To become a licensed pharmacy technician in the state of Virginia, you must meet certain requirements and follow a specific process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal:
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you begin the licensure process, ensure you meet the basic requirements set by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. These requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Possessing a valid government-issued ID
- Having a clean record, with no felony convictions or misdemeanors related to the practice of pharmacy
Education and Training
While a degree is not strictly necessary, completing a pharmacy technician training program approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) can be beneficial in preparing you for the licensure exam and your future career.
Step 2: Choose a Training Program
Virginia offers various pharmacy technician training programs, both online and in-person. When selecting a program, ensure it is ASHP-approved and covers the necessary topics, such as:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacology and pharmacy calculations
- Pharmacy operations and management
- Patient communication and counseling
Some popular training programs in Virginia include:
- Community colleges
- Vocational schools
- Online training providers
- Pharmacy technician schools
Program Accreditation
Verify that the program you choose is accredited by ASHP, which ensures the program meets the necessary standards and prepares you for the licensure exam.
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam
The Virginia Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to pass a certification exam. The most common exam is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The exam covers topics such as:
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacy operations and management
- Patient communication and counseling
Exam Preparation
To prepare for the exam, review the exam content, practice with sample questions, and consider enrolling in a review course.
Step 4: Apply for Licensure
Once you've passed the certification exam, submit your application for licensure to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. The application will require:
- Proof of certification
- Proof of training program completion
- A background check
- Payment of the licensure fee
License Maintenance
To maintain your licensure, you'll need to complete continuing education requirements and adhere to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy's rules and regulations.
Step 5: Maintain Your License
To keep your license active, you'll need to:
- Complete continuing education requirements
- Pay the renewal fee
- Adhere to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy's rules and regulations
By following these steps, you can obtain and maintain a pharmacy technician license in Virginia.
If you have any questions or concerns about the licensure process, feel free to ask in the comments below.