South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide
How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in South Carolina
Step-by-step guide to meeting the South Carolina licensing requirements for pharmacy technicians.
South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Requirements
Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
South Carolina State-Certified Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
Difference Between Certified and Non-Certified Pharmacy Technicians in South Carolina
Pharmacist-to-Technician Ratios in South Carolina
Why Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in South Carolina
How to Become a State-Certified Pharmacy Technician in South Carolina
The State-Certified Pharmacy Technician license is the advanced pharmacy technician credential in South Carolina. It comes with increased responsibilities, higher earning potential, and better career opportunities. Below is the fastest and most efficient path to becoming state certified.
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Pharmacy Technician Opportunities for High School Students in South Carolina
Can You Work as a Pharmacy Technician in High School in South Carolina?
How PTCB Certification Boosts Your College Application
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in High School
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician during high school gives you valuable exposure to various healthcare roles and helps you determine if a healthcare career aligns with your future goals.
To get started, speak with your high school guidance counselor about pharmacy technician opportunities and enroll in a PTCB-recognized training program.
How Pharmacy Technician Academy Can Help You Succeed
At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re committed to helping you earn your certification and launch a successful career as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized training program specifically designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)—even if you have no prior pharmacy experience.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?
Yes. You must register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy and receive a pharmacy technician license before you can begin working in a pharmacy.
Is certification required to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?
No. Certification is not required to become a registered pharmacy technician. However, if you want to become a State-Certified Pharmacy Technician, you must complete an approved training program, pass the PTCB certification exam, and meet additional requirements such as completing 1,000 hours of supervised work experience.
What’s the difference between a Pharmacy Technician and a State-Certified Pharmacy Technician?
A Pharmacy Technician is considered entry-level and may perform limited duties. A State-Certified Pharmacy Technician has earned national certification, completed an approved training program, and is allowed to perform additional tasks such as receiving verbal orders for non-controlled substances and transferring prescriptions. Certified technicians often earn higher pay and qualify for better job opportunities.
How much do pharmacy technicians earn in South Carolina?
The average hourly wage for pharmacy technicians in South Carolina is around $19.99, though actual pay can vary. State-Certified Pharmacy Technicians typically earn significantly higher wages due to their ability to take on expanded responsibilities.
How old do you have to be to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not list a minimum age for pharmacy technician registration, meaning students under 18 may be eligible to apply.
Can I work as a pharmacy technician while still in high school in South Carolina?
Yes. High school students can register as pharmacy technicians and begin gaining experience as early as age 16 or 17. Many students begin working part-time in pharmacies while completing school and pursuing national certification through a self-paced online course.
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Helpful Reads
State requirements
South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Requirements
Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina.
Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in
South Carolina
South Carolina requires that all individuals practicing in a pharmacy technician role must be licensed with the Board of Pharmacy. The state officially recognizes two tiers of the pharmacy technician role: Pharmacy Technicians and Certified Pharmacy Technicians. The two positions are very different. Certified pharmacy technicians have a significantly larger number of privileges than non-certified technicians. See below.
Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
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Complete a verification of lawful presence in the United States
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Submit a copy of a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, passport, or a military ID
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Submit a copy of a valid social security card
Certified Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements
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Have an active Pharmacy Technician registration with the state of South Carolina.
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Have a high school diploma or equivalent
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Have completed an ASHP or PTCB approved course. The 1st Pass CPhT Course by Pharmacy Technician Academy meets this requirement.
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Have passed the national certification test administered by Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
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Submit documentation of 1,000 hours of experience of practice in a pharmacy as a pharmacy technician
Benefits of becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician in South Carolina
Get a higher salary
Certified Pharmacy Technicians can help the pharmacist with a lot more responsibilities, so in return they get paid significantly more.
Get hired more quickly
Certified Pharmacy Technicians have a proven commitment to pharmacy. This sends a big signal to employers that you are dedicated and dependable.
Find a more desirable job
Pharmacies that prioritize employee wellbeing and good work environments only hire the best talent. Being licensed as a Certified Pharmacy Technician opens doors to more attractive job opportunities.
How to get licensed as a Certified Pharmacy Technician in South Carolina
PTCB Certification Requirements
To become a certified pharmacy technician you must meet the following criteria
Residency
Reside in the United States of America or its territories.
Certification program or equivalent work experience
Complete an approved training program (like the 1st Pass CPhT Course) or have 500 hours of equivalent work experience. See below.
Compliance
You must comply with all PTCB policies and disclose all criminal and state Board of Pharmacy license actions.
Pass the PTCE
Obtain a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
Certification Exam
Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify to sit for the PTCB certification exam, you must complete one of the following:
Pathway 1:
Complete a PTCB Approved Pharmacy Technician Course (such as 1st Pass CPhT).
This is the preferred method.
This is the preferred method.
Pathway 2:
Complete 500 hours work experience as a pharmacy technician.
PTCB classifies this as an alternative method for individuals not in a position to attend a course.
PTCB classifies this as an alternative method for individuals not in a position to attend a course.
The Preferred Method:
A PTCB Approved Training Program
There are several reasons why Pathway 1 is the preferred method
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In South Carolina, you are required to take a PTCB approved course to get licensed as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Waiting to meet the 500 hour work requirement to take the PTCB test only delays the process. You will still have to take a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course.
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Work experience alone will not teach you enough to pass the PTCB certification exam. You will still have to study.
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Pharmacies that offer better work environments are more selective in their hiring. Being certified gives you access to more desirable jobs.
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Certified technicians are given priority when scheduling shifts.
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As a CPhT, you will get more respect from your peers and patients.
Overview
Benefits of our training program
There are many advantages to our 1st Pass CPhT training program. Here are just a few. Visit the course page to learn more.
Expertly designed curriculum
Our curriculum was designed by board certified clinical pharmacists and pharmacy managers. Pass the PTCE and learn the skills employers are seeking. See the 1st Pass CPhT Course Page to find out more about the 1st Pass Advantage.
Accelerated learning experience
Accelerated but self-paced. Motivated students who have time to devote to studying can finish the course in as little as three weeks. You can be on your way to a new career in less than a month.
Affordably priced
Technology and determination allowed us to make this course accessible to everyone looking to start a new healthcare career.