Building a career as a pharmacy technician can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it allow for professional growth, but you also get to contribute positively to your community.
Still, it’s important to know what it takes to walk this professional path before you start moving in that direction. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to become a pharmacy tech in NC and discover how certification and continuing education can help you excel in the field.
Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Tech in NC
Like many states, North Carolina heavily regulates who can practice as a pharmacy technician. Before you embark on a new professional path, it’s important to know what will be required of you to get licensed and start building your career.
Education Requirements
All non-certified pharmacy technicians must earn a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalency credential to work in a professional capacity within state lines.
Although a post-secondary degree is not required, the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy does hold supervising pharmacist-managers responsible for providing all non-certified techs with training.
It is important to note that there is not currently a specific recommended training program or curriculum. The state does note, however, that training should cover pharmacy terminology, calculations, dispensing and storage systems, labeling requirements, laws and regulations, and recordkeeping.
License and Certification Requirements
While some states require all pharmacy technicians to be certified, you do not need certification to work as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina. However, you must be licensed. It is important to note that these are two distinct concepts.
While certification implies that you have passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), licensure represents a form of permission granted by the state for you to enter professional practice.
Some technicians have already been certified through examination by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association. If you have not, you must go through additional steps to obtain pharmacy technician licensure in North Carolina.
These steps include registering with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy within 30 days of completing your supervising pharmacist-manager’s required training program. Your manager must notify the board of your hiring within 21 days of your start date.
How to Get Licensed as a Pharmacy Tech in NC
If you’re wondering how to become a pharmacy tech in NC, your first step is to earn your high school diploma or GED. You must also be 18 years of age and proficient in the English language to apply. You will need to consent to a criminal background check, complete with fingerprints, and have no drug-related crimes on your record.
If you are not certified, you need to complete supervised training provided by your manager.
Once you have met these requirements, you should obtain your National Association of Boards of Pharmacy e-profile number and create a profile on the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy licensure gateway. Once logged in, you will submit your technician registration application and pay the $30 non-refundable fee.
The application requires a current photo, proof of passing a certification exam, and your pharmacy’s permit number. You will receive an email notification once your application has been approved and a license has been issued.
Should You Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician?
Many of those learning how to become a pharmacy tech in NC want to hit the ground running as quickly as possible and often wonder whether obtaining their CPhT credential is necessary to achieve this goal. North Carolina does not require pharmacy technicians to be certified.
However, the state does note that there is high competition for pharmacy tech positions, and having a certification under your belt can make you a more competitive candidate. Additionally, it can save you the hassle of having to obtain extra training to practice without certification.
Finally, getting certified helps you solidify essential knowledge and skills that can enhance your professionalism and ability to excel in the field.
PTCB Certification
To obtain Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification, you must complete a PTCB-recognized training program or obtain a minimum of 500 hours of work experience as a pharmacy technician.
You may then apply to sit for the PTCE, the official certification exam provided by the PTCB. The two-hour exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, 80 of which are scored. You need a passing scaled score of at least 1,400.
ExCPT Certification
To obtain ExCPT certification from the National Healthcareer Association, you need a high school diploma or GED and proof of completion of a pharmacy technician training or education program in the last five years.
Alternatively, you may substitute one year (1,200 hours) of supervised work experience within the past three years for the education requirement.
The exam differs from the PTCE in that it consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, 100 of which are scored. Additionally, it focuses more on the pharmacy technician role rather than medications and dosing.
While North Carolina accepts the ExCPT for those learning how to become a pharmacy tech in NC, not all states do.
Application Process
To apply to take each exam, you can visit the PTCB or NHA website and create an account. Once you have submitted your application and fees (which are $129 for either exam), you should begin the preparation process.
Both organizations offer online study guides and practice tests that candidates can purchase to help them get familiar with the format and material they will encounter during the real exam.
How RxCe Supports Pharmacy Techs in NC
Your professional journey as a pharmacy technician isn’t over once you have obtained your license and credentials. While North Carolina doesn’t require continuing education courses for pharmacy techs, both the PTCB and NHA require at least 20 hours of credits to maintain your certification.
Fortunately, RxCe offers convenient and affordable memberships to help you achieve your professional goals. With our unlimited membership option, you can access all our courses and live webinars for the entire year.
Because we are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), you can rest assured that your education meets professional standards. Enroll in a membership or course today and see the difference quality continuing education courses can make in helping you build a career you love.
