How to become a pharmacy technician in Florida

Wherever people need healthcare, they'll need prescriptions. One way to begin a career in healthcare is to become a pharmacy technician. You'll provide vital services to customers who require prescriptions and assist pharmacists in ensuring your pharmacy delivers excellent care.

Learn about what duties are expected of a pharmacy technician and what steps you need to take to become one.

What does a pharmacy technician in Florida do?

Pharmacy technicians work with licensed pharmacists to assist with the many tasks that keep a pharmacy running smoothly. They help fill prescriptions, which the attending pharmacist checks for accuracy.

Pharmacy technicians might manage medical records and histories and learn to check for mistakes. They may also provide backup in customer service and handle inventory needs like a second pair of hands.

You can also consider specializing. Some pharmacy technicians receive training for compounding medications to create customized prescriptions or prepare intravenous (IV) medications. Others might train in using radioactive medications for diagnostic procedures or cancer treatments.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians across the country earn a median annual salary of $40,300 as of May 2023.

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Florida

Here's how to become a pharmacy technician in the state of Florida:

Step 1: Complete a board-approved training program

Your first step will be to complete a pharmacy technician certificate. It takes about nine months to complete and will help provide you with the skills you need to work effectively in the pharmacy. You'll learn about pharmaceutical calculations for correct dosing, relevant medical terminology, and basic pharmacology. You may also learn about pharmacy ethics.

Your chosen program must be approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy. You don't need to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to practice in Florida, but you will need to pass the certification program.

Step 2: Consider earning an associate's degree (optional)

Completing an associate degree may open more job opportunities for you, because it's a more comprehensive education. In addition to pharmacy tech courses, you'll also complete general education classes. It takes an average of two years to complete but can also assist you in completing a bachelor's degree or even an advanced degree later on.

Which path you should take ultimately depends on your goals. A certificate program will get you into the job market faster, but a two-year degree may give you more options later on if you decide to change your career or specialize even further.

Step 3: Apply for Registered Pharmacy Technician status

If you've completed a board-approved training program and are at least 17 years old, you can submit your application through the Florida Board of Pharmacy's online portal to become a registered technician.

Florida law states that application reviews must happen within a 30-day window, but check the site for updates on average review times.

Step 4: Maintain your registration

You'll need to renew your pharmacy technician registration every two years. To be eligible, you must have 20 continuing education hours approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education or the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

At least four of those hours must be completed live or through a live video conference or interactive computer-based application. Two hours need to be in pharmacy law and medication errors.

Get started on edX

EdX offers healthcare training programs, including an online master's degree. Explore how you can get started on the path to becoming a certified pharmacy technician.