Step By Step Guide To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Arkansas 2025
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians in Arkansas are responsible for assisting pharmacists with dispensing prescription medications to customers or health professionals. They work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Their duties include receiving prescription requests, counting tablets, labeling bottles, maintaining patient records, and handling insurance information.
Step 2: Meet Basic Requirements
To become a pharmacy technician in Arkansas, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Basic math skills and attention to detail are crucial for handling prescriptions accurately. Strong communication skills are also necessary for interacting with patients and healthcare professionals.
Step 3: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Enroll in a pharmacy technician training program accredited by either the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or by a similar accrediting body that meets Arkansas state standards. These programs typically last from 6 months to 1 year and cover topics such as pharmacy law, medication terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, and ethics.
Step 4: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is administrated by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This exam is not mandated by all states, but Arkansas requires certification to work legally as a pharmacy technician. The exam fee is $129 as of 2025. To register, candidates need a high school diploma and successful completion of an ASHP-accredited training program.
Step 5: Apply for Arkansas State Registration
The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to register with the state. Access the registration application on the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy's official website here. The registration fee is typically around $70.
Step 6: Complete On-The-Job Training
After registration, pharmacy technicians must complete on-the-job training. Employers provide training that encompasses the technical aspects of the role and detailed procedures followed within their specific settings. Some Arkansas employers may offer this training as part of onboarding processes.
Step 7: Adhere to Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your certification and stay registered, complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, as required by the PTCB. Continuing education helps you stay updated with the latest changes in pharmacy laws and advancements in medication administration.
Step 8: Renew Arkansas State Registration Annually
Arkansas requires pharmacy technicians to renew their registration annually. Follow procedures outlined on the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy website, which may include submitting proof of employment, certification renewal, and paying the renewal fee, typically around $35.
Step 9: Explore Employment Opportunities
Look for employment opportunities in Arkansas by networking with local pharmacies or using job search platforms. Hospitals, retail chains, and independent drugstores are typical employers for pharmacy technicians. This role requires balancing multiple tasks and working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
The process of becoming a pharmacy technician in Arkansas in 2025 involves meeting state-specific requirements, ongoing education, and ensuring compliance with state board regulations. By following these steps, you can pursue a fulfilling career as a pharmacy technician.