The rules and guidelines that regulate the profession of pharmacy technician are continuously getting stricter as the function and duties of pharmacy technicians continue to expand. A nationwide standard can be provided for technicians by organizations such as the Pharmacy Technicians Certification Board (PTCB), but in the end, it is up to each state to decide its own minimal standards for working as a pharmacy tech.
You can use the following reference guide to learn how to become licensed as a pharmacy technician in each state if you are a current tech or an aspiring tech who is unaware of the regulations that apply to you in your state.
Simply select a state from the list to read up on the prerequisites for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician there. Alabama The Alabama Board of Pharmacy requires that you register with them. Alaska To get registered with the Alaska Board of Pharmacy, you will need to finish an on-the-job training program that is overseen by a pharmacist-in-charge.
- Arizona Either:
Either become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and then register with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, or register with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and then pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Arkansas Applicants must register with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy and one of the following:
Either obtain a passing score on a test developed by the board of pharmacy or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
California To register with the California State Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Earn an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology, or; Complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program that provides a minimum of 240 hours of training, or; Graduate from a school of pharmacy that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, or; Complete a pharmacy technician training program provided by a branch of the armed forces, or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training
Colorado In the state of Colorado, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician;
Connecticut In order to register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either complete on-the-job training under the supervision of a pharmacy manager or get nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying institution that is recognized.
Delaware In the state of Delaware, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician.
- United States: District of Columbia In the District of Columbia, pharmacy technicians are not needed to have a license at this time; however, there is a possibility that registration could become mandatory in the coming years;
Florida Complete a training program for pharmacy technicians that has been deemed acceptable by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, and then register with the state board. Georgia Please submit an application supplement and register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.
Hawaii In Hawaii at this time, there are no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. Idaho Either:
Either become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency and register with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician, or register with the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician in training and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or another approved certification exam.
Illinois Participate in a pharmacy technician training program, become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Indiana To register with the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either graduate from a pharmacy technician training program that has been recognized by the state board or get nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying entity that has been approved.
State of Iowa Either:
Either become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency and register with the State Board as a certified pharmacy technician, or register with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or another approved certification exam within a year of registering;
Register with the Kansas Board of Pharmacy and demonstrate competency by taking and passing a test developed by the state board.
Register with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Louisiana Become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency.
First, you must register with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician candidate. After that, you must complete 600 hours of on-the-job training and a board-approved training program. Maine Complete a training program that involves learning on the job, and then register with the Board of Pharmacy in Maine.
- In order to qualify for the “advanced” classification, technicians are required to get national certification with the PTCB;
- Maryland To register with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either complete a pharmacy technician training program that has been recognized by the board and which includes a minimum of 160 hours of on-the-job training, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying body.
Massachusetts Before you may register with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy, you must first become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying organization that has been accepted, and you must also complete one of the following requirements:
Complete a pharmacy technician training course that has been approved by the ASHP, or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program that has at least 120 hours of practical instruction and 120 hours of theoretical instruction, or; Complete at least 500 hours of training on the job in a licensed pharmacy.
Michigan To register with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either complete a board-authorized training program for pharmacy technicians that is offered by an employer and culminates in a test, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized certifying organization.
Minnesota To register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Complete a pharmacy technician training program that has been approved by the Board of Certification and is either: Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP); Employer-based and board-approved, providing a minimum of 240 combined hours of practical and theoretical instruction;
Complete a training program for pharmacy technicians offered either by a branch of the armed forces or by an educational establishment or college that is accredited and board-approved.
Mississippi Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another certifying organization that is accepted, and register with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy.
- Register with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy in the state of Missouri;
- Montana Obtain your national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or from another certifying organization that is recognized, and then register with the Montana Board of Pharmacy;
Nebraska If you live in Nebraska, you are required to register with the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. Nevada Register with the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy by fulfilling one of the following requirements:
Perform 1500 hours of on-the-job training as a pharmacy technician-in-training, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency and perform 500 hours of on-the-job training as a pharmacy technician-in-training, or complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and perform 350 hours of on-the-job training as a pharmacy technician-in-training, or complete a
Technicians who have been registered in one jurisdiction but wish to work in Nevada may transfer their registration to the Silver State provided the conditions for licensure in their home state are comparable to those of Nevada.
