Working in the healthcare field can be highly rewarding, but you don’t have to become a doctor or nurse to benefit from this career path. One of the options that more people are choosing is that of pharmacy technician. These positions pay well, don’t require attending medical programs for years, and they provide variety and the chance to help others.
If you’d like to become a pharmacy tech in New York, having a clear idea of the process you need to pursue can save you time and prevent you from making mistakes. Learn more about how to become a pharmacy technician in NY.
What Are the NY Educational Requirements?
One of the first things to know about how to become a pharmacy technician in NY is that you’ll need to have a high school diploma or your GED. You’ll then need to complete a nationally accredited pharmacy technician certification program OR receive work experience.
For the majority of people, the right path is to complete a program that provides the knowledge you need to work as a pharmacy technician. You can pursue these programs through community or vocational colleges, and they typically take anywhere from six months to a year to complete. Completing an associate’s degree can also be an option.
Pharmacy tech programs offer training on medical and pharmaceutical terminology, record-keeping, pharmaceutical calculations, law and ethics, and many other vital subjects. One huge benefit of these programs is that they can usually connect you with internships that allow you to get hands-on experience in pharmacies.
When deciding on a program, make sure to select one that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. That will ensure that you don’t run into any problems when you attempt to get your certification.
Certification and Licensing in New York
To receive certification in New York, you’ll need to pass an exam. The two options available are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
To be eligible to take the PTCE, you’ll need to have completed a training program or have worked as a pharmacy technician for at least 500 hours. For the ExCPT, you’ll have to have completed a program or worked as a pharmacy tech for at least 1,200 hours.
To apply for the exam, register via the appropriate website. The PTCE is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), while the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers the ExCPT. Through the site, you’ll need to provide proof that you completed an accredited program or have enough work hours. Read more about how to prepare for the PTCE here.
You’ll have to pay a fee of $129 for the PTCE and $125 for the ExCPT and submit your high school diploma or GED. Additionally, you’ll have to pass a background check. Only those who are 18 or older can apply for certification.
To receive your license in New York, you need to have received certification and then pay a fee of $175.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician in New York?
A common concern people have about how to become a pharmacy technician in NY regards how long the process will take. The answer can depend on the path that you choose.
Completing a program and getting an associate’s degree can take between one and two years, but there are much faster options. Pharmacy technician certification courses can often be completed in four months. You’ll then have to prepare for your certification exam, which could take another month.
If you don’t pass on the first try, the process can slow down a little but not substantially. If you do pass the exam, you can apply for licensure, which means waiting one more month. Overall, the entire process can take anywhere from six months to a bit over two years.
Cost of Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in New York
The most expensive path toward becoming a pharmacy technician is to pursue a degree. This can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000, depending on the college you go to. A certificate from a diploma program can cost at most $10,000, and an online program can range from $500 to $1,500.
You’ll also have to consider the certification and licensing fees. These can be $125 or $129, as well as $175 for licensing.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations for Pharmacy Technicians in New York
Pharmacy technician jobs are predicted to grow throughout the country by 9% over the next few years. Large states like New York can expect a surge of new positions. The median salary of a pharmacy tech in New York is about $50,007, which is higher than most states.
How Can RxCe Help You Maintain Your Pharmacy Tech Certification?
As with other professional certifications, you’ll need to renew your credentials to continue to use them. Pharmacy techs must do this every two years via the association from where they received their certification. You’ll have to pay a fee and, most importantly, demonstrate that you received 20 continuing education credits.
At RxCE, we can help you get the exact credits you need, including the hour of patient safety and any other specific topic requirements the NAH or PTCB asks for. We offer live courses and even free options when you choose an unlimited membership.
Even better, we automatically communicate your credits to the CPE monitor so that renewing your certification is simple. We can also help you find the most appropriate courses if you’re not certain what to choose.
If you’re beginning your path toward becoming a pharmacy technician and need more information, or if you’re getting ready to renew your certification, we can help at RxCE. Learn more about state requirements and our course selections.
