How do I become a pharmacy tech in Richmond VA?

Becoming a pharmacy technician is an excellent way to enter the thriving healthcare industry. Pharmacy techs work alongside pharmacists to prepare and dispense medications, ensure accuracy, and provide excellent customer service. If you're considering a career as a pharmacy tech in Richmond, Virginia, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps and requirements to start your rewarding journey.

Pharmacy Technician Requirements in Virginia

Before starting your career as a pharmacy technician, it's crucial to understand the requirements set forth by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. To become a registered pharmacy tech in the state, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
3. Virginia Pharmacy Trainee License
4. Complete an accredited ASHP pharmacy technician training program approved by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
5. Pass Board-approved national exam.

How To Become A Pharmacy Technician in Richmond VA

The pharmacy technician role is a technical line of work that requires administrative, medical, and customer service skills within a busy pharmacy setting. You will need the proper training, certification, and licensure before you can become a pharmacy technician in Arizona or any other state. Take the first step in pursuing this career path by learning about the process of becoming a pharmacy technician. 

Step 1. Apply for Pharmacy Tech Training Programs To become a pharmacy tech, you’ll need to apply for a training program that equips you with the skills and knowledge to handle real-life situations in a pharmacy. Most pharmacy technician training programs, including Arizona College of Allied Health, only require a high school diploma to apply.

Completing an accredited pharmacy technician program is the necessary first part of transitioning into this rewarding career. The hands-on training and in-depth coursework offered in the program will prepare you to pass the certification and licensing exams that are required to work as a certified pharmacy technician.

When choosing a pharmacy tech training in richmond va, make sure you find a school that has modern technology, experienced lecturers, and training for real pharmacy situations. Checking program accreditation is a good way to tell if a program satisfies these requirements. Arizona College of Allied Health’s Pharmacy Technician Training Program includes the following:

• Training in pharmacy laboratories and modern facilities
• Lectures led by experienced pharmacists
• Labs that provide hands-on experience with technical equipment
• Computer training with pharmacy management software

This program is ASHP accredited in the United States. Including Richmond, VA

How long is Pharmacy Tech School?

Program length varies by school, with the program at AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare is 14 weeks to complete. This includes 14 weeks of pharmacy technician coursework and a 120 Clock Hour externship.

Step 3. Find an Externship and Gain Real-Life Experience

At AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare, an externship is actually part of our program, and all students participate in a 120 Clock Hour externship following the coursework. This externship is necessary to complete our Pharmacy Technician program and requires that you obtain a pharmacy technician trainee license.

Step. 4 Get Your Pharmacy Technician Trainee Licensing

To participate in the AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare externship program and ultimately become a pharmacy technician, you must first receive a Trainee License from the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy.The pharmacy technician trainee license is intended for people who have not yet passed the PTCB examination (Pharmacy technician Certified Board). For more information on obtaining this licensure, please refer to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.

Step 5. Become Certified Pharmacy Technician

Once you complete the pharmacy tech training in Richmond VA , externship experience, and obtain your Trainee Licensing, you will take the certification exam to become a pharmacy tech. For more information on how to become certified and licensed, visit the PTCB or NHA.

Step 6. Reverification and Continuing Education

While working in the pharmacy technician profession, you will need to enroll in continuing education to maintain your licensure. Every two years, certified technicians must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education. For more information on pharmacy technician licensure reverification, please refer to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

ASHP-Accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Program at AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare

Embarking on a career as a pharmacy technician begins with completing a high-quality, accredited training program. This is a fundamental step, which forms the foundation of your professional journey. Nestled in the heart of Richmond, VA, AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare provides such a program, with an esteemed accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

The ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician training program at AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare is specifically designed to arm students with the critical knowledge and practical experience they need to thrive in the diverse field of pharmacy technology. The curriculum is robust, covering a wide range of subjects pertinent to the profession and imparting a strong skill set that will be invaluable in real-world scenarios.

AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare is committed to providing a comprehensive, high-quality education that fosters success in the pharmacy technology field. By enrolling in the ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician training program, you'll be taking a significant step toward a rewarding career in a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry.

Preparing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

After completing your training program at AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare, you'll need to pass a certification exam. The two most widely recognized exams are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Exam. Both exams cover topics such as drug classifications, pharmacy law, and medication safety. By choosing AlliedRx Institute of Healthcare's ASHP-accredited program, you'll be well-prepared to excel in either of these exams and start your rewarding career as a pharmacy technician in Richmond, VA.

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