Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Indiana
- Meet Age and Education Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for Registration: Submit an application to the Indiana Board of Pharmacy.
- Pass Background Check: Complete a criminal background check.
- Obtain Technician-in-Training Permit: Apply if still completing a training program or certification.
- Certification (Optional): Certification through PTCB or ExCPT is not required by the state but may be needed by employers or for career advancement.
- License Renewal: Renew every two years with required documentation.
State Requirements
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: High school diploma or GED.
- Registration: Must register with the Indiana Board of Pharmacy.
- Background Check: Pass a criminal background check.
- Supervision: Work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- Certification: Obtain national certification (PTCB or NHA) within one year (for technician-in-training license).
- Licensing Maintenance: Maintain an active certification and registration.
Education and Training
In Indiana, pharmacy technicians must complete training either through an Indiana Board-approved education program or by passing a Board-approved certification exam (PTCB or ExCPT). To apply for a full pharmacy technician license, applicants must also provide proof of a high school diploma or GED.
For individuals still pursuing their diploma, a technician-in-training permit can be issued. This permit allows candidates to practice while completing a Board-approved program. Training programs generally cover essential topics such as medication dispensing, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacy law.
Hands-on experience is typically gained through internships or supervised practice in a pharmacy setting, ensuring technicians are fully prepared for workplace duties and certification exams.
Learn more: Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in Indiana
Certification
In Indiana, passing one of two Indiana Board-approved exams: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) is one of the ways to become licensed (another way is completing a board-approved training program – see Training section above).
As an added benefit, Certification demonstrates proficiency in essential pharmacy skills, including drug preparation, legal regulations, and medication safety. This credential is a requirement for obtaining a full technician license and is typically pursued after completing a formal education or training program. Certification must be maintained through continuing education, ensuring technicians stay up to date with industry practices.
For Technician-in-Training: Candidates who have not yet completed the certification process can obtain a technician-in-training permit. This allows them to practice while preparing for certification, provided they work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Licensing and Registration
Pharmacy technicians must apply for licensure with the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, which includes submitting a high school diploma or GED, proof of completed training or certification, and passing a criminal background check. Those still undergoing training may apply for a technician-in-training permit, which allows them to work under the supervision of a pharmacist while completing certification.
License Renewal: Pharmacy technician licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires proof of continuing education (CE), which ensures that technicians remain current with industry standards and legal requirements.
Reciprocity: Indiana does not offer direct reciprocity with other states. However, certified technicians moving to Indiana may apply for licensure by submitting proof of their current certification and relevant documentation.
Expired License: If a pharmacy technician’s license has expired, it can be reinstated if it has been expired for less than three years. Technicians will need to submit a reinstatement application through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) portal and pay the required fees. If the license has been expired for more than three years, the applicant will need to go through additional steps, such as scheduling an inspection or fulfilling further requirements to regain active status
Maintaining an active license and fulfilling renewal requirements is crucial for staying in compliance with Indiana state regulations.
Continuing Education
The Indiana Board of Pharmacy does not require continuing education (CE) for pharmacy technicians to renew their state license. However, if a technician holds a national certification through organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), they are required to complete 20 hours of CE every two years to maintain that certification. These CE hours must include at least 1 hour of pharmacy law and 1 hour focused on medication safety.
While CE is not mandatory for all technicians in Indiana, many employers prefer or require technicians to maintain national certification, which ensures continued professional development and up-to-date knowledge of industry practices and regulations.
Resources:
Professional Licensing Agency Attn: Indiana Board of Pharmacy
www.in.gov/pla/pharmacy.htm
Office: 402 W. Washington Street, Room W072. Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Telephone: (317) 234-2067 Fax: (317) 233-4236
Professional Association for Indiana Pharmacy Technicians:
Indiana Pharmacists Alliance
www.indianapharmacists.org