Step By Step Guide To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Rhode Island 2025
1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
To become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island, candidates must meet specific basic eligibility requirements:
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is necessary.
2. Obtain Relevant Education and Training
Enroll in a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Programs typically include courses in:
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics
- Pharmacy Calculations
- Pharmacology
- Prescription Processing
Training can be completed in 6 to 24 months, depending on whether you choose a certificate or associate degree program.
3. Pass a National Certification Exam
Rhode Island requires pharmacy technicians to pass a national certification exam. Choose from one of the following:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
After passing, you will become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
4. Apply for Licensure with the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy
Complete the licensure application process with the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy:
- Application: Submit a completed Pharmacy Technician application form. Download the form from the Rhode Island Department of Health's official website.
- Fee: Pay a non-refundable fee of $60 (subject to change; verify with the official website).
- Documentation: Provide proof of age, education, and national certification.
5. Register with the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy
Once approved for licensure, register officially with the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy. The registration process involves:
- Background Check: Complete a criminal background check through fingerprinting.
- Proof of Training: Submit transcripts or certificates of completed pharmacy technician training.
- License Issuance: Receive a pharmacy technician license upon satisfying all stipulations.
6. Maintain Licensure and Certification
Stay compliant with Rhode Island regulations by maintaining both your state licensure and national certification:
- Continuing Education: Complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education biennially, as per PTCB requirements.
- License Renewal: Renew the pharmacy technician license every two years by submitting the necessary documentation and fee to the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.
7. Advance Your Career
Consider opportunities for advancement by pursuing additional certifications or specializations in areas like:
- Sterile Product Preparation
- Chemotherapy Product Preparation
This step opens pathways to roles with increased responsibility and potentially higher salaries.
These steps outline how to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island in 2025, ensuring compliance with state regulations and preparedness for a successful career in pharmacy practice.