Step By Step Guide To Become A Pharmacy Technician In South Carolina 2025
Becoming a pharmacy technician in South Carolina involves several straightforward steps. Follow this guide to learn about education requirements, certifications, and the registration process. For the most current regulations, visit the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy's homepage here.
Step 1: Meet Minimum Requirements
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Education Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
Step 2: Enroll in a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
- Accreditation: Choose a program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or other recognized institutions.
- Program Duration: Programs generally range from 6 months to 2 years.
- Coursework: Includes pharmacology, pharmacy law, calculation, and anatomy.
- Local Options: Consider local technical colleges or community colleges offering approved pharmacy technician programs.
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam
- PTCB Exam: Opt to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
- Exam Fee: As of 2025, the PTCE costs $129.
- Passing Score: A minimum score of 1,400 on a scale of 1,000 to 1,600 is necessary to pass.
- Alternative Exam: Consider the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- ExCPT Fee: $125.
Step 4: Register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy
- Submit an Application: Complete and submit the pharmacy technician registration application available on the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy's website.
- Registration Fee: Pay a non-refundable fee of $40.
- Background Check: Submit to a state and federal background check.
Step 5: Maintain Certification and Registration
- Continuing Education: Complete at least 10 continuing education hours every year. At least 1 hour must be in pharmacy law.
- Renew Certification: Renew your PTCB or ExCPT certification every two years.
- Renew Registration: Renew your South Carolina pharmacy technician registration annually by June 30th at a fee of $30.
Step 6: Explore Employment Opportunities
- Pharmacies and Clinics: Significant employers include retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and health clinics.
- Hospitals: Many technicians find roles in hospital and health system pharmacies.
- Long-term Care Facilities: Provide opportunities for specialized pharmacy work.
Step 7: Consider Advanced Opportunities
- On-the-Job Training: Participate in additional training for roles like lead pharmacy technician or inventory specialist.
- Specialized Certifications: Pursue specialized certifications in areas like sterile compounding to increase employability and salary potential.
Compliance and Workplace Regulations
- Scope of Practice: Stay informed about scope-of-practice laws which are detailed in the South Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act.
- Supervision Requirements: Work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist at all times.
By following these steps, you can become a licensed pharmacy technician in South Carolina, meet state requirements, and pursue a career in this vital healthcare field.