Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Nevada
- Meet Basic Requirements. Ensure you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete Training or Experience. Enroll in an ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician training program or accumulate 1,500 hours of on-the-job training.
- Submit Application. Apply to the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy with the necessary forms, fees, and background check.
- Register with the State. Obtain your pharmacy technician or technician-in-training registration before beginning work.
- Pass Certification Exam (Optional). Consider passing the PTCE or ExCPT certification exams to enhance job prospects.
- Complete Continuing Education. Complete 12 hours of CE (if employed) and 1 hour of Nevada law CE every two years for license renewal.
- Renew Registration. Renew your registration every two years by submitting required CE documentation and paying the renewal fee.
State Requirements
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
- Background Check: Mandatory criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
- Training/Experience:
- Complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the ASHP.
- Alternatively, accumulate 1,500 hours of on-the-job training within the past 3 years.
- Certification: Passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or ExCPT may be required, depending on your training pathway.
- Application: Submit an application to the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy along with a $40 fee, passport-sized photo, and notarized documents.
- Registration: Must register with the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy before employment.
- License Renewal: Renew every 2 years, with completion of 12 hours of continuing education (CE), including 1 hour on Nevada pharmacy law.
Education and Training
In Nevada, formal education and training for pharmacy technicians is not always mandated, but it is highly recommended and often required by employers. Candidates can either complete a structured training program approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or gain 1,500 hours of work experience as a pharmacy technician-in-training.Training programs typically include coursework on pharmaceutical calculations, medication classification, dispensing techniques, and pharmacy law. These subjects prepare students to handle daily tasks in various pharmacy settings.
A structured training program offers several advantages. First, it ensures that students receive education in key areas, such as pharmacology, prescription processing, and inventory management. Many programs also include practical lab work or externships to give students hands-on experience. Graduates of accredited programs are better equipped to meet the job demands and are often eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or ExCPT certification exams.
While Nevada does allow technicians to begin working with on-the-job training, completing a formal program provides a competitive edge. Employers frequently prefer candidates who have formal education, as it demonstrates commitment and a thorough understanding of essential pharmacy operations. Additionally, training improves job readiness and can enhance long-term career prospects, especially as it prepares candidates for potential certifications.
Certification
In Nevada, certification as a pharmacy technician is not required by the state, but it is highly recommended and often required by employers. Certification demonstrates that you have met national standards of knowledge and competency, which is appealing to both hiring managers and patients who trust pharmacy staff.
The most widely recognized certifications are offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), through their respective exams—the PTCE and the ExCPT.
The PTCB’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the NHA’s Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) cover essential knowledge areas, including medication safety, order processing, and pharmacy law.
While both exams are nationally recognized, the PTCE is more commonly required by employers and covers additional domains related to hospital pharmacy work. To be eligible for certification, candidates must meet specific requirements, such as completing an accredited training program or accumulating a certain number of work hours as a technician-in-training.
Licensing/Registration
In Nevada, licensing and registration are mandatory for all pharmacy technicians working in the state. Before beginning employment, candidates must register with the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy. This registration ensures that the technician has met the state’s educational or experiential requirements, such as completing a pharmacy technician training program or gaining sufficient on-the-job training hours.
The registration process involves submitting an application, a $40 fee, and completing a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting.
Once registered, pharmacy technicians must renew their registration every two years. The renewal process requires completing 12 hours of continuing education (CE) during the two-year cycle, including at least 1 hour of Nevada pharmacy law. If a technician fails to renew their registration by the expiration date (October 31st of even-numbered years), their license will expire, and they will need to apply for reinstatement, which may include additional fees and requirements.
For technicians moving to Nevada from another state, Nevada does offer reciprocity for those already licensed or registered elsewhere, provided they meet Nevada’s specific standards. This typically involves submitting proof of certification or licensure from the original state, along with an application and the appropriate fees.
By ensuring compliance with Nevada’s licensing and registration regulations, pharmacy technicians maintain their ability to work legally in the state while supporting patient safety and quality care.
Continuing Education
Pharmacy technicians in Nevada must fulfill specific Continuing Education (CE) requirements to renew their registration. Even if not actively employed, technicians must complete 1 hour of approved Nevada pharmacy law CE before each renewal. This ensures that they stay informed about changes in state regulations.
If a technician is employed in a Nevada pharmacy, they are also required to complete 12 hours of in-service training during the two years preceding renewal. These hours must be approved by a managing pharmacist, who is responsible for maintaining records of the training
If a pharmacy technician opts for certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), additional CE requirements apply. For instance, PTCB-certified technicians must complete 20 hours of CE every two years, which includes 1 hour of pharmacy law and 1 hour of patient safety.
The CE credits must be related to the professional practice of a pharmacy technician and can be earned through a variety of accredited sources, including online courses, seminars, and industry conferences.
Failure to meet CE requirements may result in the technician being unable to renew their registration or certification, leading to potential suspension from practice. Staying current with CE not only ensures compliance with state regulations but also helps technicians enhance their skills and advance in their careers.
Resources
Nevada State Board of Pharmacy
bop.nv.gov
Office: 431 West Plumb Lane. Reno, NV 89509
Telephone: 775-850-1440 Fax: 775-850-1444
Professional Association for Nevada pharmacy techs
Nevada Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (NVSHP)
www.nvshp.org