How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Idaho

Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Idaho

1. Ensure Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.
2. Submit Fingerprints and Complete a Background Check: Complete the mandatory criminal background check as part of the registration process.
3. Apply for Registration: Register with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy as either a Pharmacy Technician or a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
4. Complete Training (Optional but Recommended): Though not required, completing a pharmacy technician training program is recommended to boost job opportunities.
5. Earn National Certification: For Certified Pharmacy Technician status, pass either the PTCB or ExCPT exam.
6. Maintain Certification Through Continuing Education: Fulfill 20 hours of continuing education every two years, with focus on pharmacy law and patient safety.
7. Renew Annually: Pharmacy technician registrations must be renewed yearly to remain active.

State Requirements

• Minimum Age: 16 years (parental consent required if under 18).
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Background Check: Mandatory fingerprinting and criminal background check.
• Registration: Register as either a Pharmacy Technician or Certified Pharmacy Technician.
• Certification: National certification required for Certified Pharmacy Technicians (PTCB or ExCPT).
• Continuing Education: 20 hours every two years, including law and patient safety.
• Renewal: Annual renewal required.

Education and Training

Aspiring pharmacy technicians are encouraged to complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program, often offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and online courses.

Programs typically last 6-12 months and provide a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Coursework covers essential areas like:

• Pharmacy calculations: Dosages, conversions, and formulations.
• Pharmacy law and ethics: Regulatory and legal responsibilities.
• Medication preparation: Compounding, packaging, and labeling.
• Patient care: Communication skills, confidentiality, and customer service.

Additionally, many programs include externships for practical, on-the-job experience. Training ensures candidates are well-prepared for certification exams and future job performance.

Certification

Certification is required for those pursuing the Certified Pharmacy Technician role in Idaho. Candidates can obtain certification through two main certifying bodies:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): Requires completion of a training program and passing the PTCB exam.
• Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT): Administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Once certified, technicians must maintain their status by completing 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including one hour in pharmacy law.

Licensing/Registration

In Idaho, pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy to legally work in the state. The process includes:

• Application: Submit an application for registration through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) portal. This applies to both Pharmacy Technicians and Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT).
• Background Check: Complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check as part of the application process.
• Certified Technicians: If applying for CPhT status, proof of national certification (via PTCB or ExCPT) must be submitted with the registration.
• Government ID: Applicants must provide a current government-issued photo ID.
• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old, and applicants under 18 need parental consent​.

Once registered, technicians can begin working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Continuing Education

To maintain their certification, pharmacy technicians in Idaho are required to fulfill continuing education (CE) requirements every two years. Technicians must complete 20 hours of CE, with specific focus areas including:

• Pharmacy Law: At least 1 hour dedicated to pharmacy regulations and legal updates.
• Patient Safety: 1 hour focused on safe medication practices and preventing errors.

This ongoing education ensures that certified technicians stay up-to-date with evolving healthcare standards and industry advancements. Approved CE providers, such as the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), offer a variety of courses to meet these requirements.

Resources

Idaho Board of Pharmacy 
bop.accessidaho.org
Office:  1199 Shoreline Lane, Ste. 303. Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 205-981-2280

Fax: 205.981.2330
Mail:    P.O. Box 83720

Professional Association for Idaho Pharmacy Technicians: 
Idaho Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ISHP)
www.ishp.shuttlepod.org