Texas Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician in the Lone Star State? This guide will provide you with a step-by-step roadmap, outlining everything you need to know to obtain pharmacy technician certification in Texas and start working in this dynamic healthcare field.

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy has two registration options for individuals: pharmacy technician and pharmacy technician trainee. This post is focused on Texas requirements for pharmacy technician registration.

Work Environments for Pharmacy Technicians in Texas

Pharmacy technicians in Texas work in a variety of dynamic and essential healthcare settings. Here’s a look at some of the common places you might find yourself working:

• Retail Pharmacies: Dispense medications, interact with customers, and work with insurance companies.
• Hospitals: Prepare and deliver medications to patients within the hospital, potentially specializing in areas like IV compounding or chemotherapy.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Manage medication regimens for residents of nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
• Specialty Pharmacies: Focus on complex medications for specific disease states, often requiring in-depth patient and insurance provider interactions.
• Mail-Order Pharmacies: Fill prescriptions and ship them directly to patients.

In all of these settings, there may be opportunities to work directly with pharmacists to help deliver important services to patients. Demand for pharmacy technicians is at an all-time high, so now is a great time to enter the field! Please note that the information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only. Please refer to the official Texas State Board of Pharmacy website for the most current and accurate regulations.

Step 1: Understanding the Requirements

To practice as a pharmacy technician in Texas, you must meet the following criteria set by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy:

• Age: Not defined by pharmacy law rules. Since individuals must be working to achieve a high school diploma or equivalent, it is unlikely that individuals younger than 16 could register.
• Education: Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent (or be actively working towards one for up to two years).
• Criminal Background: Pass a criminal background check. This requires submitting fingerprint information and paying the required fees.
• Certification: Obtain and maintain pharmacy technician certification by passing an approved national pharmacy technician certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT)

Step 2: Choosing a Path to Certification

There are two primary routes to get certified as a pharmacy technician in Texas:

• Option 1: PTCB Certification
  • Complete a PTCB-recognized training program OR gain at least 500 hours of practical experience working as a pharmacy technician trainee.
  • Register for and pass the PTCB exam.
• Option 2: ExCPT Certification
  • Enroll in a formal pharmacy technician training program OR obtain 1 year of work experience as a pharmacy technician trainee with at least 1200 hours of supervised pharmacy related work.
  • Pass the ExCPT exam.

Step 3: Applying for Your Texas Pharmacy Technician License

Once you’ve obtained your certification, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Texas State Board of Pharmacy website (https://www.pharmacy.texas.gov/) and create an account.
2. Complete the online application and pay the associated fee, which is $84 at the time this post is written.
3. Submit supporting documentation, including your certification and criminal background check results.

Step 4: Renewing Your License

• Texas pharmacy technician licenses must be renewed every two years, which includes a renewal fee that is $81 at the time this post is written.
• You must complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) within the renewal period. Consult the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for a list of approved CE providers.

Additional Tips for Success

• Network with Pharmacy Professionals: Reach out to local pharmacies and attend industry events to build connections within the field.
• Develop Strong Communication Skills: Pharmacy technicians interact with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, so clear communication is essential.
• Stay Current: Keep up with updates in pharmacy regulations and best practices by subscribing to industry publications or taking additional CE courses.

Conclusion

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas is an achievable goal with dedication and the right guidance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to launching a fulfilling career in this essential healthcare role.

FAQs

• How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Texas? The timeline varies depending on your certification path, but you can typically complete the process within a few months to a year. Our certified pharmacy technician online course can be completed in as little as 3 weeks for individuals who can commit to the program full-time.
• What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician in Texas? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in Texas earn an average hourly wage of around $20.