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Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in California
Working as a pharmacy technician can be an enriching career, one that often comes with many benefits. Not only can you become qualified in a shorter time than it takes to earn a four-year degree, but you also get a chance to help people in your community maintain their health with the proper medications and dosages.
Additionally, you stand to enjoy a high level of job security, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that pharmacy technician jobs will expand by 7% in the next decade — almost double the rate of all occupations.
Here’s what you need to know about how to become a pharmacy technician in California if you’re looking to start this rewarding career.
Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in California
There’s a well-defined list of requirements for those interested in learning how to become a pharmacy technician in California. Here are the standards you must meet before you can become qualified to work in this role.
1. Educational Requirements
Both the state of California and the organizations that issue pharmacy technician certifications require candidates to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This assures that you have the basic education needed for success in the field, including reading labels and instructions and calculating dosages.
To furnish proof, you’ll be required to attach your official high school transcript or equivalency exam results to your pharmacy technician application. If you’re a foreign high school graduate, you can attach either your official transcripts or a copy of your high school diploma.
2. Training Programs
Once you’ve graduated from high school, you can enroll in a pharmacy technician program approved by the California State Board of Pharmacy. There are a few options for obtaining the education you need, including:
- An associate’s degree in pharmacy technology
- A 240-hour course that aligns with Title 16 California Code of Regulation section 1793.6(c)
- A course accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- A degree from a school of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
Many training programs that help you learn how to become a pharmacy technician in California require both in-class coursework and a hands-on externship or clinical training component. Some may also require (and pay for) certification exams.
3. Fingerprinting and Background Check
California has a strict process for conducting fingerprinting and background checks for pharmacy technicians.
In-state residents are required to use Live Scan. Out-of-state residents can travel to a Live Scan facility in California or submit their fingerprints on Board-provided cards. Those who use the cards must have their fingerprinting done at a facility authorized to fingerprint for the Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Investigation.
You must attach your Live Scan receipt to the application. If you’re using cards, you must submit them to the board, pay a $49 processing fee, and wait for clearance, which can take up to six weeks.
These fingerprints are required as part of the background check, as pharmacy technicians have access to controlled substances and sensitive patient information. If you’ve been convicted of certain crimes in the past, you may be disqualified from practicing as a pharmacy technician.
Application to the California State Board of Pharmacy
The California State Boards of Pharmacy may take up to 30 days to review and approve completed applications. This timeline may be extended if you haven’t submitted all required documentation. Once the board notifies you of any missing documentation, you’ll have 60 days to submit it before your application is considered abandoned.
You must pay a $195 application fee before the board will process it. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or abandoned.
Steps to Obtain Certification in California
As someone who desires to learn how to become a pharmacy technician in California, you must understand your options for certification and licensing.
The state requires that you either complete an educational program or present passing scores for a certification exam. It’s worth noting that certification exams are also a critical component of many pharmacy tech programs.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is one of the most popular certification pathways in this profession.
To prepare for the PTCE, you must either complete an approved education program or acquire 500 hours of work experience. The test requires you to answer 90 questions about medications, laws, safety, and order entry in a two-hour period.
You may also take the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) ExCPT exam. You must complete an educational program or complete 1,200 hours of work experience to sit for this exam. The test consists of 100 questions, which you’ll have two hours and 10 minutes to complete. It covers many of the same topics as the PTCE.
Once you pay for and pass your educational programs and certification exams, you’ll need to submit proof of your certification to the California State Board of Pharmacy.
To do so, attach a copy of your certificate (which you can download online) to your pharmacy technician application and check the appropriate box on the application form confirming that you’re using a PTCB or ExCPT exam as your qualifying method.
How Can RxCe Help You Maintain Your California Certification?
Once you’ve learned how to become a pharmacy technician in California, the next step is figuring out how to keep your career going.
To maintain your California pharmacy technician certification, the state requires you to complete a one-hour cultural competency course before you apply for renewal. Additionally, you’ll need to complete at least 20 continuing education hours to maintain your PTCB and NHA credentials.
RxCe has the CE courses you need to move your career forward. We offer unlimited memberships for individuals and organizations, allowing you to access courses and webinars for a full year.
If you’re ready to advance your professional knowledge as a pharmacy technician, try a free RxCe course or register for an unlimited membership today.
