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Make a meaningful career move by becoming a certified pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense medication and provide high-quality patient care. In Texas, a pharmacy technician works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Only licensed pharmacy technicians may perform pharmacy-related duties. Keep reading to learn more about becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Texas.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
To become a certified pharmacy technician in Texas, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. You must be 18 years or older, hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and you must not have any criminal history. Additionally, the Board also requires its applicants to provide documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal residency in Texas.
Step 2: Get Training
After meeting the eligibility requirements, you must pass a board-approved pharmacy technician certification examination. You will gain experience and preparation for the certification exams through this program. Most common programs offer a certificate or diploma through vocational schools, community colleges, or state-approved apprenticeships. The CALRegional’s Pharmacy Technician Program lasts from 9 to 12 weeks.
Step 3: Attain National Certification
Finally, to advance your career and increase your chances of employment opportunities, you must obtain national certification as a pharmacy technician. You can earn your certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA). The certification shows that you have met the national standards of technician practice and possess the skills and knowledge required for your profession.
Step 4: Maintain Your Professional Practice
As a pharmacy technician, you must maintain your professional practice by fulfilling your continuing education requirements. All pharmacy technicians are required to have at least twenty hours of approved continued education (Board rule 297.8(b)(4)), including Texas Pharmacy Law or Rules and Human Trafficking Prevention https://www.pharmacy.texas.gov/licensees/ce-tech-faq.asp.
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Texas is a rewarding career path in the healthcare field. Follow the steps above to set yourself on the path to becoming a valuable healthcare professional and play a critical role in the lives of many patients. Get started today with CALRegional’s Pharmacy Technician Program and begin your journey in the healthcare field.
