FAQ – Pharmacy Technician

IMPORTANT: The Pharmacy Technician Certificate course is not included with our school’s registration in Utah nor has the curriculum been approved by the pharmacy board of the Utah Division of Occupationand Professional Licensing. Therefore, this program is not offered to Utah residents.

For residents of Florida, Indiana, Nevada, South Carolina, and Utah, State Boards of Pharmacy may require different requirements for pharmacy technician training. The states of North Dakota and Washington will not consider the training received in this program adequate to fulfill pharmacy technician credentialing requirements. You should contact the State Board of Pharmacy to obtain the requirements applicable to pharmacy technicians in your state.

QUESTIONS LISTING

Q: What is a pharmacy technician?

Q: How are pharmacy technician roles and responsibilities defined?

Q: Is the PTCB Exam (PTCE) all that I need to work as a Pharmacy Technician?

Q: Do I need to purchase additional items?

Q: How long will it take to complete this program?

Q: Do I need practical experience?

Q: What is a pharmacy technician?

A: A pharmacy technician is defined as an individual working in a pharmacy, who under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assist in activities not requiring the professional judgment of a pharmacist.

Q: How are pharmacy technician roles and responsibilities defined?

A: State rules and regulations as well as job-center policies and procedures define functions and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians. The pharmacy technician is accountable to the supervising pharmacist, who is legally responsible by virtue of state licensure for the care and safety of patients served by the pharmacy.

Q: Is the PTCB Exam (PTCE) all that I need to work as a Pharmacy Technician?

A: No. Please consult your state board for the requirements to be licensed as a Pharmacy Technician. The National Association of State Pharmacy Boards maintains a list of links to the state sites at: http://www.nabp.net/ . In addition to passing the exam, typical requirements include a fingerprint submission and background check as well as 20-40 hours of practical experience.

Q: Do I need to purchase additional items?

A: NO. Everything you need will be included in our Pharmacy Technician Course: the online course, textbooks, instructor support and fees for the PTCB Exam.

You have the option to add the English Grammar eBook Course for $46.90 for writing and communication skills development but it is not mandatory.

Q: How long will it take to complete this program?

A: Typically students take no more than 3-4 months if they work diligently to study the material.

Q: Do I need practical experience?

A: In some states you may need practical experience in order to be fully licensed. Usually they will allow you to have a ‘trainee’ status while you gain the necessary experience. Although we don’t have a formal internship program in place, we have found that most pharmacists (especially those in independent or regional chains) are very happy to take on those who have passed the PTCB Exam as Interns.

For more questions, details or suggestions, please call us at 877-335-4072 or visit our contact page.