Step By Step Guide To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Virginia 2025
Becoming a pharmacy technician in Virginia involves several steps to ensure you are qualified and registered to assist pharmacists effectively. Each step outlined below is designed to guide you through the process, adhering to the current regulations and requirements set by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations. Responsibilities include preparing prescriptions, managing inventory, and maintaining records. Familiarize yourself with these duties to ensure this career aligns with your interests.
Step 2: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. These foundational qualifications ensure all candidates have the basic educational grounding necessary for further training and certification.
Step 3: Choose an Accredited Training Program
Enroll in a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program. Programs can vary in length but generally last from several months to a year. Training prepares you with the skills and knowledge necessary for the job, including pharmacy law, ethics, and calculations. Approved programs can be found on the Virginia Department of Health Professions website at doh.virginia.gov.
Step 4: Complete a Practical Experience
Virginia requires applicants to complete a practical experience, often included as part of the accredited training program. This experience provides hands-on training in a pharmacy setting, allowing you to apply what you've learned and meet performance standards.
Step 5: Pass the Required Examinations
After completing your training, you must pass a nationally recognized pharmacy technician certification exam. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) are acceptable. Both exams test your knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacy law, and medication safety. Confirm exam details, including costs ($129 for the PTCE), on the respective certification board's website.
Step 6: Apply for Registration with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy
Submit a 'Pharmacy Technician Registration Application' to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. This includes providing proof of your education, training, and certification. A $25 application fee is required. Applications should be submitted through the DHP website at doh.virginia.gov.
Step 7: Obtain Your Pharmacy Technician Registration
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your registration. This registration allows you to practice as a pharmacy technician in Virginia. Maintain a copy in your records and display it as necessary in your place of employment.
Step 8: Maintain Continuing Education and Renew Your Registration
To maintain your registration, complete at least 5 hours of continuing education annually, focusing on pharmacy practice improvements. Registration renewal occurs on an annual basis, with a renewal fee of $35. Renew your registration through the DHP's online portal.
By following these steps, you ensure compliance with state guidelines and effectively prepare yourself for a successful career as a pharmacy technician in Virginia. For full details, always refer to the Virginia Department of Health Professions.