Indiana Requirements Overview
How do you get started? The first thing to know about how to become a pharmacy technician in Indiana is whether you’re the right age and have the prerequisite education. You must be at least 18 years old and have obtained your high school diploma or GED.
If you are under 18, you may be able to begin training if a managing pharmacist submits a letter of support on your behalf. Having a criminal record doesn’t immediately exclude you from becoming a licensed tech, but you will need to undergo a background check.
If you meet all these requirements, you will have the option of completing an approved training program or passing a recognized exam.
If you choose the training path, you may select either a school-based or employer-based pharmacy tech program, which can be a good option for those who are brand-new to this career path or if your employer enrolls you as part of on-the-job training.
The training program must offer at least 160 hours of experiential training. It’s possible for employers to run their own training programs, but they must be approved by the state.
In Indiana, you may have the chance to apply for a Technician in Training (TIT) permit. This is an option if you’ve not yet completed a training program or have passed one of the nationally recognized exams but want to begin working while you train. TIT permits are only valid for one year.
Recap of General Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Obtained your high school diploma or GED
- Complete an Indiana Board-approved training program or gain equivalent work experience (at least 500 hours)
- Undergo a background check
Certification Requirements
The next step in how to become a pharmacy technician in Indiana is to understand whether certification is necessary. If you have completed a training program, you don’t need to obtain certification, but it’s recommended. Many employers are looking for these national credentials.
To earn certification, you will need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers the PTCE. It’s a multiple-choice exam made up of 90 questions that cover a few main topics, including laws and regulations, pharmacology, and medication safety. To take the exam, you will need to complete a training program or receive the equivalent work experience.
In most other states, to become a certified pharmacy technician, you would also have the option to take the ExCPT exam. This exam is offered by the National Healthcareer Association. In Indiana, however, it’s not a recognized test.
When choosing whether to take the ExCPT vs. the PTCE, understanding that Indiana doesn’t accept the ExCPT can save you significant hassle.
Although certification isn’t a requirement if you have completed a training program, it can be a good option to pursue. Not only does it allow you to get your license, but it also makes you much more attractive to prospective employers.
Applying for Indiana Pharmacy Tech Registration
Once you meet all the requirements for how to become a pharmacy technician in Indiana, you can register with the state licensing board. You must apply to the Indiana Board of Pharmacy and pay a $25 fee. You’ll be instructed on how to complete your criminal background check once you have applied.
The next step is to demonstrate that you received the appropriate training. You will need proof that you passed the PTCE or completed an approved training program. This is why it’s so vital to ensure the program you choose to pursue is state-recognized and that you don’t take the ExCPT instead of the PTCE.
You can also request a TIT permit in this application process. You’ll have to list your training program’s name and license number.
If you have met all the requirements for registration, the process can be quick. It can take between a few days and a few weeks for the board to process your application.
Maintaining and Renewing Your License
Your Indiana pharmacy tech license expires every two years. If you have obtained certification, you will also need to maintain it, which means completing continuing education (CE) credits. This will usually mean getting 20 hours of CE every two years.
For the PTCE, CE credits will typically need to include some time reviewing regulations and laws, as well as patient safety. You can meet these requirements by taking online courses, which will immediately report the credits to the appropriate channels.
To renew your license, you will need to pay a $25 fee and submit the pertinent documentation via the MyLicense portal.
Keep Your Indiana Pharmacy Tech License Active with RxCe
If you have considered becoming a pharmacy tech in Indiana, having a clear idea of all of the requirements you will need to meet can give you a good idea of what your next steps should be. One of the most important steps is obtaining your continuing education credits so that there are no delays when you need to renew your license.
At RxCe, we offer online courses that meet all of your needs as a pharmacy tech in Indiana. With an array of affordable credits, you can choose what suits your needs best and conveniently complete the courses.
We immediately communicate the credits to licensing agencies, so the process of renewing your license or maintaining certification is as easy as possible.
Check out our courses to get started.
*In addition to being accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), RxCe has also achieved joint accreditation for continuing education for physicians and physician assistants. Stay tuned for joint accreditation articles over the next few months!
