Finding the right career that matches your personality and professional goals can be quite difficult, especially when it comes to the medical sector. With so many choices, you are often left quite at loss as to what to choose and how to go about achieving a certain career path. One career path that has become quite popular lately is that of a pharmacy technician. The position is easily learnable and is simple to attain for those that do the right amount of studying and preparation. For those considering becoming pharmacy technicians in the state of South Carolina, below you will find all of the information that can help you achieve this goal.
Requirements
The state of South Carolina has a number of requirements that one must meet to become a pharmacy technician. These requirements are quite similar to other states. The minimum requirements are that you must be 18 years or older, hold a GED or high school diploma, complete 1,000 hours of work as a pharmacy technician trainee before certification, complete a board approved training course, application submission, a $40 non-refundable fee, and affidavit of eligibility. Lastly, you must also be a United States legal resident or citizen.
Prior Training/Education
Unlike many other states, South Carolina requires pharmacy technicians to undergo training and education in order to gain their certification. There are a number of outlets that one can attain the mandated training for certification, such as through a community college or pharmacy technician program. For example, one such program is through Midland’s Technical College. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists and it also meets the criteria for the Pharmacy Technician State Certification. This program, and others, are very short – spanning a total of a number of months to two years. The program is built to prepare you for the position of a pharmacy technician while also helping you acquire the skills to pass the pharmacy technician exam. Unfortunately, because the program is mandatory, there is no option for self-study.
Certification Requirements
Upon completion of the mandatory training program, you must then take the certification exam. The exam costs $40 to take, and once you pass the exam, you must register with the state board to attain your certification. It is a fairly easy process, and it is recommended that you update your personal information from time to time, as there is also a renewal required every 2 years.
Continuing Education
Apart from the training required for the exam, there is also the option to continue your education after certification by undergoing 10 hours of CE or CME by the ACPE. These 10 hours are taught to you through lectures, seminars, workshops, and so forth. This additional education may make you more eligible for jobs and duties.
Pharmacy Technician Salary in South Carolina
Despite the required education and optional training hours, pharmacy technicians in South Carolina are paid relatively the same as those in other states. The minimum salary that a pharmacy technician can expect is 28,000 per year, while the high bracket of earners will be able to make about $42,000 per year. However, the high end earners usually have been in the field for many years and are highly experienced.
Job Duties and Tasks
The state of South Carolina has similar duties for a pharmacy technician as other states. Legally, the pharmacy technician must always carry his or her license on their person in order to perform the employed duties. The pharmacy technician must always work under the supervision of the pharmacist, assisting in measuring and filling dosages for patients. In addition, the technician serves as a liaison between the physician’s office and the pharmacy so that they are able to distribute the right amount of medication to the patient. The technician is also able to complete clerical duties in the office, such as filing, checking data, and managing the computer. Lastly, in terms of legal tasks, the pharmacy technician is not allowed under any circumstance to administer a medical shot to a patient. Such a task is solely reserved for the attending pharmacist.