Obtaining A Pharmacy Tech License In Arizona

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In the state of Arizona, pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system, assisting licensed pharmacists with various tasks and responsibilities. To ensure that these professionals meet the necessary standards and provide quality patient care, the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy regulates the licensure of pharmacy technicians. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician in Arizona, here's a comprehensive guide to help you obtain a pharmacy tech license in the state.

Pharmacy Technician Licensure Requirements in Arizona

To become a licensed pharmacy technician in Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:

Age and Education

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a pharmacy technician license in Arizona.
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for licensure.

Training and Certification

• You must complete a training program approved by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy or a certification program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
• Some examples of approved training programs include the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) program offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Background Check

• You must undergo a background check through the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• You must disclose any past convictions or disciplinary actions on your application.

Licensure Application

• You must submit an application to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy, which includes providing documentation of your training and certification, passing a background check, and paying the required fees.

Pharmacy Technician Training Programs in Arizona

If you're looking for training programs in Arizona, here are some options to consider:

Arizona State University (ASU)

• ASU offers a pharmacy technician training program that is approved by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.
• The program includes both classroom and clinical training, preparing students for the certification exam.

Gateway Community College

• Gateway Community College offers a pharmacy technician training program that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
• The program includes both classroom and clinical training, preparing students for the certification exam.

Pima Community College

• Pima Community College offers a pharmacy technician training program that is approved by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.
• The program includes both classroom and clinical training, preparing students for the certification exam.

Pharmacy Technician Certification in Arizona

While certification is not mandatory in Arizona, it is highly recommended to increase your job prospects and career advancement opportunities. Here are some certification options to consider:

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

• The CPhT certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
• To become certified, you must pass the CPhT exam, which covers topics such as pharmacy law, medication safety, and patient care.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

• The PTCB certification is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
• To become certified, you must pass the PTCB exam, which covers topics such as pharmacy law, medication safety, and patient care.

Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook in Arizona

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Arizona is promising. Here are some statistics to consider:

Employment Growth

• The BLS predicts that employment of pharmacy technicians in Arizona will grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the national average.

Median Salary

• The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Arizona was $35,610 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Top Employers

• Some of the top employers of pharmacy technicians in Arizona include:

• Banner Health

• Dignity Health

• Kaiser Permanente

• Walgreens

Conclusion

Obtaining a pharmacy tech license in Arizona requires completing a training program, passing a certification exam, and meeting the licensure requirements set by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. By following these steps and staying up-to-date with industry developments, you can launch a successful career as a pharmacy technician in Arizona.

Share your thoughts and experiences about obtaining a pharmacy tech license in Arizona in the comments below.