Introduction
The demand for pharmacy technicians is growing in New Jersey, as it is in the rest of the United States. This is due to the increasing complexity of medications and the need for qualified individuals to help pharmacists dispense them safely and effectively.
If you are interested in a career as a pharmacy technician in New Jersey, there are a few steps you need to take. In this blog post, I will outline the requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in New Jersey, as well as the steps you need to take to get started.
Eager to make a difference in people’s lives? Learn How to become a Pharmacy Technician and join the healthcare team that plays a crucial role in patient care.
Requirements
The requirements to become a pharmacy technician in New Jersey vary depending on the individual pharmacy. However, most pharmacies require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may also require that you have completed a pharmacy technician training program. You may also need to pass a certification exam.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers a national certification exam for pharmacy technicians. The PTCB exam is a computer-based exam that covers a wide range of topics related to pharmacy, including pharmacology, pharmacy practice, and mathematics.
Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician in New Jersey
The steps to become a pharmacy technician in New Jersey are as follows:
- Complete a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete a pharmacy technician training program.
- Pass the PTCB exam.
- Apply for a pharmacy technician registration with the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be eligible to work as a pharmacy technician in New Jersey.
Exam Structure and Fees
Here is the information about the exam structure and fees for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam in New Jersey:
Exam Structure
The PTCB exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers a wide range of topics related to pharmacy, including pharmacology, pharmacy practice, and mathematics. The exam is divided into two sections:
- Section I: General Pharmacy Knowledge (60%)
- Section II: Pharmacy Calculations (40%)
The passing score for the PTCB exam is 75%.
Exam Fees
The current fee for the PTCB exam is $129.00. The fee can be paid online or by mail.
Registration
To register for the PTCB exam, you must create an account on the PTCB website. You will need to provide your name, address, contact information, and payment information. You will also need to select a testing center and date for your exam.
Retaking the Exam
If you do not pass the PTCB exam, you may retake the exam after 60 days. You will need to pay the exam fee again each time you retake the exam.
New Jersey is one of only two states that does not require pharmacy technicians to be licensed. The other state is Oregon. This means that pharmacy technicians in New Jersey can work without being licensed, but they must still be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
This unique situation in New Jersey is due to the fact that the state’s Board of Pharmacy believes that the PTCB certification is sufficient to ensure that pharmacy technicians are qualified to practice. However, some people believe that requiring pharmacy technicians to be licensed would provide an additional layer of protection for patients.
— Did you know?
Salary and Benefits
The salary for pharmacy technicians in New Jersey varies depending on experience, education, and location. However, the median salary for pharmacy technicians in New Jersey is $35,000 per year.
Pharmacy technicians also enjoy a number of benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans.
| Salary Range | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| $30,000 – $40,000 | $15 – $20 | $36,000 – $48,000 |
| Median: | $16 | $32,000 |
| 25th percentile: | $14 | $28,000 |
| 75th percentile: | $18 | $36,000 |
How long does it take to get a Pharmacy Technician in New Jersey license?
The time it takes to get a NJ pharmacy technician license varies depending on a few factors, including:
- Your educational background: If you have a high school diploma or equivalent, you can typically complete the required training and pass the PTCB exam within 6 months to a year. If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, you may need to complete additional education or training, which could add several months to the process.
- Your experience: If you have previous experience working as a pharmacy technician, you may be able to complete the required training and pass the PTCB exam more quickly than someone with no experience.
- Your test-taking skills: If you are a good test-taker, you may be able to pass the PTCB exam on your first attempt. However, if you are not a good test-taker, you may need to retake the exam, which could add several weeks or months to the process.
On average, it takes most people about 12 months to become Pharmacy Technician in New Jersey. However, some people may be able to complete the process more quickly, while others may need more time.
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacy technician in New Jersey is a great way to start a rewarding career in healthcare. The demand for pharmacy technicians is growing, and the job outlook is good. If you are interested in this career, I encourage you to start the process today.
Additional Resources
- New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
- American Society of Pharmacy Technicians
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