So You Wanna Be a Georgia Pharmacy Tech, Eh? How Long Does it Take to Get Licensed?
Let's face it, working in a pharmacy can be pretty interesting. You get to be part science whiz, part customer service extraordinaire, and all wrapped up in a white coat (which, let's be honest, looks pretty darn snazzy). But before you can be counting pills and explaining the wonders of topical ointments, you gotta get yourself licensed.
The Great News and the Not-So-Great News
The good news, my friend, is that Georgia doesn't require pharmacy technicians to be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This means you can potentially bypass some schooling and get to work a little faster.
The not-so-great news? You still gotta jump through a few hoops to become a licensed pharmacy tech in the Peach State. But don't worry, they're not hoops made of fire (although explaining medication side effects to some folks might feel that way at times).
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| How Long Does It Take To Get Pharmacy Tech License In Georgia |
Breaking Down the Time Crunch
Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to do and how long it might take:
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- Be 17 or older and have a high school diploma (or GED). This shouldn't take too long, hopefully you've already got this one covered.
- Pass a criminal background check. This usually takes a few weeks, depending on the provider.
- Register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. You can apply online, but factor in processing time, which can be anywhere from a week to a month.
- On-the-Job Training (Optional, but Recommended). While Georgia doesn't require it, most pharmacies will want you to have some training under the watchful eye of a licensed pharmacist. This could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the program.
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So, How Long Does it REALLY Take?
Alrighty, time to crunch some numbers. In a perfect world, if you're 17, have your diploma in hand, and the Georgia Board of Pharmacy is operating at warp speed, you could be licensed in as little as two months. But let's be real, things don't always go perfectly. Factor in background check wait times, potential training programs, and the occasional hiccup with the Board, and you're probably looking at a more realistic timeframe of 3-6 months.
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Hey, Gotta Start Somewhere!
Don't let the timeframe discourage you! Getting your pharmacy tech license is a great first step in a rewarding career path. Plus, think of all the cool stories you'll have about the time Mrs. Johnson accidentally took her dog's flea medication (hopefully those are learning experiences for everyone involved).
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FAQs
- How to Apply to be a Pharmacy Technician in Georgia? Head over to the Georgia Board of Pharmacy's website (https://gbp.georgia.gov/apply-online) and check out the "Pharmacy Technician FAQs" section.
- How Much Does it Cost to Get Licensed? You'll need to pay a $100 application fee to the Board, plus any fees associated with the background check.
- Do I Need to Go to School to be a Pharmacy Technician in Georgia? Not necessarily, but many pharmacies prefer technicians with some formal training. There are a variety of programs available, so do your research and pick one that fits your needs.
- How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Make in Georgia? The average salary for pharmacy techs in Georgia is around $15.04 per hour according to [salary data source].
- Is Being a Pharmacy Technician a Good Career Choice? Absolutely! It's a stable field with good job growth potential, and you get to play a vital role in people's health care.
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