- Register with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy in the state of New Hampshire;
- The state of New Jersey Obtain a registration number from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs;
- NM (New Mexico) Register with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy as a non-certified technician, finish an on-the-job training program directed by a pharmacist-in-charge, become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, and apply for certified technician designation with the State Board;
The Big Apple In the state of New York, there are presently no prerequisites for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician. North Carolina (US state) To register with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Complete an employer-based on-the-job training program within the first 180 days of beginning employment in a pharmacy, or; Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program conducted by an accredited institution or college, or; Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency.
State of North Dakota Before you may register with the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy, you need to get a national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and complete one of the following requirements:
Complete either an on-the-job training program overseen by a pharmacist-in-charge or a pharmacy technician training program that has been approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
Ohio In the state of New York, there are presently no prerequisites for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician.
On the other hand, as a result of the adoption of Emily’s Law, anybody who wants to work in the field of technology in the state of Ohio must either:
Either successfully complete an employer-based on-the-job training program that culminates in a board-approved test or get your national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized certifying organization.
Oklahoma Completing an on-the-job training program that is employer-based and is administered by a licensed pharmacist, as well as registering with the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy, are also requirements.
Oregon Either:
Register with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, successfully complete an on-the-job training program directed by a pharmacist-in-charge, and pass the PTCE; Become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, and then register with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician.
Pennsylvania In the state of Pennsylvania, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician.
- However, if a measure that is now in the legislative process is passed and signed into law, pharmacy technicians in the state of Pennsylvania will be required to finish a training program that has been authorized by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy and to register with the state board;
Rhode Island To register with the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Complete a pharmacy technician training program that is accredited by the ASHP, complete a pharmacy technician training program that is provided by a military branch, or complete a pharmacy technician training program that is provided by an accredited, Board-approved institution or college, or become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency.
South Carolina The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy requires that you register with them.
- State of South Dakota Either:
Register with the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician-in-training, successfully complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program, and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE); Become nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, and then register with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician.
Register with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy in the state of Tennessee;
Register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee, finish a board-approved on-the-job training program, become nationally certified through the PTCB, and then apply for registered pharmacy technician designation with the state board.
- These are the requirements to become a registered pharmacy technician in Texas;
- Utah Become nationally certified as a pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another approved certifying agency, complete an approved pharmacy technician training program that includes at least 180 hours of on-the-job training, complete an approved pharmacy technician training program, and apply for pharmacy technician designation with the Department of Commerce;
Register with the Vermont Board of Pharmacy in the state of Vermont. Virginia To register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, you must complete one of the following steps:
Either graduate from a training school for pharmacy technicians that has been recognized by the board, or get nationally certified through the PTCB.
Washington Complete a training program for pharmacy technicians that is recognized, get nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized certifying organization, then register with the Department of Health in Washington state.
- West Virginia Either:
You can either register with the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and complete an on-the-job training program that culminates in a test approved by the state board, or you can do one of the following: Becoming nationally certified as a pharmacy technician requires finishing 20 hours of on-the-job training, passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s exam, and registering with the state board.
Wisconsin In the state of Wisconsin, there are presently no criteria for obtaining a license to work as a pharmacy technician;
Wyoming Obtain your national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and then register with the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy.
How do I get my pharmacy tech license in Virginia?
Complete an online application for registration as a pharmacy technician in Virginia after successfully completing a training program that has been approved by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy; Register and pay for the exam; Take the exam; and, Pass the exam.
How do I get my pharmacy tech license in Tennessee?
