South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician in the Palmetto State? This guide will provide you with a step-by-step roadmap, outlining everything you need to know to get registered and state-certified, maximizing your career opportunities in South Carolina. Please note that it’s essential to always refer to the official South Carolina Board of Pharmacy website (https://llr.sc.gov/bop/) for the most current and accurate regulations.

Work Environments for Pharmacy Technicians in South Carolina

Pharmacy technicians in South Carolina work in a variety of dynamic and essential healthcare settings across the state. Here’s a look at some of the common places you might find yourself working, along with some of the state’s major pharmacy and healthcare employers:

• Retail Pharmacies: Receive and process prescriptions, interact with customers, and work with insurance companies. Examples include CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
• Hospitals: Prepare and deliver medications to patients within hospitals, potentially specializing in areas like IV compounding or chemotherapy preparation. Examples include Prisma Health, MUSC Health, and McLeod Health.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Assist in the preparation and distribution of medications for residents of nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
• Specialty Pharmacies: Assist in dispensing and preparing complex medications for specific disease states.
• Mail-Order Pharmacies: Fill prescriptions and ship them directly to patients.

In all of these settings, there may be an opportunity to perform more advanced functions and support pharmacists in their care of patients.

Step 1: Understanding the Requirements

South Carolina offers two pathways to working as a pharmacy technician:

1. Registered Pharmacy Technician

• Board rules do not specify specific requirements for registration, other than that The Board of Pharmacy shall register pharmacy technicians who are performing pharmacy functions under the supervision of a pharmacist. Instructions on the application forms indicate that applicants must complete the registration application, pay the application fee, complete verification of lawful presence in the U.S., submit a copy of a valid ID, and submit a copy of the applicant’s social security card.

2. State-Certified Pharmacy Technician

• Advantages: State-certified pharmacy technicians are preferred by South Carolina employers due to the ability to work in higher technician-to-pharmacist ratios. They may also have greater career advancement opportunities.
• Requirements:
  • Have worked 1,000 hours as a registered pharmacy technician under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist (1,500 hours prior to July 1, 2004).
  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  • Pass a national certification exam by the PTCB or the NHA.
  • Complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and/or recognized by the PTCB.
  • Complete Continuing Education (CE) requirements as outlined by the Board.

Important Notes:

• The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy may deny registration based on disciplinary actions, criminal history, or other factors outlined in their regulations.

Step 2: Choosing a Path to State Certified Status

If you aim to become a state-certified pharmacy technician in South Carolina, here’s the typical path:

1. Become a Registered Pharmacy Technician: Start by obtaining your initial registration with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy. This involves completing the application, paying the fee, and fulfilling any other requirements specified by the Board.
2. Gain Experience: Work the required number of hours as a registered pharmacy technician under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This valuable experience will prepare you for the rigors of the state-certification process.
3. Complete an Approved Program: Completing an ASHP-accredited or PTCB-recognized training program will provide you the dual benefit of meeting South Carolina’s requirement and preparing you for the national certification exam.
4. Obtain National Certification: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the PTCB. Alternatively, if the program you completed to satisfy in step 3 is also approved by the NHA, you could pass the ExCPT. Achieving national certification demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to the field.

Important Notes:

• Alternative Pathways: The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy may approve other certification exams or training pathways. Always confirm the latest requirements directly on their website.

Employer Preferences: Even if you choose not to pursue state certification immediately, many South Carolina employers prefer nationally certified pharmacy technicians due to the expanded scope of practice allowed by the state.

Step 3: Applying for Registration/Certification in South Carolina

Registered Pharmacy Technician

1. Complete the Application: Obtain the “Pharmacy Technician Registration Application” from the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy (https://llr.sc.gov/bop/PFORMS/Pharmacy_Tech_Registration_App_(package).pdf). Complete the application, providing your personal information, and addressing any questions about disciplinary actions or criminal history.
2. Pay the Application Fee: The current application fee is listed on the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy website and within the application packet. At the time of this post, it is $56.
3. Submit Supporting Documentation: Along with your application and fee, you’ll submit:
   • Verification of lawful presence in the U.S.
   • Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID.
   • Copy of your Social Security Card.

