Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Missouri
- Meet Minimum Requirements. Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Submit Registration Application. Complete and submit the Missouri Pharmacy Technician Registration Application to the Board of Pharmacy.
- Complete Criminal Background Check. Get fingerprinted through IdentoGO and submit proof with your application.
- Pay Registration Fee. Submit the $35 non-refundable registration fee along with your application.
- Start Working Provisionally. Begin working as a pharmacy technician after submitting your application and fingerprint receipt, while waiting for official registration.
- Renew Registration Annually. Submit a renewal application and fee each year to keep your registration active.
State Requirements
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: No specific education requirement beyond a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Background Check: A criminal background check is required, including fingerprinting via IdentoGO.
- Registration with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy: Applicants must submit a completed registration form along with a $35 application fee.
- Fingerprinting Proof: Applicants must provide proof of fingerprinting and submit this receipt with the application.
- No Certification Requirement: Certification is not mandated by Missouri law, but some employers may require it.
- Tax Compliance: Applicants must have filed all necessary state tax returns for the past three years and be in good standing with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- Start of Work: Candidates may begin working after submitting a completed application and fingerprinting proof, keeping copies on file at their place of employment until the registration certificate is received.
Education and Training
Missouri does not mandate formal training for pharmacy technicians as a prerequisite for registration. However, enrolling in a pharmacy technician training program is highly encouraged, as it equips aspiring technicians with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the role.
These programs often include a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience, focusing on areas such as pharmacology, drug classifications, and pharmacy law.
Typical pharmacy technician training programs cover key subjects such as medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, drug dispensing procedures, and inventory management. Students also learn about legal regulations and ethics governing pharmacies, as well as customer service skills needed for patient interaction.
Programs can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the depth of the curriculum and whether students opt for certification preparation.
Certification
Missouri does not require certification for pharmacy technicians as a prerequisite for registration. However, while certification is not state-mandated, many employers prefer or require certified technicians because it demonstrates a higher level of competence and professional commitment.
The two most widely recognized certifications for pharmacy technicians in the U.S. are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Both exams assess knowledge in areas such as pharmacy law, medication safety, and prescription processing.
To be eligible for these exams, candidates typically need a high school diploma and must complete a formal training program or have equivalent work experience. Certification must be renewed every two years, requiring continuing education to stay up to date with pharmacy practices.
Licensing/Registration
In Missouri, registration with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy is required to work as a pharmacy technician. Licensing, however, is not mandated; instead, technicians must complete a registration process to obtain official authorization.
Applicants must submit a completed Pharmacy Technician Registration Application, pay a non-refundable fee of $35, and provide proof of fingerprinting for a criminal background check. Registration must be completed before starting work, and a copy of the application and fingerprint receipt must be kept at the place of employment until the official registration certificate is received.
The registration must be renewed annually, and technicians are responsible for ensuring that their registration remains active. The renewal process involves submitting a renewal application and paying the required fee. If a registration expires, the technician must reapply, and additional fees may be required. Failing to renew within a certain period could result in having to start the process again as if applying for the first time.
Missouri does not offer reciprocity for pharmacy technician registrations from other states. Technicians moving to Missouri must complete the state’s specific registration requirements, regardless of prior certification or registration in other states. This ensures that all pharmacy technicians meet Missouri’s standards before practicing.
Continuing Education
Missouri does not require pharmacy technicians to complete Continuing Education (CE) as part of the state’s registration process. However, maintaining national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) does require ongoing CE. If a technician holds one of these certifications, they must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification status.
Of the required 20 hours, at least one hour must be in pharmacy law to ensure technicians stay informed about current regulations. Certified technicians can earn these CE credits through various accredited sources, such as online courses, in-person workshops, or seminars, as long as the provider is recognized by national certification bodies like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
While CE is not mandatory for non-certified pharmacy technicians in Missouri, staying updated through voluntary continuing education can improve job performance, help technicians stay competitive, and prepare them for potential advancement opportunities. It also ensures they stay informed about new medications, technologies, and best practices in the pharmacy field.
Resources
Missouri Board of Pharmacy
www.pr.mo.gov/pharmacists.asp
Office: 3605 Missouri Boulevard. Jefferson City, MO 65109
Mail: P.O. Box 625
Telephone: 573-751-0091 Fax: 573-526-3464
Professional Association for Missouri Pharm Techs:
Missouri Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT)
www.morx.com