How to Become a Pharmacy Technician In Texas
Pharmacy technicians are healthcare professionals who work with pharmacists to assist patients with their medications. They help keep pharmacies running smoothly by filling prescriptions, maintaining patient databases, reviewing medical billing and insurance claims, alerting pharmacists of inventory shortages, and even supervising other staff members.
Pharmacy technicians work in hospital pharmacies, as well as in clinics and retailers. Because of this, there’s a significant amount of flexibility in the job, making it an attractive option for many. If you’re considering this career path, it’s important to know what the requirements are in your state.
Learn more about how to become a pharmacy tech in Texas so that you understand exactly what your next steps should be.
What Are the Texas State Requirements for Obtaining a Pharmacy Technician License?
If you’re wondering how to become a pharmacy technician in Texas, you should know that one of the first requirements is you have to be at least 18. You must also have a high school diploma or GED and be proficient in the English language.
The state additionally requires that you pass the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCB exam) or the ExCPT exam. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) asks for one of these exam numbers upon registration.
You must also undergo a criminal background check, which includes having your fingerprints taken. The TSBP requires continuing education, too. For each renewal period, which is every two years, you need to have completed 20 hours of training, including one hour of human trafficking prevention and one hour of Texas pharmacy law.
When you’re looking into how to become a pharmacy technician in Texas, you also want to know that there are costs involved. Expect to pay an $84 application fee to the TSBP and an $81 renewal fee.
What Are the Steps to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Texas?
The process of how to become a pharmacy technician in Texas isn’t overly complicated, especially if you have a clear idea of what to expect.
Complete a Pharmacy Tech Educational Program
You don’t need to have an advanced degree to become a pharmacy tech. You will learn the job by working as a pharmacy technician trainee. If you participate in a pharmacy technician training program, however, you can get the right preparation for a crucial part of your career path: passing the PTCE.
Community colleges and vocational schools offer courses that help you prepare for this test. The TSBP recommends choosing a program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ASHP/ACPE).
During this kind of program, you will complete coursework and get hands-on training. You can start choosing the path you want to take as well, including whether you want to work at a hospital pharmacy, in a lab, or in a retail pharmacy.
Is a Degree Required to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Texas?
A degree isn’t required in Texas. As long as you have a high school diploma or GED and you achieve certification, you can work as a Texas pharmacy technician. Of course, those with higher education credentials might have a boost over other candidates.
Prepare for the PTCB Exam
The PTCB exam allows you to earn national certification, as does a similar exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). In the majority of cases, the PTCB is the better option.
The first step is to ensure that you’re eligible to take the exam. You need to have completed a PTCB-accredited training program or have at least 500 hours of job experience. If you’re eligible, you must register on the PTCB site and apply. Once approved, you can register for an exam.
The PTCB exam is a multiple-choice test consisting of 90 questions, 10 of which are unscored. The questions deal with four knowledge domains: medications and dosages, federal requirements, patient safety and quality assurance, and order entry and processing.
To prepare for the exam, you can choose online courses, including free ones that allow you to take practice tests. You always have the option of self-guided prep, too. However, for most people, the best option is an official course.
Learn everything you need to know about the PTCB Exam
Is Passing the PTCB Exam Required to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Texas?
Yes, in Texas, pharmacy technician registration requires passing either the PTCB exam or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). PTCB certification is essential.
Take the PTCB Exam
You have two hours to complete the PTCB exam. You will need a score of 1400 or above to pass, with scores ranging from 1000 to 1600. A panel of medical professionals examines each question and assesses whether already registered pharmacy technicians would answer it correctly or not, and that’s how they determine the minimum passing score.
During the exam, you can leave notations on questions that you may think are not accurately presented or that don’t offer the right answer options. You then have 30 days to file an official challenge to these questions.
If you don’t pass the exam, you can retake it after 60 days.
Be Prepared for Any Continuing Education Courses After Licensure
Something else to keep in mind when you’re researching how to become a pharmacy technician in Texas is that your license is valid for only two years. After that period ends, the only way to maintain an active registration is by completing at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years. There are numerous programs available through the TSBP.
Complete Your Continuing Education at RxCe
If you’ve obtained your license or are in the process of doing so, having continuing education options is important so that you don’t struggle to meet your requirements. At RxCe, we offer a variety of courses and certificate programs for highly affordable prices. Learn more about our courses and program options by contacting one of our experts at RxCe.
