What Kind of Background Checks Do Pharmacy Technicians Need?

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All different kinds of businesses require background checks before bringing new employees on board these days. That’s especially true in healthcare careers, where you’re likely to handle prescription medications and sensitive patient information. Pharmacy Technicians have access to both. If you are considering a career as a Pharmacy Technician, make sure you understand the requirements before you get started. Each state has different criteria for licensing these professionals, but all will require a background check of some kind. To give you an idea of what you might expect, take a look at Washington State.

Washington State Requirements for Pharmacy Tech Background Checks

In the State of Washington, background checks are required before you can earn a pharmacy technician license. Some training programs even require them before you can be admitted to the program. This is to ensure that you will be employable in the field once you graduate. After all, you wouldn’t want to waste time learning the job if you never got to do it.

What Could Disqualify You from Employment as a Pharmacy Technician?

If you have a criminal history with substance abuse, you may not be licensed by the state. Because you will be around prescription medications on a daily basis, it’s important that the state, your employer, and patients can trust you to accurately handle and administer medications. If you have a criminal history outside of substance abuse, you may not be automatically disqualified from licensing, but you should be honest about it on your application. If you lie on your application, that can also be grounds for disqualification from the licensing process.

What Will the Pharmacy Technician Background Check Include?

Washington requires that applicants prove their fitness to practice the essential skills of the profession. The state may verify the following information through the background check:

  • SSN—If you have a Social Security Number, you must provide it on your application. You are not required to have one to apply for your license, but it will be used to verify your identity.
  • Employment—Your employment history, including the dates and titles held, may be checked.
  • Education—You’ll need to provide verification of your education, training, and passing grade on a pharmacy technician certification exam, including documentation.
  • Criminal History—You are required to report any felonies or misdemeanors on your record, excluding traffic violations. You may only be disqualified from this process if a history of drug abuse is found. The screening may also run a search through the National Sex Offender Registry.
  • State Sanctions—The background check will also show if there are any state sanctions, such as disciplinary actions, that would prevent you from being employed as a pharmacy technician.

Additional Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians

What other requirements will you need to meet aside from the background check? In Washington, you’ll need to be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. You’ll also need to undergo formal training so you understand how a pharmacy operates, how to calculate dosages, and how to provide great customer service. Once you meet these requirements, you’ll be able to submit your licensing application to the state and then start your career in healthcare.

If you’re ready to train to become a Pharmacy Technician, contact Charter College today. We offer a blended learning Certificate in Pharmacy Technician program that will prepare you for a career in this field in as little as 10 months. You will have to pass a background check before you are admitted to the program. To learn more, call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form.