Are you interested in starting a career in the medical field, but don't know where to begin? Becoming a pharmacy technician can be a rewarding and challenging career path that allows you to work closely with patients and healthcare professionals. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also have a valid social security number and be able to pass a background check.
Education and Training
While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, most pharmacy technicians complete a post-secondary training program in pharmacy technology. These programs are usually offered at community colleges or vocational schools and can last from several months to two years. Some common types of pharmacy technician training programs include:
- Certificate programs: These programs typically last several months to a year and provide basic training in pharmacy technology.
- Diploma programs: These programs usually last a year and provide more in-depth training in pharmacy technology.
- Associate's degree programs: These programs typically last two years and provide comprehensive training in pharmacy technology, as well as general education courses.
Step 2: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
When selecting a pharmacy technician training program, make sure it is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). ASHP accreditation ensures that the program meets the standards for pharmacy technician training.
Some popular pharmacy technician training programs in South Carolina include:
- University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
- Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
- Midlands Technical College Pharmacy Technician Program
Curriculum
A typical pharmacy technician training program includes courses in:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Pharmacy operations
- Patient assessment and communication
- Medication safety and management
- Pharmacology and toxicology
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam
After completing a pharmacy technician training program, you can become certified by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Certified Clinical Pharmacy Technician (CCPhT) exam. These exams are administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), respectively.
Certification is not required in South Carolina, but it is highly recommended as it demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the profession.
PTCE Exam
The PTCE exam is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge and skills in pharmacy technology. The exam consists of 90 questions and takes about 2 hours to complete.
CCPhT Exam
The CCPhT exam is also a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge and skills in pharmacy technology, with a focus on clinical pharmacy skills. The exam consists of 100 questions and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Step 4: Register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy
After becoming certified, you must register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy. To register, you must submit an application and pay a registration fee.
Registration Requirements
To register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have completed a pharmacy technician training program
- Have passed the PTCE or CCPhT exam
- Pay a registration fee
Step 5: Maintain Certification and Registration
To maintain certification and registration, you must complete continuing education requirements and pay renewal fees.
Continuing Education
The PTCB requires certified pharmacy technicians to complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The NHA requires certified clinical pharmacy technicians to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Renewal Fees
The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to pay a renewal fee every 2 years.
What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?
+The average salary for a pharmacy technician in South Carolina is around $34,000 per year.
Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?
+No, certification is not required in South Carolina, but it is highly recommended.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?
+It can take several months to two years to complete a pharmacy technician training program and become certified.
Now that you have completed the steps to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina, you can start your career in this rewarding field. Remember to stay up-to-date with continuing education requirements and maintain your certification and registration to ensure a successful career as a pharmacy technician.