Do You Know All of the Pharmacy Technician Regulations?

Did you know that states define and regulate pharmacy technicians differently? Depending on which state you live in, you may be considered a pharmacy technician either with or without a license, which makes for a wide variety of possibilities across states.

This is changing, however, as increased consistency creeps into state legislatures regarding employees of this type, although many differences still exist. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) in a 2009 survey noted that 33 states now have technician training requirements, although this means in some cases that state boards of pharmacy can approve virtually any training program it desires.

Recognizing the issue, the NABP also assembled a Task Force on Pharmacy Technician Education and Training Programs in 2008, which established a list of recommendations for states. Among these recommendations were:

• Clarify the terms licensure, registration, and certification,
• License or register pharmacy technicians,
• Accept PTCB certification,
• Report pharmacy technician disciplinary information to a central clearing-house,
• Require pharmacy technician education that meets standardized guidelines, and
• By 2015, require pharmacy technicians to have completed an accredited education and training program as a condition of certification.
• The NABP assist in the development of national accreditation standards and a system by which pharmacy technician education and training programs by 2015.

The NABP understands that education is key to maintaining competency and developing the professional-level skills that pharmacy techs need to become solid members of the pharmacy team. However, although the NABP recommended every state have standards by 2015, currently only one-third of jurisdictions have continuing education requirements.

While some of these recommendations have been met in some states, others still have not adopted all of the standards.

With the responsibilities of pharmacy technicians continuing to increase, and the security of pharmacies continuing to be an issue with respect to factors like drug abuse, more and more states are recognizing the importance of having licensed and/or registered pharmacy technicians working in their pharmacies.

Though many businesses that feature pharmacies can require their employees to have a license, states continue to slowly recognize the importance and benefits of regulations and requirements.

It is important as a pharmacy tech that you maintain a commitment to your profession and your craft regardless of the requirements of the state. If you are a true professional, your commitment will shine through and you will gain the expertise and experience you need to make your career a success.

But look into how your state regulates pharmacy techs, although it is advisable to pursue certification whether it is a state requirement or not. In the eyes of employers and the general public, you will be legitimized and hold an employment advantage over those who are not. Also, you will have the peace of mind to know you have done your best to truly absorb and understand the business of dispensing medications and doing your job as completely as possible.

If you are interested in Ayers Career College’s Pharmacy Technician program, contact us today or call 1-800-317-0131.