Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Colorado
- Meet Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete a Training Program (optional but recommended): Enroll in a formal pharmacy technician training program to gain foundational knowledge. This can help you prepare for national certification exams and enhance your job prospects.
- Obtain National Certification: Pass a national certification exam through an approved organization, like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Certification demonstrates your knowledge of core competencies needed in the role.
- Apply for Colorado State Certification: Submit your application to the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, including the application fee and documentation of your national certification. You will also need to pass a criminal background check.
- Consider Provisional Certification (if necessary): If you haven’t yet completed national certification, you may apply for an 18-month provisional certification. This allows you to work while you fulfill the remaining certification requirements
- Maintain Certification with Continuing Education: To renew your state certification, complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years and maintain your active national certification. At renewal, you’ll need to attest to meeting CE requirements, which may be audited by the state
State Requirements
- Age & Education: Must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Certification: Obtain certification through an approved organization, such as PTCB or NHA.
- Criminal Background Check: Completion of an employer-based background check.
- Application Fee: Submit non-refundable fee with application.
- Documentation: Upload proof of national certification, name changes, and answer screening questions.
- Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years for renewal.
Education and Training
In Colorado, aspiring pharmacy technicians typically begin with a high school diploma or GED as a minimum educational requirement. While formal training isn’t mandated by the state, completing an accredited pharmacy technician training program can significantly enhance a candidate’s knowledge and marketability.
These programs often include coursework in pharmacology, healthcare ethics, and pharmacy operations, preparing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Additionally, on-the-job training is common, allowing technicians to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. Many technicians also benefit from completing optional college-level courses that cover advanced topics, such as healthcare law and patient communication, which can be advantageous for those seeking career advancement.
By combining formal training with workplace experience, pharmacy technicians can build a strong foundation for their roles in healthcare.
Learn more: Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in Colorado
Certification
In Colorado, pharmacy technicians must obtain a state-issued certification from the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, which is distinct from national certifications like PTCB or NHA. This certification became a requirement as of August 29, 2020, following the implementation of House Bill 19-1242. To comply, pharmacy technicians must either have a full certification or a provisional certification from the state.
The provisional certification, which is valid for up to 18 months, provides time for candidates to meet the necessary requirements, including passing a criminal background check and obtaining certification from a board-approved, nationally recognized certifying organization. This is required to legally work as a pharmacy technician in Colorado.
Although national certifications are not a substitute for the Colorado state certification, they remain valuable for enhancing job prospects and employability.
Licensing/Registration
As mentioned above, what’s more commonly called state licensure, in Colorado is referred to as state certification.
Here’s an overview of the requirements and process for obtaining it:
- Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application, including payment of a non-refundable $57 fee. The application also involves a criminal background check and proof of national certification from a recognized organization like the PTCB or NHA.
- Provisional Certification: For those not yet meeting full certification requirements, a provisional certification valid for up to 18 months is available. This allows technicians to work while they fulfill the remaining criteria, such as obtaining national certification or completing other required training.
- Certification Renewal: Pharmacy technicians in Colorado need to renew their state certification every two years, which involves continuing education (CE) requirements. During renewal, technicians must attest that they hold active national certification and meet all state guidelines.
Obtaining this state certification ensures that pharmacy technicians are recognized by the state, while also validating their competency through national standards.
In Colorado, pharmacy technicians who let their state certification expire must follow the reinstatement process managed by the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy. The reinstatement involves reapplying and submitting the required documentation, including proof of current national certification and a background check.
Additionally, reinstatement applicants must pay the certification fee and any applicable late fees.
As for reciprocity, Colorado does not automatically recognize pharmacy technician licenses from other states. Technicians moving to Colorado must apply for certification through the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, providing proof of national certification (such as PTCB or NHA) and fulfilling state-specific requirements, including background checks and continuing education
For technicians holding expired certifications, it’s recommended to start the reinstatement process early to avoid delays, as the review process can take several weeks.
Continuing Education
The Continuing Education (CE) requirements for pharmacy technicians in Colorado ensure that they maintain an active national certification through a board-approved organization, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To renew their state certification, pharmacy technicians must:
At renewal, technicians must attest to having met these CE requirements. The state may audit compliance annually to verify that technicians have fulfilled their continuing education obligations.
Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, which must align with the requirements set by their national certifying organization.
Resources
The Colorado State Board of Pharmacy Information
Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1310, Denver, CO 80202-5143
Phone Nos: 303-894-7800
Fax Nos: 303-894-7764
Website: http://www.dora.state.co.us/pharmacy