South Dakota Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

The South Dakota Board of Pharmacy requires all practicing technicians and students (prior to on-site practical training) to register. The Board requires registration in order to identify, monitor, and discipline pharmacy technicians. The agency makes it clear that registration “does not include any determination by the Board of the competency of the registered individual.” For this reason, and many others, registration is not enough for most employers.

Some of the top employers prefer applicants with a certificate/diploma or degree in the field, experience (through practical training or otherwise), and even certification (CPhT). Certification may be obtained by taking one of two certification exams including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam or the ExCPT exam. Both exams are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

The South Dakota Board of Pharmacy offers the following registration information:

A pharmacy technician is required to register with the board by completing and submitting an application for registration within 30 days of accepting employment as a pharmacy technician in a South Dakota pharmacy. An individual who fails to register as a pharmacy technician may be subject to disciplinary sanctions. A person who is in a college-based technician training program is required to obtain a pharmacy technician registration prior to beginning on-site practical experience.

Registered pharmacist-interns are exempt from pharmacy technician registration.

Registrations expire on October 31 each year. Renewal applications are sent to each pharmacy approximately one month prior to expiration. 

If you’re interested in obtaining a certificate/diploma or a degree in the field, South Dakota is home to several schools that offer top-tier pharmacy and pharmacy technician training programs.

South Dakota Schools with Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:

Pharmacy Technician Programs – Major South Dakota Colleges and Universities

South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy - Brookings

Pharmacy Technician Programs – Other South Dakota Colleges

Southeast Technical Institute – Sioux Falls

Western Dakota Technical Institute – Rapid City