Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in South Dakota

As of June 1st, 2012, the state of South Dakota is home to more than 175 retail and institutional pharmacies.  Altogether, they support approximately 1,080 full time pharmacy technicians, according to demographic employment data recently collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Pharmacy technicians are pharmacists' assistants whose job often involves preparing, packaging, labeling and transferring prescription medications.  However, nearly three hundred South Dakota pharmacy technicians do not hold valid, current certification with the state Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).  Although pharmacists clearly prefer licensed technicians, restrictions and guidelines pertaining to their employment will vary from state to state. 

South Dakota State Regulations for Pharmacy Technicians

The state of South Dakota does not require Board certification as a condition of local employment for its pharmacy technicians.  Their on-the-job activities are regulated primarily by licensed local pharmacists working in accordance with state and federal laws.  However, all pharmacy technicians employed at South Dakota pharmacies must register with the state Pharmacy Board, no later than thirty days from the start date of employment.  Those enrolled in a college training program must complete the program before beginning employment.  Registration requires the submission of a fully completed application along with a twenty-five dollar registration fee made payable to the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy.  Registration must be renewed each year, along with a twenty-five dollar renewal fee, no later than October 31st of each year.  All fees associated with registration and renewal are the applicant's sole responsibility.  Professional training is administered on the job by supervising pharmacists.  According to state law, the maximum allowable ratio of pharmacy technicians to pharmacists is two to one (2:1).  Continuing education is not required for pharmacy technicians to maintain employment or certification in South Dakota. 

South Dakota Training Programs for Pharmacy Technicians Include:

Residents of the state of South Dakota who are interested in seeking local employment as pharmacy technicians will often acquire professional skills by attending accredited local colleges.  South Dakota schools that offer degree and licensing programs for pharmacy technicians include South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy in Brookings and National American University in Sioux Falls. On the other hand, some aspiring pharmacy technicians in South Dakota prefer to acquire skills and certificates via online educational programs.  Popular accredited online colleges featuring Board-approved courses for pharmacy technicians include Southeastern College, MedVance Institute, Rasmussen College, Vatterott College and InterCoast College, to name only a few.