Georgia’s Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians
When looking for how to become a pharmacy tech in Georgia, one of the first things to remember is that the state requires you to be at least 17 years old to become a pharmacy tech.
While you’re in high school, you can apply for a pharmacy tech position without a diploma. If you’re not in high school, you must have a diploma or have passed the GED.
You will also need to undergo a background check. If you have a criminal history or a history of drug abuse, you may not qualify to work as a pharmacy technician.
Then, you must register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. You can do this online through their website and pay the $100 fee. You’ll have to submit the required documents, but this is usually a fast process.
Recap of Requirements
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must have a diploma or GED (if out of high school)
- Pass a background check
- Must register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy
Certification and Why It Matters
One concern you may have about how to become a pharmacy tech in Georgia is whether you will need to have certification. You’re not required to have it to start working in the field, but many employers look for it when choosing a candidate. Some employers may not even accept applications from those without certification.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) both offer the chance to obtain your certification. You will have to meet certain requirements and pass the respective exams.
The PTCB offers the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which focuses on medication knowledge. It tends to be seen as a more comprehensive exam, so employers usually prefer it.
The NHA offers the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), which focuses more on the duties of a pharmacy technician as well as on patient safety. It can be an appropriate option for working in retail pharmacies.
Despite the differences between the ExCPT and the PTCE, both options offer valid certification that most employers are looking for. With certification, you have more opportunities to advance in your career. You can also apply for higher-paying positions, which often come with more responsibilities and offer further challenges.
Job security also improves if you have a certification. Employers will see you as someone who has placed a lot of time and effort into their career, making you a more attractive candidate and one they’ll hang on to.
Training and Education Pathways
The process of becoming a pharmacy tech in Georgia can vary depending on the path you take.
One of the options is to apply for a position and get the training you need while on the job. This can get you started as soon as possible, but it can mean starting at a lower salary. It’s often an option for those who do better outside the classroom or who learn more with hands-on training. You can work your way up to higher salaries over time.
The other option is to pursue formal education. Technical and community colleges usually offer pharmacy tech career programs that can prepare you for the job, so that you can come in and start making a higher salary from the start.
It’s also important to consider continuing education. Not only is it required to maintain registration and certification, but it also allows you to specialize within the pharmacy tech field. This is important if you want to remain competitive.
There are many pharmacy technician specializations to choose from. These include oncology, which deals with chemotherapy medications; nuclear pharmacy, which allows you to safely handle radioactive materials for diagnostic exams; and non-sterile compounding to craft medications that don’t require a sterile field.
By specializing, you make yourself even more attractive to future employers. It can be a good way of finding a niche in this competitive field.
One of the best options for obtaining these continuing education credits and additional certifications is to take online courses. These courses let you get the training you need conveniently.
Maintaining Registration and Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your registration with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy, you must complete a certain number of continuing education hours. This ensures you’re up to date on the latest advancements and techniques. Pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education before being able to renew their registration.
You can go through the renewal process online. This must be done by June 30 of every odd-numbered year. You will have to pay a renewal fee and submit the necessary documents that demonstrate you have completed the required hours of continuing education.
Georgia renewal requirements allow you to complete all 20 hours online. This makes it affordable and doesn’t require you to take time away from work.
Your Pharmacy Technician Journey in Georgia With RxCe
If you’re considering how to become a pharmacy tech in Georgia, having a clear idea of the requirements is vital. This is a competitive field, and meeting the minimum requirements is often not enough to get you the prime positions you’re looking for.
By considering certifications and ensuring you’re up-to-date on all the latest advancements, you can make yourself stand out among the rest of the potential candidates for a position.
At RxCe, we provide a wide array of continuing education courses for pharmacy technicians. These courses can help you meet all the renewal requirements while also keeping you informed on the best techniques and most effective modes of helping patients.
Our courses are affordable, making it easier to remain compliant with the state’s requirements.
With variety, convenience, and affordability, RxCe can help you pursue your career goals.
*In addition to beingaccredited 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!
