Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare industry, assisting licensed pharmacists with dispensing medication, handling patient information, and performing administrative tasks. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician in Illinois, it's essential to understand the state's licensing requirements. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to obtain your Illinois pharmacy tech license and provide valuable insights into the profession.
Why Become a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois?
Illinois is home to numerous top-ranked hospitals, medical centers, and pharmacies, offering a wide range of job opportunities for pharmacy technicians. As a pharmacy technician in Illinois, you'll have the chance to work in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The demand for skilled pharmacy technicians is on the rise, driven by the state's aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services.
Illinois Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
To become a licensed pharmacy technician in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:
Age and Education
- You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Illinois.
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- You must complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Training Program
- The training program must include a minimum of 120 hours of instruction, including both classroom and practical training.
- The program must cover topics such as pharmacy law, pharmacy operations, and patient safety.
- You can find a list of approved training programs on the IDFPR website.
Registration and Certification
- After completing your training program, you must register with the IDFPR as a pharmacy technician.
- You must also obtain certification from a recognized certifying organization, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- Certification is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended to increase your job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
Licensure Application
- Once you've registered and obtained certification, you can submit your licensure application to the IDFPR.
- You'll need to provide documentation, including your training program certificate, certification credentials, and identification.
- You'll also need to pay the licensure application fee, which currently stands at $25.
Background Check
- As part of the licensure application process, you'll need to undergo a background check.
- You'll need to provide fingerprints and pay the background check fee, which currently stands at $20.
Licensure Renewal
- Your Illinois pharmacy technician license is valid for two years.
- To renew your license, you'll need to complete continuing education requirements, which include 20 hours of instruction, including 2 hours of pharmacy law and 2 hours of patient safety.
- You'll also need to pay the licensure renewal fee, which currently stands at $25.
Illinois Pharmacy Technician Certification
While certification is not mandatory, it's highly recommended to increase your job prospects and career advancement opportunities. The most recognized certifications for pharmacy technicians in Illinois are:
PTCB Certification
- The PTCB offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification.
- To become certified, you'll need to pass the PTCB exam, which covers topics such as pharmacy law, pharmacy operations, and patient safety.
NHA Certification
- The NHA offers the Certified Clinical Pharmacy Technician (CCPhT) certification.
- To become certified, you'll need to pass the NHA exam, which covers topics such as pharmacy law, pharmacy operations, and patient safety.
Illinois Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook
The salary and job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Illinois are promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Illinois is around $34,000. However, salaries can range from $25,000 to over $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer.
In terms of job outlook, the demand for pharmacy technicians in Illinois is expected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the national average. This growth is driven by the state's aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed pharmacy technician in Illinois requires completing a training program, registering with the IDFPR, and obtaining certification. While certification is not mandatory, it's highly recommended to increase your job prospects and career advancement opportunities. With a promising salary and job outlook, a career as a pharmacy technician in Illinois can be a rewarding and challenging profession.