Step By Step Guide To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Illinois 2025
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois
In Illinois, a pharmacy technician supports pharmacists in dispensing prescription medications to patients. Responsibilities include greeting customers, entering prescription information, managing inventory, and maintaining patient records. Working as a pharmacy technician demands attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and excellent customer service skills.
Step 2: Meet the Minimum Requirements
To become a pharmacy technician in Illinois by 2025, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent (for those aged 18 and older).
- Not have been convicted of a felony in the last five years.
Step 3: Register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Before commencing work, you need to register with the IDFPR. Here's how:
- Complete the Online Application: Visit the IDFPR website to fill out the application form. You will need to provide personal identification details such as your Social Security number and documentation of your high school diploma or GED.
- Pay the Registration Fee: As of 2025, the initial registration fee is $60. Payment can be made online through the IDFPR portal.
Step 4: Begin On-the-Job Training
Pharmacy technicians in Illinois must complete training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist:
- Training Program Duration: All pharmacy technician candidates must undergo on-the-job training shortly after registration. This program should be completed within two years.
- Content of Training: Training includes understanding pharmacy law, mastering the use of pharmacy software, and learning medication management and billing processes.
Step 5: Obtain Certification
Although certification isn't mandatory for initial registration, pursuing it can enhance job opportunities and establish credibility:
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Exam: Consider taking the exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This certification is recognized and may be required by employers.
- Eligibility Criteria for Certification Exams: To be eligible for these exams, you must have completed a state-approved training program or received equivalent on-the-job training.
Step 6: Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Post-certification, you must maintain and improve your skills through continuing education:
- Continuing Education (CE) Hours: Certified pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least one hour of pharmacy law.
- Approved CE Programs: These programs are available from various providers, including pharmacy associations and academic institutions, and must be approved by the PTCB or NHA.
Step 7: Renew Registration Annually
To legally continue working, annual registration renewal with IDFPR is necessary:
- Renewal Process: Renewal is completed online through the IDFPR website. It involves updating any changes in personal information and attesting to the completion of required training and continuing education.
- Renewal Fee: The renewal fee, as set in 2025, is $60 per year.
Step 8: Explore Employment Opportunities
Upon fulfilling state requirements, you can explore job opportunities in various settings:
- Potential Employers: Retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics hire pharmacy technicians.
- Job Search Resources: Use job boards, local pharmacy networking events, and professional associations to find job openings in Illinois.
Step 9: Stay Updated on State Regulations
Monitor updates to state regulations and industry standards. Regularly review the IDFPR homepage to remain compliant with any changes affecting your role as a pharmacy technician.
For detailed and current state regulations, refer to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's homepage.