5 Steps To Renew Pharmacy Tech License In Va

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Renewing your pharmacy technician license in Virginia is a crucial step to maintain your certification and continue working in the field. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to renew their licenses periodically to ensure they stay updated with the latest knowledge and skills. In this article, we will guide you through the 5 steps to renew your pharmacy tech license in Virginia.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria

Before you start the renewal process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have completed a training program approved by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy
• Have passed the certification exam (PTCB or NHA)
• Have a valid pharmacy technician license in Virginia
• Not have any disciplinary actions against your license

Training Program Requirements

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to complete a training program that includes:

• 100 hours of classroom instruction
• 100 hours of practical experience
• Training in areas such as pharmacy law, pharmacy calculations, and patient communication

Step 2: Complete Continuing Education Requirements

To renew your pharmacy technician license, you must complete the required continuing education (CE) hours. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to complete:

• 6 hours of CE every 2 years
• 2 hours of CE must be in pharmacy law
• 2 hours of CE must be in patient safety
• 2 hours of CE must be in pharmacy calculations

You can complete CE hours through various providers, including:

• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

CE Course Requirements

When choosing CE courses, ensure they meet the Virginia Board of Pharmacy requirements. CE courses must:

• Be approved by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy
• Be related to pharmacy technician practice
• Include a post-test or evaluation

Step 3: Submit Renewal Application

Once you have completed the eligibility criteria and CE requirements, submit your renewal application to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. You can submit your application online or by mail.

• Online application: Go to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy website and log in to your account. Fill out the renewal application and submit it electronically.
• Mail application: Download the renewal application form from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy website. Fill out the form and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Renewal Application Fees

The renewal application fee for pharmacy technicians in Virginia is:

• $50 for online applications
• $75 for mail applications

Step 4: Pass the Background Check

As part of the renewal process, you must undergo a background check. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to undergo a background check through the Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• You will need to provide fingerprints for the background check
• The background check fee is $50

Background Check Requirements

The background check must be completed within 6 months of submitting your renewal application. You will need to provide:

• Your name and date of birth
• Your social security number
• Your fingerprints

Step 5: Maintain Certification

To maintain your certification, you must adhere to the certification requirements set by the PTCB or NHA. This includes:

• Completing CE hours
• Paying certification fees
• Adhering to the certification code of conduct

Certification Fees

The certification fees for pharmacy technicians in Virginia are:

• PTCB: $129
• NHA: $117

Now that you have completed the 5 steps to renew your pharmacy tech license in Virginia, you can continue working in the field with confidence. Remember to stay updated with the latest knowledge and skills to provide the best care for your patients.

If you have any questions or concerns about the renewal process, feel free to comment below. Share this article with your colleagues to help them navigate the renewal process.