Steps to become a pharmacy technician in New York
- Meet the Age and Education Requirements. Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete Relevant Work Experience or Training. Obtain 500 hours of pharmacy-related work experience or complete a training program.
- Earn Certification. Pass the certification exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- Register with the State. Submit an application for registration to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) along with the required fee.
- Maintain Certification and Registration. Renew your certification every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education, and keep your state registration current.
State Requirements
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education Requirement: Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Training Requirement: Completion of a state-approved pharmacy technician training program or 500 hours of relevant work experience.
- Certification Requirement: Obtain certification through PTCB or NHA.
- Registration Requirement: Must register with the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
- Continuing Education: 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including one hour focused on pharmacy law.
Education and Training
In New York, pharmacy technician candidates are required to either complete 500 hours of relevant work experience or pass a certification exam from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Completion of a training is not mandated, but gaining practical experience or completing a training program is highly recommended to meet certification and employer requirements.
Training programs often include essential topics such as pharmacy law, pharmaceutical calculations, drug classification, and sterile compounding. These subjects help prepare technicians to perform duties like dispensing medication, managing inventory, and compounding under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
While formal training isn’t always required, it can significantly enhance your employability and prepare you for certification exams. Completing a comprehensive training program will give you a competitive edge, broaden your skillset, and offer better job prospects.
Certification
In New York, certification is mandatory for all pharmacy technicians who seek registration with the state. Pharmacy technicians are required to earn certification from either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to meet licensure requirements.
Certification is essential to ensure that technicians possess the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively assist pharmacists in various settings.
Obtaining certification not only fulfills state requirements but also provides several advantages. Certified pharmacy technicians often have better job prospects, higher earning potential, and greater opportunities for career advancement. Certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and ensures that pharmacy technicians meet national standards for competency in areas such as medication safety, federal regulations, and order processing.
The two most common certifications for pharmacy technicians are:
- PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) Certification – The PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) assesses knowledge in medication safety, pharmacy law, and prescription processing.
- NHA (National Healthcareer Association) Certification – The ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) tests similar skills but may offer flexibility in exam scheduling and preparation options.
While certification requires an initial exam and recertification every two years through continuing education (20 hours), it significantly enhances your qualifications and demonstrates your ability to handle critical pharmacy responsibilities.
Licensing/Registration
Registration as a pharmacy technician is mandatory for those who wish to practice in the state of New York. To become registered, candidates must meet specific requirements, including being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma (or equivalent), and obtaining certification from either the PTCB or NHA. Once these criteria are met, candidates can apply for licensure through the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
The registration process involves submitting an application, paying the applicable fee (currently $175 for both licensure and initial registration), and providing proof of certification. Once registered, pharmacy technicians must renew their registration every three years to maintain their ability to practice. Renewal requirements typically include continuing education (CE) hours and maintaining certification.
New York does not currently offer reciprocity for pharmacy technicians licensed in other states. If you move to New York and were previously licensed elsewhere, you will need to meet the state’s certification and registration requirements independently. Additionally, if a registration expires, pharmacy technicians may need to go through the reinstatement process, which may involve completing additional requirements or paying late fees.
Maintaining registration ensures that pharmacy technicians remain in good standing with the state and are up to date on laws, safety regulations, and best practices in the pharmacy field. Regular renewal also supports the ongoing professional development of technicians, helping them stay current in an evolving healthcare environment.
Continuing Education
In New York, continuing education (CE) is not directly mandated by the state for registered pharmacy technicians. However, maintaining certification with national certifying bodies like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) requires the completion of continuing education credits.
For technicians certified through the PTCB, recertification is required every two years, and technicians must complete 20 hours of CE during that period. These hours must include at least one hour in pharmacy law and can be fulfilled through various training programs, seminars, or online courses. Similarly, the NHA also mandates 20 hours of CE, with at least one hour focused on patient safety.
CE is crucial for staying up to date on new developments in pharmacy law, medication safety, and emerging best practices. It also ensures that pharmacy technicians remain compliant with certification standards, which helps maintain their licensure and demonstrates ongoing professional competence.
Resources
New York State Education Department: Office of the Professions
www.op.nysed.gov/prof/pharm
Office: State Education Building, 89 Washington Avenue, Room 201. Albany, NY 12234-1000
Telephone: 518-474-3817 ext. 130
Fax: 518-473-6995
Professional Association for New York Pharm Techs:
New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists (NYSCHP)
www.nyschp.org