Washington

Pharmacy technicians are regulated by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy. In Washington state, there must be at least 3 technicians for every 1 pharmacist.

Both the PTCB and ExCPT are approved national certification exams by the State Board, though certification is not required to practice as a pharmacy technician. That said, PTCB certification is considered advantageous by employers and it improves employment and salary prospects.

Before commencing work in a pharmacy, technicians must first be registered with the State Board.

Training is required.

There are two methods: either on-the-job training or by completing an academic program with at least 520 hours of lectures, discussion, and examinations. At least 8-hours of this program must be dedicated to federal legislation as it applies to pharmacy in Washington state.

Competition for pharmacy technician roles in Texas is currently high.

Washington State Requirements

To obtain a pharmacy technician license in Washington, the State Board has issued their own requirements for candidates to meet. These include:

• Candidates must be 18-years or older.
• Candidates must have earned a high school diploma or GED and must be proficient in the English language.
• Candidates may be expected to undergo a criminal background check, including having fingerprints taken. Candidates must not have had a history of drug-related crimes.
• Registered technicians must have completed formal training.
• Candidates must apply to the Washington State Board of Pharmacy. Include a passport photo with your application; and application must be notarized. Non-refundable application fee: $50.00
• Continuing education is required by the State Board of Pharmacy – 20-hours of training each renewal period.
• Licenses must be renewed every 2-years at a cost of $80.00.

Requirements for PTCB Continuous Education

To maintain the pharmacy tech license in Washington, candidates must complete CE – or continuous education.

PTCB requires:

• Candidates must have completed at least 20-hours of CE in a 2-year cycle.
• Candidates must have completed at least 1-hour of this training in pharmacy law and regulations, and an additional hour in patient safety.
• PTCB requires that CE must be related to the professional work and practice of a pharmacy technician.
• Candidates must pay the requisite fee of $40.00, which must be paid every 2-years.