How to become a pharmacy technician in Arizona

Pharmacy technicians help dispense prescriptions and have strong customer service skills. Read on to learn how to become a pharmacy technician in Arizona.

What does a pharmacy technician in Arizona do?

Working in pharmacies across multiple healthcare settings, pharmacy technicians help dispense prescriptions, make sure inventory is stocked, and maintain an ongoing relationship with any customers.

Some pharmacy technicians specialize in different medication types. For example, one might learn to handle radioactive medications used in cancer treatments or in diagnostic procedures, while another may train in dispensing IV medications.

In 2023, pharmacy technicians had a median salary of $40,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Arizona

You must be at least 18 with either a high school diploma or GED to be eligible to become a pharmacy technician in Arizona. Below are the steps you should follow to start your career:

Step 1: Enroll in a pharmacy technician training program

A pharmacy technician training program offered by a community college or university will provide you with the education you need to pass the certification exam. Some programs offer an externship so that you can gain real-world experience, but the bulk of the program will happen in a classroom.

These training programs will teach you to calculate dosages, learn medication names and classifications, and understand federal requirements for controlled substances. You'll also learn about patient safety guidelines and how to process prescriptions.

Step 2: Complete an externship

Most programs accepted by the Board of Pharmacy also include an externship. This provides experience outside the classroom, prepares you for your certification exam, and satisfies the requirements for licensure.

Step 3: Apply for a trainee license

With a trainee license, you can start training in a real-world setting right away. You'll get hands-on experience working in a pharmacy, applying your training from your program.

You can apply for a license through the Arizona Board of Pharmacy, but note that you cannot apply for a trainee license if you've previously held one. In addition, you'll need proof of legal residency in the United States, a government-issued photo ID, and the application fee.

Step 4: Pass the certification exam

Once you've finished your training and studies, you'll need to pass either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Both of these are recognized in the state of Arizona.

Step 5: Apply for licensure

Arizona requires professionals who work with vulnerable populations to get a fingerprint clearance card. You can go to your local police department to get fingerprinted or find a private service. Arizona residents can submit the application and pay the required fees online.

Next, submit your licensure application to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy along with your fingerprint clearance card and proof of a passing score on either the PTCE or the ExCPT. The board will review your application and send your license.

Step 6: Complete continuing education

Pharmacy technician licenses expire on October 31st, two years from your date of issue. To renew, you'll need to complete 20 contact hours or two continuing education units. However, you'll be exempt from this requirement during your first renewal cycle.

You can apply for renewal on the Arizona Board of Pharmacy's website. Once you submit documentation for your continuing education and the fees, the board will send your renewed license.

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