Washington State Licensure Requirements
If this is a career path you’re interested in pursuing, it’s essential to know how to become a pharmacy tech in Washington state. The entire process begins with ensuring you’re at least 18 and have a high school diploma or have passed the GED test.
You will need to be licensed to work as a pharmacy technician in this state, which means completing an approved training program and passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exam.
Once you do, you can apply for your license via the Washington State Department of Health website.
When you apply, you’ll have to submit proof that you completed the training program and that you have a Social Security number. You’ll undergo a background check and then have to pay a fee to obtain your license.
Recap of Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Obtain certification through PTCB or NHA
- Pass a background check
- Submit proof that you completed the training program and that you have a Social Security number
- Apply for your license through the Washington State Department of Health
Certification and Training Options
When looking into how to become a pharmacy tech in Washington state, something that could be worrying you is the exam that you’ll have to take. Your training program will assist you in preparing for these exams, offering the skills and knowledge that you can depend on for the rest of your career.
The PTCB offers the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which is a 90-question multiple-choice test you complete in two hours. You will be tested on four main areas, beginning with your knowledge of medications.
In this test, you’ll need to know the names of the most common generic and brand-name drugs, their potential side effects, and more.
You’ll also be tested on federal requirements for storing, handling, and disposing of wastes, pharmacological substances, as well as hazardous and non-hazardous materials. The test will also assess your knowledge of patient safety and quality assurance, including the most effective error-preventing strategies.
Finally, the PTCE tests you on order entry and processing. You’ll need to know formulas, lot numbers, and a variety of other crucial information. Passing this test makes you a certified pharmacy tech.
If you’re searching for how to become a pharmacy tech in Washington state, you may be considering whether to take the PTCE or the test offered by the NHA, called the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). This exam is two hours and 10 minutes long and has 100 scored questions.
To be eligible to take the exam, you must have completed an approved training program. The ExCPT will test you on laws and rules to ensure you know how to comply with federal and state laws, patient confidentiality, and regulations for the use of controlled substances.
You’ll also be assessed on the dispensing process. It’s the most significant topic covered in the exam, and it includes testing you on preparing prescriptions, handling medication intake forms, and math formulas. There are sections on patient safety and pharmacy management, too.
How do you choose between taking the ExCPT or the PTCE? Most employers look for PTCB certification, so the PTCE is generally the right option.
Remember, you need certification to obtain a license and work as a pharmacy tech in Washington state. Receiving certification means you’re qualified to safely help patients.
Maintaining and Renewing Your License
Another important factor to consider when looking at how to become a pharmacy tech in Washington state is the license renewal process. To remain compliant and be able to renew your credentials without problem, you will need to complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.
In Washington, one of those hours must be on health equity, but the rest can involve the topics that you find most attractive to your career path. The CE credits you receive have to come from a provider that has accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
This renewal process is just for your state license. You will also need to renew your PTCB certification. If you don’t, you won’t be able to renew your license in Washington. The PTCB will have other requirements you have to meet, including its own application to fill out.
Approved Training Programs and Pathways
If you’re considering becoming a pharmacy tech in Washington state, finding an approved training program can take some time. These are usually available through vocational schools and community colleges. Make sure the PTCB recognizes the program so that you don’t have issues when you go to register for the PTCE.
It can also be a good idea to pursue a pharmacy tech specialization. You can focus on oncology, non-sterile compounding, and even nuclear medicine, among other options. Specializations can open the door to exciting careers and more diverse workplaces, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
You can begin specializing by taking CE courses that focus on the field you’re interested in. These additional accreditations make you a much more attractive candidate for employers and make it easier to obtain higher-paying positions.
Stay Licensed and Informed in Washington With RxCe
Now that you know how to become a pharmacy tech in Washington state, it’s time to get started obtaining or maintaining your license. With help from the team at RxCe, you can find the CE courses that you need to renew your PTCB certification.
At RxCe, we provide an array of courses. They are affordable and convenient online options that make it easier than ever to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field. We diligently report the credits as soon as you complete them, making the renewal process just a bit less stressful. Our courses are all affordable and conveniently online or offered live, easing the renewal process.
*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!
