The California Employment Development Department predicts that the demand for pharmacy technicians in the state will increase by more than 28 percent from 2008 through 2018. To work as a pharmacy technician in California, a professional license is necessary. The California State Board of Pharmacy oversees the technician licensing program for the state, establishing and enforcing its minimum requirements.
General Requirements
The California State Board of Pharmacy has several basic requirements for pharmacy technician licensing. The state requires prospective technicians to be at least 18 years of age and have a valid Social Security number. Applicants for licensing must also have a high school diploma or a GED. In addition, candidates must pass a criminal background investigation. As a part of this background check, technicians must undergo professional fingerprinting at a Live Scan Center.
Education and Training
To qualify for licensing as a California pharmacy technician, applicants must complete a training program established by the state. The program must consist of a minimum of 240 hours of training, including an 80-hour internship at a retail or hospital pharmacy. The training program must cover information about basic body systems and anatomy. Instruction in calculate dosages and perform administrative work in pharmacies is also mandatory. Community colleges, hospitals and private training schools throughout California offer the required minimum education for licensing.
Application
Prospective pharmacy technicians must complete an application and return it to the California State Board of Pharmacy. The application is available for download from the board's website. The form requires applicants to answer questions about their educational background and personal history, such as if they have ever been convicted of a crime. Applicants must submit proof of their education, such as an official certificate or academic transcript.
Other Education Options
California will accept applications from prospective technicians who complete alternative training. An associate degree in pharmacy technology from any accredited college or university is sufficient for licensing. Graduates of American pharmacy technology programs accredited by the Society of Health-System Pharmacists also qualify for licensure. As of 2010, 13 schools in California had accredited programs. Pharmacy technicians who received training in the U.S. military are eligible for licensing, as are individuals who have received professional certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. This professional credentialing requires pharmacists to pass a computer-based examination.
Tags: Board Pharmacy, California State, California State Board, pharmacy technician, State Board, State Board Pharmacy