PTCB Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians in the State of Tennessee – The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) has mandated the following qualifications for those who seek to work as pharmacy technicians in the state of Tennessee:
The minimum age requirement for applicants is 18 years old.
Candidates are required to have either a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Candidates are required to have a spotless criminal history, free of any crimes. Candidates are required to have graduated from a PTCB-approved training program.
Candidates are required to register their information and finish the application on the PTCB’s official website. The price for taking the PTCB test is often $129 dollars.
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How do I get a pharmacy tech license in Washington state?
Training Requirements: In order to become a licensed pharmacy technician in the state of Washington, you must first successfully complete a coursework program that has been authorized by the Board of Pharmacy Technician Examiners and that includes 8 hours of training on pharmacy legislation.
- In addition to choosing a school that has been granted approval by the Board, you should also make sure that the program in question has been granted accreditation by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists ( ASHP );
Accredited programs have proven that they are up to the task of assisting students in passing one of the nation’s standardized tests by meeting the prescribed criteria. Every year year, pharmacy technicians are required to complete a minimum of ten units of continuing education.
Do you need a license to be a pharmacy tech in Virginia?
The Virginia State Board of Pharmacy is the governing body for pharmacy technicians in the state. The PTCB and the ExCPT are both recognized certification tests that technicians are needed to complete in order to get their national certification. Candidates are expected to be able to provide evidence that they have successfully finished either a formal schooling program or some other sort of significant training.
Do you have to be certified to be a pharmacy tech in VA?
Are Pharmacy Technicians subject to regulation in the Commonwealth of Virginia? In Virginia, pharmacy technicians are subject to some form of regulation. Is earning a certification necessary in order to work as a pharmacy technician in the state of Virginia? To answer your question, the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy does need certification in order for a person to work in the field of pharmacy technology.
What kinds of certification tests are recognized and accepted by the State Board of Pharmacy in the Commonwealth of Virginia? Both the PTCB (PTCE) and the ICPT certification tests are recognized and accepted in Virginia (ExCPT).
When does the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy require registration for Pharmacy Technicians in the state of Virginia? An applicant is required to be able to demonstrate that they have successfully completed training or obtained certification from a board-approved program in addition to passing an examination administered by the State Board.
Is it necessary to register as a Pharmacy Technician in the state of Virginia? Before being allowed to operate in a pharmacy, Pharmacy Technicians are required to receive registration with the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy.
This is a requirement. Is there a needed amount of training to become a Pharmacy Technician in the state of Virginia? Yes, board-approved training is necessary for pharmacy technicians, unless they already hold a certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
What steps do I need to do in order to get my license as a pharmacy technician?
Applicants who possess a valid certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, often known as PTCB, are eligible to submit an online application to the board of review in order to be considered for registration as pharmacy technicians.
The online application may be accessed using this link.
After the applicant has either graduated from a training program that has been authorized by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy or received a passing score on an examination that has been approved by the board, only then may the application be presented to the board for consideration.
Is it compulsory for Pharmacy Technicians to participate in Continuing Education, often known as CE? There is no requirement for Pharmacy Technicians to participate in ongoing education programs.
- A pharmacy technician is expected to complete a minimum of 0.5 continuing education units (CEUs) or 5 contact hours of authorized continuing education throughout each year that they are needed to renew their registration;
The additional hours worked above and beyond what is necessary will not be applied toward the next year’s renewal.
How much is pharmacy tech license in Tennessee?
Time and money invested The average cost of enrollment in a training program that has been accredited by the ASHP is $14,500 per academic year.
How long does it take to get a pharmacy tech license in Washington state?
Where can one find the most reputable pharmacy technician schools in the state of Washington? –
- The city of Seattle’s North Seattle College
- Pima Medical Institute, Seattle, Renton
- Technical College of Renton, located in Renton
- Yakima Valley College, Yakima
- Spokane Community College, Spokane
Do you have to be certified to be a pharmacy technician in Washington?
