How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Minnesota

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota

1. Ensure Eligibility. Verify that you are at least 18 years old and have earned a high school diploma or GED. This is the minimum educational requirement to begin the process.
2. Register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. You must register with the Board before starting work as a pharmacy technician. Provide proof of education and pay the required application fee through the online system.
3. Complete Required Training. After registration, complete a state-approved pharmacy technician training program within 12 months. This can be done through an accredited school or online, and certification through PTCB or ExCPT may also meet this requirement.
4. Obtain Certification (Optional but Recommended). Although not required, pursuing national certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or ExCPT can improve your job prospects and satisfy the training requirement.
5. Fulfill Continuing Education (CE) Requirements. You’ll need to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include at least one hour in pharmacy law and patient safety, to maintain your registration.
6. Renew Your Registration Annually. Pharmacy technician registration must be renewed every year. Make sure to submit the renewal application and pay the renewal fee to keep your registration current.

State Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Registration: All pharmacy technicians must register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy before working in the state.
• Training: Complete a state-approved pharmacy technician training program within 12 months of registration.
• Certification: While certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is not mandatory, it is encouraged, and recognized as meeting the training requirement.
• Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least one hour in pharmacy law and one in patient safety.
• Renewal: Pharmacy technician registration must be renewed annually, with a renewal fee.
• Criminal Background Check: May be required, particularly if working with controlled substances.

Education and Training

In Minnesota, pharmacy technician training is mandatory and must be completed within 12 months of registration. This training equips technicians with critical skills needed to assist pharmacists and handle medications safely. Though certification is not required by the state, completing a training program enhances job opportunities and may fulfill Minnesota’s training requirement.

Typical subjects covered in training programs include pharmacy law, medication administration, compounding, inventory management, and pharmacology. These courses ensure that technicians are well-prepared to handle various tasks within a pharmacy environment.

Completing formal training is highly beneficial, as it improves job prospects and reduces the likelihood of errors in pharmacy settings. Additionally, it opens up the possibility of pursuing national certifications like PTCB or ExCPT, which further enhance career growth and job security.

Certification

In Minnesota, certification is not mandated by the state for pharmacy technicians. However, obtaining certification can significantly enhance your credentials and career opportunities. Many employers prefer or require certified technicians, as it demonstrates a higher level of competency and knowledge in the field. Certification can also serve as a substitute for the state’s mandatory technician training requirement.

The two most common certifications are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Both are widely recognized across the U.S. and ensure that candidates meet high standards in areas such as medication safety, pharmacy law, and patient care. To obtain certification, you must pass a standardized exam, which typically covers topics like pharmacy operations, pharmacology, and regulatory requirements.

Being certified not only increases job prospects but also provides opportunities for higher pay and career advancement. It may also be required by certain employers, especially in hospitals or specialized pharmacy settings. Certification is also linked to better preparation for more complex tasks in pharmacy settings, contributing to safer medication dispensing and patient care.

Licensing/Registration

In Minnesota, registration is mandatory for all pharmacy technicians working in the state. Technicians must register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy before beginning their duties. The registration process involves providing proof of high school graduation or equivalent, paying a non-refundable application fee, and completing a state-approved training program within 12 months. 

Unlike some states, licensing is not required; only registration is necessary to legally work as a pharmacy technician in Minnesota.

The registration renewal process must be completed annually. Each year, technicians are required to submit a renewal application and pay a small fee to maintain active status. In addition, pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including coursework in pharmacy law and patient safety, to ensure their knowledge stays current.

For technicians who allow their registration to lapse, reinstatement is possible, but specific procedures must be followed depending on how long the registration has been inactive. If registration has lapsed for more than 12 months, technicians must contact the Board directly to determine the steps for reinstatement, which may include providing updated training and CE documentation. 

Reciprocity is generally not available in Minnesota, meaning out-of-state technicians will need to fulfill Minnesota’s specific requirements to register.

Continuing Education

In Minnesota, continuing education (CE) is mandatory for all registered pharmacy technicians. The state requires technicians to complete 20 hours of CE every two years to maintain their registration. These hours must include at least one hour in pharmacy law and one hour in patient safety. 

Continuing education helps ensure that pharmacy technicians stay updated on the latest industry standards, regulations, and best practices, promoting safe and effective patient care.

CE requirements are also tied to maintaining national certifications like the PTCB and ExCPT. Both organizations require technicians to complete 20 hours of CE every two years, with similar specifications for pharmacy law and patient safety content. Certified technicians must track and report their CE activities to remain in good standing, and renewal fees are required to keep certification active.Failing to meet CE requirements can lead to the suspension or expiration of registration, making it important to track and complete CE within the designated timeframe. Many technicians choose to access online courses, seminars, or workshops provided by accredited organizations to fulfill these requirements.

Resources

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy 
www.phcybrd.state.mn.us
Office:             2829 University Ave. SE #530. Minneapolis, MN 55414-3251
Telephone:    651-201-2825 Fax: 651-201-2837

Professional Association for Minnesota Pharmacy Technicians: 
Minnesota Pharmacists Association (MPhA)
www.mpha.org