State-Certified Pharmacy Technician

1. Complete the Application: Obtain the “Pharmacy Technician State Certification Application” from the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy website (https://llr.sc.gov/bop/PFORMS/Pharmacy%20Technician%20State%20Certification%20Requirements%20Updated%201%202019.pdf). This application includes details about your employment as a registered pharmacy technician, education, and certification status.
2. Pay the Application Fee: The current application fee for state certification is listed on the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy website and within the application.
3. Submit Supporting Documentation: Along with the application and fee, you’ll submit:
   • Proof of national certification (PTCB, NHA, or other Board-approved certification).
   • Verification of your work experience from your supervising pharmacist.
   • Proof of completion of an ASHP-accredited or PTCB-recognized training program.
   • Any other documents required by the Board based on your individual circumstances.

Important Note: The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy will carefully review your application. Be prepared to provide additional details to facilitate a smooth process.

Step 4: Renewing Your Registration/Certification

In South Carolina, pharmacy technician registrations (both registered and state-certified) expire annually on June 30th. Here’s what you need to know to maintain your ability to work:

• Renewal Cycle: You must renew your registration before July 1st of each year to avoid lapsing. You’ll likely receive a renewal notice from the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy.
• Renewal Fees: Pay the required renewal fee to the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy. Be sure to check their website as fees are subject to change.
• Renewal Process: You might be able to renew your registration online through the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy website or by mail, depending on their current system.
• Continuing Education (CE): South Carolina currently exempts pharmacy technicians from mandatory continuing education (CE) for the first renewal period after initial registration. For each following annual renewal, completion of 10 hours of ACPE accredited continuing education is required. Stay updated on changes to CE requirements by visiting the Board’s website.

Important Notes:

• If you fail to renew before July 1st, your registration will lapse, and you’ll need to reapply as if you were a new registrant.
• The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy provides instructions on how to reinstate a lapsed registration on its website.
• Maintaining your national certification (if state-certified) is essential. PTCB and NHA have their own renewal processes and CE requirements.

Additional Tips for Success

• Network with Pharmacy Professionals: Build connections within the South Carolina pharmacy field by attending industry events, joining professional associations like the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), or reaching out to pharmacists or technicians in your area.
• Develop Strong Communication Skills: Pharmacy technicians interact extensively with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Practice clear communication, active listening, and empathy to excel in this role.
• Stay Current: Keep up with updates in South Carolina pharmacy regulations, best practices, and new therapies. Even if continuing education isn’t mandated yet, consider taking CE courses, subscribing to industry publications, or attending conferences. This demonstrates your commitment to professional development.
• Pursue State Certification: If you aren’t already state-certified, consider pursuing this status. State-certified pharmacy technicians are highly sought after by employers in South Carolina due to their expanded scope of practice.

Conclusion

Becoming a pharmacy technician in South Carolina is an achievable goal with dedication and the right guidance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, including pursuing state-certification when eligible, you’ll be well on your way to launching a fulfilling career in this essential healthcare role.

FAQ

• How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina? The timeline varies depending on your certification path and the speed at which you complete the requirements. The initial registration process can potentially be completed within a few months, with the state-certification process taking longer due to the experience and certification requirements.
• What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician in South Carolina? Average salary figures vary by location within South Carolina. Research resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or salary comparison websites for the most up-to-date information on your specific area. As of May 2023, the BLS reported over 7,700 pharmacy technician employed in the state with an average annual wage of $40,100.
• What’s the difference between a registered pharmacy technician and a state-certified pharmacy technician in South Carolina? Registered pharmacy technicians have met the basic requirements for working under the supervision of a pharmacist. State-certified pharmacy technicians have additional experience, education, and national certification, allowing them to work with higher technician-to-pharmacist ratios and potentially giving them more career advancement opportunities.
• Where can I find more information about pharmacy technician careers in South Carolina? Here are some helpful resources:
  • South Carolina Board of Pharmacy: https://llr.sc.gov/bop/
  • South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA): https://www.scrx.org/