5 Steps To Il Pharmacy Tech License

Quick Links :

Becoming a licensed pharmacy technician can be a rewarding career move for those passionate about healthcare and pharmacology. In Illinois, pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in assisting licensed pharmacists with dispensing medication, managing inventory, and providing exceptional patient care. To obtain an Illinois pharmacy tech license, follow these five steps:

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Age and Education Requirements

To apply for an Illinois pharmacy tech license, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. While a college degree is not required, having one can be beneficial in advancing your career.

Step 2: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Find an Accredited Program

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires pharmacy technicians to complete a training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These programs typically last several months to a year and cover topics such as:

• Pharmacy operations and management
• Pharmacology and medication safety
• Patient communication and counseling
• Inventory management and control

Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam

Choose a Certification Exam

While certification is not mandatory in Illinois, it is highly recommended to increase your job prospects and career advancement opportunities. The two most recognized certification exams for pharmacy technicians are:

• Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

Step 4: Apply for the Illinois Pharmacy Tech License

Submit Your Application

Once you have completed the training program and passed the certification exam, you can apply for the Illinois pharmacy tech license. You will need to submit the following:

• Application form
• Proof of training program completion
• Certification exam results
• Background check
• Payment of the licensing fee

Step 5: Maintain Your License

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your Illinois pharmacy tech license, you must complete continuing education requirements every two years. This includes completing 20 hours of continuing education, with at least 2 hours focused on patient safety and 2 hours on pharmacy law and ethics.

Gallery of Pharmacy Technician License Requirements:

FAQs:

By following these five steps, you can obtain an Illinois pharmacy tech license and start a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Remember to stay up-to-date with continuing education requirements to maintain your license and advance your career.