Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Oregon

As of June 1st, 2012, the state of Oregon features more than six hundred retail and hospital pharmacies.  According to reports recently released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon pharmacies employ roughly 4,650 full time professional pharmacy technicians.  Despite a statewide certification requirement, only about three-quarters of the state's pharmacy technicians are licensed by the Oregon Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).  However, this condition is less due to a lack of qualifications as to the fact that many currently employed pharmacy technicians are fulfilling an internship or other state-approved, on-the-job training requirement.  Regulations regarding the employment status of pharmacy technicians vary from state to state. 

Oregon State Regulations for Pharmacy Technicians

Oregon if one of fourteen U.S. states that require Board certification for all locally employed pharmacy technicians.  To qualify for state licensing, applicants must be at least eighteen years of age, able to provide proof of at least a high school level education, able to produce a clean criminal background check and (to quote the rule exactly) “of good moral character.”  To maintain valid licenses, registrations must be renewed annually, no later than September 30th of each year.  Any changes in name, address or place of employment must be reported to the Board within fifteen days after the change takes place. Pharmacy technicians in Oregon become certified by completing a training program and by earning a passing grade on a Board certified exam.  Tests currently approved by the Oregon Pharmacy Board are the PTCB test and the nationally accredited Exam for Certified Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). 

Oregon Training Programs for Pharmacy Technicians Include:

Residents of the state of Oregon who are interested in pursuing careers as pharmacy technicians can often learn the necessary skills at accredited local colleges.  Colleges in Oregon offering Board approved certificate programs for pharmacy technicians include Oregon State University in Corvallis and Pacific University in Forest Grove.  Also popular are Anthem College, Everest College, Heald College and Carrington College, all located in Portland, and University of Phoenix, which maintains campuses in Clackamas, Hillsboro, Salem and Tigard. On the other hand, some aspiring pharmacy technicians in Oregon prefer the convenience of acquiring professional skills via online educational programs.  Successful accredited online colleges featuring courses and professional degrees for pharmacy technicians include Keiser University, Eagle Gate College, Medix School, Rasmussen College and Daymar College, to name only a small sample.