Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts
- Meet Minimum Requirements: Must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete a Training Program: Enroll in and complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program or gain equivalent on-the-job training.
- Pass a Certification Exam: Pass a national certification exam like the PTCB or ExCPT.
- Submit Application: Apply for a license through the Maryland Board of Pharmacy, providing proof of training and certification.
- Renew License: Licenses must be renewed every two years with 20 hours of continuing education.
State Requirements
- High School Education: Must be currently enrolled in high school, possess a high school diploma, or have a GED equivalent.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old for a Pharmacy Technician (PT) license (16 for a Technician-in-Training).
- Criminal Background Check: No drug-related felony convictions.
- Training/Experience: Complete 500 hours of pharmacy technician experience or pass a national certification exam (PTCB/ExCPT).
- Application Fee: Non-refundable $150 fee.
- License Renewal: Every two years with a $60 fee.
Education and Training
In Massachusetts, formal training is not mandated by the state, but pursuing a structured pharmacy technician training program is highly beneficial. These programs often cover key subjects like pharmacology, pharmacy law, medication safety, and pharmacy operations. Training can be completed through community colleges, vocational schools, or online courses, and typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Although training isn’t required to get a Pharmacy Technician-in-Training (PTT) license, it’s a great way to build competence, improve job prospects, and prepare for national certification exams like the PTCB or ExCPT. Training can help develop vital skills, making candidates more competitive in the job market and providing a stronger foundation for career advancement.
Certification
In Massachusetts, certification is not required to obtain a pharmacy technician license, but it is highly recommended. Certification, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification (ExCPT), demonstrates a pharmacy technician’s knowledge and skills, making it easier to secure a full Pharmacy Technician (PT) license.
Getting certified can provide several advantages, including:
- Direct eligibility for licensure without additional training or assessments.
- Increased job prospects, higher earning potential, and career advancement opportunities in specialized areas.
Both certification exams cover essential topics like medications, pharmacy law, and patient safety, helping ensure pharmacy technicians are well-prepared for the demands of the job.
Licensing/Registration
In Massachusetts, licensing and registration are mandatory for all pharmacy technicians. To obtain a Pharmacy Technician (PT) license, applicants must submit proof of required education or certification, complete 500 hours of experience or pass a certification exam, and pay a $150 application fee. Those new to the field can start with a Pharmacy Technician-in-Training (PTT) license.
Licenses must be renewed every two years for $60. If a license expires, technicians may be required to pay late fees or meet additional requirements, such as re-examinations, to reinstate the license. Massachusetts does offer reciprocity for technicians licensed in other states with similar requirements.
Continuing Education
In Massachusetts, continuing education (CE) is not currently mandated by the state for pharmacy technicians. However, if you pursue national certification through organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA), CE is required to maintain your certification.
For the PTCB, pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
- 1 hour focused on pharmacy law
- 1 hour on patient safety
These CE requirements ensure that technicians stay current with evolving practices, regulations, and safety standards, improving patient care and enhancing their career prospects.
Participating in CE programs, even if not mandated by the state, is highly beneficial for professional development. It helps technicians deepen their knowledge of medications, new technologies, and changes in pharmacy law. Engaging in continuing education can also open up opportunities for specialization, such as in sterile compounding or medication therapy management, and positions technicians for career advancement in the healthcare field.
Resources
Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy
www.mass.gov/dph/boards/pharmacy
Office: 239 Causeway St, 2nd Floor. Boston, MA 02114
Telephone: 617-973-0950 Fax: 617-973-0983
Professional Association for Massachusetts pharmacy techs:
Massachusetts Pharmacists Association (MPhA)
www.masspharmacists.org