Texas License: Pharmacy Technician
Earning a Texas license Pharmacy Technician in a trade school or professional careers training program is a great way to start your life working within the medical field. Different schools and programs in different states offer various methods of obtaining and working with a Pharmacy Technician license, so it is wise to become aware of the rules and regulations involved in earning your Pharmacy Technician license in Texas.
Working to Get Licensed
In order to work in a pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician in Texas you need to become a registered member of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). This is achieved by first passing an exam held by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is a national standard exam that is taken by everyone wishing to earn their Pharmacy Technician license. The PTCB is a an accredited member of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NNCA). Getting certified with the PTCB involves a number of status and eligibility requirements. To be able to be certified with the PTCB, candidates must;
- Have a High School diploma, GED, or equivalent educational diploma (for foreign applicants).
- Submit a disclosure agreement regarding all criminal history and convictions
- Comply with all PTCB Certification policies and regulations (where applicable)
- Achieve a passing grade on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE)
Candidates may risk being disqualified from obtaining their PTCB certification if the candidate is discovered to;
- Have undeclared or ongoing criminal convictions, warrants, etc.
- Have violated or be in breach of the PTCB Certification policies and its code of conduct
Once all of these requirements have been satisfied, candidates may then apply to take the exam. Applications are submitted online through the PTCB site. Successful applications will be requested to schedule a suitable time to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. After a suitable schedule has been arranged and agreed upon by both parties (either online or by phone), candidates can take the exam at one of 350 Pearson Professional Centers or military exam test centers nationwide. Examination times will be e-mailed to candidates at least 24 hours before the appointment. Testing accommodations can also be arranged ahead of schedule if necessary. The current cost of taking the PTCE is $129. To obtain their Texas license Pharmacy Technician, candidates who have successfully passed their PTCE must then apply to become a registered member of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). After registering with the TSBP and being notified of successful registration, candidates may then be working in a pharmacy as a pharmacy technician.
Working with a License
Although some pharmacies may hire individuals who have simply registered with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, but lack formal training, many pharmacies require candidates to have registered with the TSBP and have graduated from a formal and certified pharmacy technician program from a trade school or community college. Receiving formal education from a reputable program will also significantly increase your chances of being hired by a pharmacy. While some employers may provide \’on-the-job\’ training to new employees, potential employees with certifications and training will always be considered more seriously for the position. It is also wise to remember that students wishing to obtain an education through a pharmacy technician program must register with the TSBP before starting an externship within a pharmacy setting. To continue working with a Texas license Pharmacy Technician, you must also get re-certified with the PTCB every two years. This is to ensure that you continue to meet the organization\’s high standards and continue to follow its policies and code of conduct.
