As of June 1st, 2012, the state of Florida features nearly 3,800 local pharmacies employing about 21,760 pharmacists' assistants. Approximately three quarters of them are Board certified pharmacy technicians, regularly assisting the pharmacist in the processing, handling and issuance of federally controlled substances. The rest are limited primarily to clerical tasks, inventory and customer service. Since pharmacy technicians are granted access to various prescription medications, certain state-ordered guidelines and federal regulations may apply. Like most states, Florida has its own u
The state of California features more than five thousand pharmacies, which currently employ a total of about 28,670 pharmaceutical technicians. Of these, approximately three quarters are licensed by the California State Board of Pharmacy. The rest are pharmacists' assistants whose permissible on-the-job tasks are primarily limited to administrative duties and customer service.
California State Regulations for Pharmacy Technicians
The state of Arizona features nearly a thousand hospital and retail drug dispensaries employing roughly 6,710 licensed pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with the preparation and processing of prescription drugs and other legally controlled substances. The pharmacy technician's job responsibilities may include counting pills, labeling containers, checking labels for compliance and performing various administrative tasks such as database management and patient record updates. Pharmacy technicians come in contact with controlled substances on a daily basis, so va
According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) 2012 Survey of Pharmacy Law, more than 80 percent of states license, register, or certify pharmacy technicians. While the remaining states do not have any special requirements for technicians, most employers do. Most employers require licensing, registration, and/or certification for the same reasons most jurisdictions do—to ensure the safety of the patient and minimize liability on the part of the establishment.
The State of Rhode Island Department of Health has several requirements for aspiring pharmacy technicians. They must complete a training program and obtain a license through the Department. The information below provides specifics on what is expected of anyone wishing to use the title “pharmacy technician” in the State of Rhode Island.
The State of New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy has a number of requirements for pharmacy technicians. First, all pharmacy technicians must register with the Board in order to be employed by a pharmacy and “assist in performing, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, manipulative, non-discretionary functions associated with the practice of pharmacy and other such duties and subject to such restrictions as the Board has specified.” Next, all pharmacy technicians must renew registration annually on March 31.
The Montana Board of Pharmacy regulates pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy interns, and more. The Board has several requirements that must be met in order to practice in Montana. The Montana BOP lists the following requirements for pharmacy technicians:
The Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation requires registration for all pharmacy technicians. In addition, all technicians new to the field (never been licensed) must complete a training program managed by his or her potential employer (this applies to pharmacies), The National Pharmacy Technician Training Program, or an accredited college. These are the minimum requirements set forth by the Office—not by employers.
According to the Delaware Department of State Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Pharmacy, aspiring pharmacy technicians must complete a training program within 90 days of the first day of employment with a pharmacy. Registration is not required and certification is voluntary. However, the Board has certification guidelines should a pharmacy technician choose to become certified. Keep in mind that many top employers give priority to applicants with a diploma or degree, experience, and certification.
The West Virginia Board of Pharmacy has several requirements for pharmacy technicians. It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements to become “legally” eligible to work in the state. Some employer’s prefer applicants with a degree (or certificate of completion), experience, and certification through an accredited Board. Accredited boards include the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT).
In the State of New Mexico, pharmacy technicians must register with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. Within one year or registering, the pharmacy technician must complete training through his or her employer (pharmacist-in-charge) and obtain board-approved certification. Training must consist of 220 hours of on-the-job training or Board approved training. Board-approved certification exams include Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) (PTCE) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) (ExCPT).
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has one requirement for anyone interested in working as a pharmacy technician in the state. While there is only one requirement—registration, there are several requirements to obtain registration. According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services:
The Idaho State Board of Pharmacy has several requirements for pharmacy technicians. According to the official Idaho BOP website, the Board requires certification through PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians), in addition to registration with the Board. Registration requirements are as follows:
The Hawaii State Board of Pharmacy does not require a license, education, or certification for pharmacy technicians. While the Board does not have any formal requirements for pharmacy technicians, many employers do. Most employers prefer candidates with a diploma or a degree in the field, as well as experience, and/or certification through PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
