Becoming a licensed pharmacy technician in Illinois can be a rewarding career move, offering a chance to work in the healthcare industry and make a positive impact on patients' lives. To obtain an Illinois pharmacy tech license, you'll need to follow a series of steps, which we'll outline below. By understanding the requirements and following these steps, you'll be well on your way to starting a successful career as a licensed pharmacy technician in Illinois.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To become a licensed pharmacy technician in Illinois, you must meet the basic requirements set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). These requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Possessing a valid Social Security number
- Being able to read, write, and speak English
In addition to these basic requirements, you'll also need to complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Step 2: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation requires pharmacy technician candidates to complete a training program approved by the IDFPR. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the pharmacy technician certification exam.
When selecting a pharmacy technician training program, make sure it is approved by the IDFPR and includes coursework in the following areas:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacy operations and management
- Pharmacology and pharmacy calculations
- Patient communication and interaction
- Sterile compounding and aseptic technique
Step 3: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
After completing a pharmacy technician training program, you'll need to pass the pharmacy technician certification exam. The most common certification exam for pharmacy technicians is the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
To pass the CPhT exam, you'll need to score at least 75% on the exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacy operations and management, pharmacology and pharmacy calculations, and patient communication and interaction.
Step 4: Apply for Licensure
After passing the pharmacy technician certification exam, you can apply for licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. To apply for licensure, you'll need to submit the following:
- A completed application form
- A copy of your certification exam results
- A copy of your training program transcript
- A $50 application fee
Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by the IDFPR. If your application is approved, you'll be issued a pharmacy technician license.
Step 5: Maintain Licensure
To maintain licensure as a pharmacy technician in Illinois, you'll need to complete continuing education requirements and adhere to the IDFPR's code of ethics.
The IDFPR requires pharmacy technicians to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 2 hours in pharmacy law and ethics. You'll also need to adhere to the IDFPR's code of ethics, which includes guidelines for patient confidentiality, professionalism, and competence.
By following these five steps, you can obtain an Illinois pharmacy tech license and start a rewarding career as a licensed pharmacy technician. Remember to stay up-to-date with continuing education requirements and adhere to the IDFPR's code of ethics to maintain licensure.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to obtaining an Illinois pharmacy tech license. By following these steps and staying up-to-date with continuing education requirements, you can start a rewarding career as a licensed pharmacy technician.
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