE every two years, including one hour of pharmacy law and one hour of patient safety.
  • Renewal: Annual renewal fee of $30.00.

Salary and Job Outlook

  • Annual Salary: Approximately $27,040.
  • Hourly Wage: About $13.00.
  • Job Growth: Positive outlook with opportunities for advancement, including roles like lead technician or pharmacy manager.

Training Programs in West Virginia

  • Mountwest Community and Technical College (Huntington)
  • BridgeValley Community and Technical College (South Charleston)
  • West Virginia Northern Community College (Wheeling)

Resources

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

Conclusion

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

Advanced Certifications and Specializations

Pharmacy technicians in West 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:

  • West Virginia Pharmacists Association (WVPhA): 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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