Ohio is one of the states with a high demand for pharmacy technicians, and the role is becoming increasingly important in the healthcare industry. As a pharmacy technician in Ohio, you will work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to dispense medications, manage inventory, and assist with administrative tasks. To become a pharmacy technician in Ohio, you must meet the state's licensing and certification requirements. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a pharmacy technician license in Ohio and explore the various certification options available.
Ohio Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
To become a licensed pharmacy technician in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Ohio.
- Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Ohio.
- Background Check: You must undergo a background check through the Ohio Bureau of Investigation (BBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Training: You must complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or online institutions.
- Exam: You must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) or the ExCPT examination to become certified.
Pharmacy Technician Training Programs in Ohio
There are several pharmacy technician training programs available in Ohio, including:
- Community colleges: Many community colleges in Ohio offer pharmacy technician training programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on training.
- Vocational schools: Vocational schools in Ohio also offer pharmacy technician training programs that focus on providing students with practical skills.
- Online institutions: Some online institutions offer pharmacy technician training programs that allow students to complete coursework and training online.
Pharmacy Technician Certification in Ohio
While certification is not mandatory in Ohio, it is highly recommended to become certified to increase job prospects and demonstrate expertise in the field. The two main certification options for pharmacy technicians in Ohio are:
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT): Offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the CPhT certification is the most common certification for pharmacy technicians in Ohio.
- Certified Pharmacy Technician - Certified (CPhT-C): Also offered by the PTCB, the CPhT-C certification is a specialized certification that demonstrates expertise in a specific area of pharmacy technology.
PTCB Certification Requirements
To become certified through the PTCB, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for certification.
- Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to apply for certification.
- Training: You must complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the PTCB.
- Exam: You must pass the PTCE or ExCPT examination to become certified.
- Background Check: You must undergo a background check through the BBI and FBI.
Maintaining Certification in Ohio
To maintain certification in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:
- Continuing Education: You must complete continuing education requirements to maintain certification.
- Renewal: You must renew your certification every two years.
Ohio State Board of Pharmacy
The Ohio State Board of Pharmacy is responsible for regulating pharmacy technicians in Ohio. The board sets standards for pharmacy technician training programs, certification, and licensure.
Gallery of Ohio Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in Ohio?
+To become a pharmacy technician in Ohio, you must meet the state's licensing and certification requirements, including completing a pharmacy technician training program, passing the PTCE or ExCPT examination, and undergoing a background check.
What is the difference between certification and licensure?
+Certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates expertise in a specific area of pharmacy technology, while licensure is a mandatory process that requires meeting the state's requirements for practice.
How do I maintain certification in Ohio?
+To maintain certification in Ohio, you must complete continuing education requirements and renew your certification every two years.
In conclusion, becoming a pharmacy technician in Ohio requires meeting the state's licensing and certification requirements. By completing a pharmacy technician training program, passing the PTCE or ExCPT examination, and undergoing a background check, you can become certified and demonstrate expertise in the field. Maintaining certification requires completing continuing education requirements and renewing your certification every two years.