The Washington Pharmacy Commission requires all candidates to submit evidence that they have successfully completed a national certification test for pharmacy technicians, which must be given by a program that has been approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
What schools offer pharmacy technicians?
Schools for Pharmacy Technicians may be found throughout Nigeria. The following is a list compiled by PCN of all of the approved pharmacy technician schools in Nigeria. There are a lot of schools that have earned their accreditation all around the United States.
In addition to other health management courses like Medical Records and Health Information Management, these schools of health technology also provide training for careers as pharmacy technicians. The Health Records Officers Regulation Board of Nigeria (HROBN) is the organization in Nigeria that is in charge of accrediting institutions for health technology.
However, it is the responsibility of the PCN to grant approval to any and all pharmacy technician schools in Nigeria so that these institutions can participate in the Pharmacy Technician Diploma program.
The Al Huda College of Health Technology can be found on Old Airport Road in the city of Sokoto in the state of Sokoto.
- College of Health Science and Technology, Aminu Dabo, located in the state of Kano;
- Along the Cac Grammar School Road in Ikolaba Aladan, Ogbomosho, Oyo State is where you’ll find the Bethsaida College of Health Technology;
The Bichi Academic College of Health Science and Technology can be found in Bichi, which is located in the state of Kano. Cherish Enterprise Institute is located in Batsari, which is in the state of Katsina. Chrestfield College of Health Technology is located in Aparoke, which is located in the state of Osun.
- Chrislia College of Health Technology is located in Afao Ekiti, which is located in the state of Ekiti;
- Zaria, in the state of Kaduna, is home to the City College of Health Technology;
- Amaigbo, located in the state of Imo, is home to the College of Health and Management Sciences;
Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, is the location of the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology. The College of Health Sciences and Technology can be found in Port Harcourt, which is located in the state of Rivers. Aba, the capital of Abia State, is home to the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology.
Calabar, in the state of Cross River, is home to the College of Health Technology. The College of Health Technology is located in Ijebu Ilese, which is in the state of Ogun. The College of Health Technology is located in Ijero-Ekiti in the state of Ekiti.
Osun State’s College of Health Technology is located at Ilesa. The College of Health Technology is located in Kaltungo, which is in the state of Gombe. The College of Health Technology is located in Kankia, which is located in Katsina State. Adamawa State’s College of Health Technology can be found at Mubi.
The College of Health Technology can be found at Ningi, which is located in Bauchi State. The College of Health Technology is located in Obosi, which is in the state of Anambra. The College of Health Technology is located in Offa, which is in the state of Kwara.
The College of Health Technology is located in Pankshin, which is in the state of Plateau. Delta State’s College of Health Technology is located in Ughelli. College of Health Technology located in Yaba, which is in the state of Lagos. The College of Health Technology is located in Zawan, Jos, in the state of Plateau.
The College of Health Technology is located at Otuogidi-Ogbia Town in the state of Bayelsa. Otukpo, in the state of Benue, is home to the Dr. John Adah College of Health Sciences and Technology. Eastern School of Health Technology is located in Aba, which is in the state of Abia.
ECWA College of Health Technology is located in Kagoro, which is in the state of Kaduna. The Elite College of Health Technology is located in Dutse, which is in the state of Jigawa. Kabuga Satellite Town, Kano State is the location of the Emirate College of Health Sciences and Technology.
Located at Orba, Nsukka, in the state of Enugu, Eucharistic Heart College of Health Technology. The Fabotas College of Health Technology is located in the state of Ekiti. Favor School of Health Technology located at Ikom, in the state of Cross River.
Located in Katsina State, the Kankara Pragmatic College of Health Technology. Kazuare School of Health Technology is located in Kazuare, which is in the state of Jigawa. Idah, Kogi State, is home to the Kogi State College of Health Technology. Mercyland College of Health Technology is located in the Idu Osun Area of Oshogbo, which is located in the state of Osun.
