Washington, DC Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Future pharmacy technicians that comply with the Washington, DC Pharmacy Tech school and certification requirements gain the benefit of working as a pharmacy technician in the Washington, DC area. Learning the rules and statutes that govern pharmacy technicians in Washington, DC presents individuals with the opportunity to have a career in the growing profession.

Washington, DC Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

Individuals that want to become a pharmacy technician, and work in the Washington, DC area, must follow the rules as stated in Chapter 99 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations for Pharmacy Technicians, and the guidelines published by the DC Health Regulation and Licensing Administration.

There are requirements for a person to register as a Washington, DC pharmacy technician, which includes that the applicant must submit a properly completed and signed application. The applicant must also submit a clear copy of official identification such as a driver's license, or government-issued identification. The individual must also submit two recent, identical photos that are passport size photos along with the application.

There is no fee for a person to submit an application to register as a pharmacy technician trainee in Washington, DC The prospective pharmacy technician must submit the appropriate application fee along with their completed application.

There are several requirements for an individual to work as a pharmacy tech in Washington DC, some of which include:

• Applicant must submit proof of high school graduation or completion of a GED program
• Pharmacy technicians must wear a name tag that identifies them as a registered pharmacy technician
• The applicant must undergo a criminal background check
• Pharmacy technicians must work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist
• Pharmacy techs must complete required continuing education credits
• Pharmacy technicians may not provide prohibited services such as vaccinations or patient counseling or any other service restricted to licensed pharmacists

The Washington, DC pharmacy technician must obtain a current certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), or the National Healthcareer Association, or from another certifying organization approved by the Board. In lieu of these approved certifying agencies, the pharmacy technician may submit proof of completion of a board-approved pharmacy technician training program, which also includes a board-approved exam.

Washington, DC Pharmacy Technician Careers and Employment Outlook

Learning to become a Washington, DC Pharmacy Technician leads to a rewarding career in the industry for individuals that complete the requirements for pharmacy technician trainees and for pharmacy technicians. A person that becomes a pharmacy technician also likely chooses the profession because of the career outlook.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists a positive career outlook for pharmacy technicians over the next several years. The BLS indicates that there is a projected job growth of 15,200 new pharmacy technician jobs through the year 2029.

More pharmacy technicians will be needed in the near future because of the expanding role of licensed pharmacists, who provide services such as administering flu shots, and pneumonia or shingles vaccines. The need to prepare more types of medications and the aging population that needs more prescriptions are other reasons for the job growth for pharmacy technicians in the Washington, DC area.