How to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina

A pharmacy technician is a vital member of the healthcare system, assisting pharmacists in providing safe and effective patient care.

If you're in South Carolina and considering this career path, you must follow state-specific requirements and steps to qualify. Learn about the duties of a pharmacy technician and find out what steps you need to take to become one in South Carolina.

What does a pharmacy technician do?

Pharmacy technicians in South Carolina work alongside licensed pharmacists to ensure the efficient delivery of pharmaceutical services. Their duties include preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing excellent customer service.

• Key skills: Attention to detail, strong communication, organizational skills, customer service abilities, and basic math skills are all important for pharmacy technicians.
• Workplace settings: Pharmacy technicians typically work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or mail-order pharmacies. Depending on the role, shifts may include evenings, weekends, or holidays to meet patient needs.

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina

Becoming a pharmacy technician in South Carolina involves specific steps outlined by the state. While formal education can fast-track your career, entering the field through training, certification, and compliance with state regulations is also an option.

Many aspiring pharmacy technicians in South Carolina follow these steps:

Step 1: Meet basic requirements

To work as a pharmacy technician in South Carolina, you must meet a few basic requirements.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, passing a criminal background check is mandatory to ensure eligibility for the role.

Step 2: Register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy

South Carolina mandates that all pharmacy technicians register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy. The registration process involves:

• Completing the Pharmacy Technician Registration Application
• Paying the required registration fee
• Completing a Verification of Lawful Presence
• Submitting a copy of identification, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, military ID, or passport
• Submitting a copy of your social security card
• Submitting proof of a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED)
• Passing a background check

Step 3: Gain on-the-job training

Many pharmacies in South Carolina hire pharmacy technician trainees, offering on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This allows you to:

• Learn practical pharmacy operations
• Familiarize yourself with pharmacy software and inventory management
• Build customer service and communication skills
• Earn a paycheck while gaining valuable experience

Step 4: Obtain national certification (optional)

While South Carolina doesn't mandate national certification for all pharmacy technicians, obtaining it can significantly boost your career prospects. Many employers in the state prefer certified technicians. Two main certifications are recognized:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
• Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) by the National Healthcareer Association.

Certification requirements typically include passing an exam and completing continuing education courses for renewal.

Step 5: Upgrade to state certification (optional)

South Carolina's optional State-Certified Pharmacy Technician (SCPT) designation expands your scope of practice. You need national certification, 1,000 hours of supervised pharmacy experience, and additional training to qualify.

SCPTs can handle advanced tasks like preparing IV medications and managing inventory independently.

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