Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system, working closely with pharmacists to ensure the safe and effective distribution of medications to patients. In Ohio, aspiring pharmacy technicians must obtain a license to practice. Here are the 5 steps to obtain an Ohio pharmacy tech license.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To be eligible for a pharmacy technician license in Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, you must have a clean background and not have any felony convictions or other disqualifying offenses.
Age and Education Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Ohio. You must also have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED certificate.
Background Check Requirements
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy requires all applicants to undergo a background check as part of the licensing process. This involves submitting fingerprints and consenting to a check of your criminal history.
Step 2: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
To become a licensed pharmacy technician in Ohio, you must complete a training program approved by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or online institutions.
Program Requirements
Pharmacy technician training programs in Ohio must include a minimum of 50 hours of classroom instruction and 50 hours of clinical experience. The program must also cover topics such as pharmacy law, pharmacology, and patient communication.
Program Accreditation
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy requires all pharmacy technician training programs to be accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Commission for Health Education (ACHE).
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam
To become a licensed pharmacy technician in Ohio, you must pass a certification exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Exam Requirements
The PTCB and NHA exams cover topics such as pharmacy law, pharmacology, and patient communication. You must score at least 75% to pass the exam.
Exam Format
The PTCB and NHA exams are multiple-choice exams consisting of 90 questions. You will have 2 hours to complete the exam.
Step 4: Apply for the License
After passing the certification exam, you can apply for a pharmacy technician license through the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.
Application Requirements
You must submit a completed application, including your certification exam results, transcripts from your training program, and a background check.
Application Fees
The application fee for a pharmacy technician license in Ohio is $75. You must also pay a fee for the background check.
Step 5: Maintain the License
To maintain your pharmacy technician license in Ohio, you must complete continuing education requirements and renew your license every 2 years.
Continuing Education Requirements
You must complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain your pharmacy technician license in Ohio.
License Renewal Fees
The license renewal fee for pharmacy technicians in Ohio is $50.
Gallery of Pharmacy Tech License Requirements
FAQ Section
What are the basic requirements for a pharmacy technician license in Ohio?
+To be eligible for a pharmacy technician license in Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a clean background.
What is the certification exam for pharmacy technicians in Ohio?
+The certification exam for pharmacy technicians in Ohio is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
How do I maintain my pharmacy technician license in Ohio?
+To maintain your pharmacy technician license in Ohio, you must complete continuing education requirements and renew your license every 2 years.
Now that you know the 5 steps to obtain an Ohio pharmacy tech license, you can start your journey to becoming a licensed pharmacy technician in Ohio. Remember to follow the requirements carefully and stay up-to-date with the latest information from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.