- Ondo State’s Millennium College of Health Technology is located in Ondo;
- Iboko, in the state of Ebonyi, is home to the Model Institute of Health Technology;
- The N;
- College of Health Technology is located in Mkar, which is in the city of Gboko in the state of Benue;
New Gate College of Health Technology is located in Minna, which is in the state of Niger. The Nigerian Army Medical Corps School is located at Ojo, which is located in Lagos State. Irra Road, Offa, Kwara State is the location of the Nigerian Navy School of Health Sciences.
Igau—Igando, Lagos is the location of the O’ Mark School of Health Technology. Peaceland College of Health Technology is located in Old Park Lane, Off Independence Layout in Enugu, which is in the state of Enugu.
Pogil College Of Health Technology, Oke-Eri, Via Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The Royal Institute of Health Technology can be found at Ifo, which is located in Ogun State. The School of Health Technology is located in Akure, which is in the state of Ondo. Benin City, Edo State is home to the School of Health Technology.
- Funtua, Katsina State, is the location of the Muslim Community College of Health Science and Technology;
- Akwa-Ibom State’s School of Health Technology is located in Etinan;
- The School of Health Technology is located in Ogidi, which is located in the state of Anambra;
The School of Health Technology is located in Jahun, which is in the state of Jigawa. Jega, Kebbi State; Location of the School of Health Technology. Kano State’s School of Health Technology is located in Kano. Lafia, in the state of Nasarawa, has the School of Health Technology.
- The School of Health Technology is located in Minna, which is in the state of Niger;
- The School of Health Technology is located in Offa, which is in the state of Kwara;
- Enugu State’s School of Health Technology is located at Oji River;
The School of Health Technology can be found at Tsafe, which is located in Zamfara State. Shehu Idris College of Health Technology is located in Makarfi, which is located in the state of Kaduna. The Sultan Abdurrahman School of Health Technology is located in Gwadabawa, which is located in the state of Sokoto.
- The Taraba State College of Health Technology is located in Takum, which is located in the Taraba State;
- Nguru, in the state of Yobe, is home to the Yobe State College of Health Technology.
Note that this list of pharmacy technician schools in Nigeria might shift over time as a result of the possibility that certain institutions could have their accreditation revoked and the possibility that new schools could get accredited;
We will make the appropriate adjustments.
How much do hospital pharmacy techs make in NJ?
The 25th percentile, or $35,196, is the income level. The salaries that are lower than this are anomalies. The 75th percentile is $46,760 in annual income.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy tech in VA?
Time and money invested The price of training to become a pharmacy technician is determined by the credentials that are earned upon completion of the program. The length of time needed to complete certificate and diploma programs ranges from 6 to 20 weeks, and the typical tuition fee is $8,500.
How many CE credits do I need for pharmacy tech in VA?
A Reference Guide for the Prerequisites of Continuing Pharmacy Education In order to keep their licenses active, pharmacists in the state of Virginia are required to obtain a minimum of 15 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education (CE) each calendar year.
What’s the difference between ExCPT and Ptcb?
What sets the PTCB and ExCPT tests apart from one another? – There are a number of parallels can be seen between the PTCB and the ExCPT examinations for pharmacy technicians. Both are authorized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), both employ multiple-choice questions, and both are delivered in a computer-based format.
Additionally, the subjects that are tested on in both tests are mostly equivalent. It is a fact that there are some subtle distinctions between the two. The PTCB examination, for instance, consists of 90 questions and lasts for a total of two hours.
On the other side, there are one hundred questions on the ExCPT, which is given over the course of two hours and ten minutes. On the other hand, when it comes to the experience of taking the exam, both are comparable overall. Now, all of that is well and dandy, but you may be asking if both certifications are recognized elsewhere in the country.
How do I become a pharmacist in Virginia?
Receiving your license after successfully completing the NAPLEX and MPJE in Virginia To submit an application to the state board of pharmacy in Virginia and pay the associated fee in order to become a licensed pharmacist in the state. After the board has validated your eligibility, you will need to submit an application to the NABP in order to take the NAPLEX and the MPJE.