Pharmacy Technician in Delaware: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Career

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, assisting pharmacists with medication dispensing, inventory management, and customer service. If you're considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Delaware, it's essential to understand the necessary steps, including education, training, certification, and registration requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we'll outline the process of becoming a pharmacy technician in Delaware and provide helpful tips for starting your career.

1. Education and Training Requirements

In Delaware, the minimum educational requirement for pharmacy technicians is a high school diploma or GED. However, many aspiring pharmacy technicians choose to complete a pharmacy technician training program to enhance their career prospects. These programs, typically lasting 3-12 months, can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and online institutions. They cover important topics, such as:

• Medical terminology
• Pharmaceutical calculations
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy law and ethics
• Sterile and non-sterile compounding

2. Certification Requirements

While Delaware does not require pharmacy technicians to obtain national certification, earning a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) can make you more competitive in the job market and increase your earning potential. Both organizations require candidates to pass a certification exam, which covers subjects such as medication dispensing, drug classifications, and pharmacy regulations.

To be eligible for the PTCB exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or have equivalent work experience. For the NHA exam, candidates must have completed a pharmacy technician training program or have at least one year of work experience.

3. Delaware State Registration Requirements

Pharmacy technicians in Delaware must be registered with the Delaware Board of Pharmacy. To obtain a pharmacy technician registration, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Submit a completed application and the required fees to the Delaware Board of Pharmacy

It's important to note that while Delaware does not require pharmacy technicians to be certified, the Delaware Board of Pharmacy may waive certain registration requirements for nationally certified pharmacy technicians.

4. Gain Experience and Seek Employment Opportunities

Once you have completed your education, training, and registration requirements, it's time to gain experience and seek employment opportunities. Look for job openings in various pharmacy settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and mail-order pharmacies. Networking with other pharmacy professionals, attending job fairs, and joining professional associations such as the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT) or the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) can also help you find job opportunities and stay informed about industry trends.

5. Maintain Your Registration and Certification

Pharmacy technicians in Delaware must renew their state registration every two years. The renewal process involves submitting a renewal application and fee to the Delaware Board of Pharmacy. Additionally, it's essential to maintain any national certifications you have earned. Both the PTCB and the NHA require pharmacy technicians to complete continuing education (CE) credits and renew their certification every two years.

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Delaware requires education, training, and registration, but the effort can lead to a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. By completing a pharmacy technician training program, obtaining national certification, and fulfilling Delaware state registration requirements, you can embark on a career path that offers job stability and opportunities for growth.

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