How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Mississippi

Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Mississippi

1. Meet Age and Education Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Complete On-the-Job Training: Pharmacy technicians must undergo on-the-job training under a licensed pharmacist. This includes learning about pharmacy calculations, dispensing systems, pharmacy law, and medication safety.
3. Consider Certification: Although not required, certification through the PTCB or NHA can enhance your qualifications and job prospects. Certification typically involves passing an exam after completing a training program or gaining work experience.
4. Register with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy: Submit your application through the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy’s Licensure Gateway, along with a $50 registration fee and a $40 background check fee.
5. Complete a Background Check: As part of the registration process, you will need to undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting.
6. Work Under Supervision: Once registered, you must work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Mississippi limits each pharmacist to supervising no more than three pharmacy technicians at a time.
7. Renew Annually: Pharmacy technician registrations must be renewed yearly to remain active. This requires keeping your information updated and maintaining good standing with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy.
8. Complete Continuing Education (If Certified): Certified technicians need to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including one hour focused on pharmacy law, to maintain certification

State Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Training: Pharmacy technicians must complete on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, covering essential areas like pharmacy terminology, calculations, dispensing systems, pharmacy laws, medication safety, and more.
• Certification or Training Program: Technicians are expected to be certified, complete an accredited training program, or participate in an on-site training program provided by the pharmacist-in-charge.
• Supervision: A pharmacist may supervise no more than three pharmacy technicians at any given time. Support personnel performing clerical duties are not included in this ratio.
• Registration: Pharmacy technicians must register with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy and pay the required registration and background check fees.
• Background Check: All applicants must undergo a criminal background check.

Education and Training

In Mississippi, pharmacy technicians must complete training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This can be done through on-the-job training, which includes:

• Pharmacy terminology
• Pharmacy calculations
• Dispensing systems and labeling
• Mississippi pharmacy laws and regulations
• Medication safety and pharmaceutical diversion awareness
• Record keeping and proper storage of medications

While on-the-job training is required, pharmacy technicians can also choose to complete a formal accredited training program. Although not mandatory, these programs can provide in-depth knowledge, making certification and job readiness easier. Accredited programs may be offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or online.

Certification

While certification is not a strict requirement to work as a pharmacy technician in Mississippi, obtaining it can significantly improve your job prospects. Certification shows employers that you have met national standards in pharmacy technician skills and knowledge.

Two primary certifications are recognized:

1. Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE):
   • Offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
   • Requires completion of a formal training program or equivalent work experience.
   • Covers topics like medication safety, pharmacy law, and quality assurance.
2. Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT):
   • Administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
   • Similar to the PTCE, focusing on knowledge of medications, pharmacy law, and dispensing procedures.

Becoming certified also provides more career flexibility and makes it easier to pursue advanced roles, such as working in hospital pharmacies or specialty areas. Additionally, certification needs to be renewed every two years, typically through continuing education or retaking the exam.

Licensing/Registration

In Mississippi, pharmacy technicians are required to register with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy to work legally within the state. The first step involves submitting a registration application via the state’s Licensure Gateway. Along with the application, a registration fee of $50 is required, along with an additional $40 fee for a criminal background check, which is mandatory for all applicants.

As part of the process, pharmacy technicians must undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. This step ensures that applicants meet the safety and legal standards necessary for handling medications and working in healthcare environments. Once the application and background check are successfully completed, the applicant will be granted pharmacy technician registration.

The registration must be renewed annually to remain active, and it is essential for all pharmacy technicians to work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This ensures compliance with state laws and regulations, which govern pharmacy practice and medication dispensing in Mississippi.

Continuing Education

Pharmacy technicians in Mississippi are required to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their certification and registration. Although certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is not mandatory for employment in the state, those who are certified must meet the ongoing education requirements to renew their credentials.

Certified pharmacy technicians need to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least one hour focused on pharmacy law. These hours ensure that technicians stay updated on new developments in medication safety, dispensing procedures, and regulations governing pharmacy practice.

For non-certified technicians, while specific CE requirements are not mandated by the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, remaining current on pharmacy laws, technologies, and best practices is highly encouraged. This helps maintain job competency and increases the likelihood of career advancement.

Resources

Mississippi Board of Pharmacy 
www.mbp.state.ms.us/mbop/pharmacy.nsf 
Office:             204 Key Drive, Suite D. Madison, MS 39110
Telephone:    601-605-5388 Fax: 601-605-9546

Professional Association for Pharmacy Techs in Mississippi: 
Mississippi Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP)
www.msshp.org/about.cfm