Steps to become a pharmacy technician in North Dakota
- Meet Age and Education Requirements. Ensure you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program. Enroll in and complete an approved pharmacy technician training program or start on-the-job training under a licensed pharmacist.
- Obtain National Certification. Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or another approved certification like the ExCPT.
- Register with the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy. Submit a completed application, pay the $35 fee, and provide a passport photo and notarized application.
- Complete Continuing Education. Fulfill 10 hours of continuing education annually, including 1 hour in pharmacy law.
- Renew Your Registration Annually. Renew your registration every year, meeting CE requirements and paying the renewal fee.
State Requirements
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in English.
- Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
- Certification: Must pass the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) exam.
- Registration: Must apply to the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy, including a $35 application fee, a notarized application, and a passport photo.
- Training: Must complete a pharmacy technician training program under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- Continuing Education: 10 hours of continuing education (CE) are required annually, including 1 hour in pharmacy law and another in patient safety.
- License Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually with a $35 renewal fee.
Education and Training
In North Dakota, formal education and training for pharmacy technicians is mandatory for state registration. Candidates must complete an approved training program accredited by bodies such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or undergo on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This ensures that all pharmacy technicians are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively.
Training programs typically cover critical subjects such as:
- Pharmacology: Learning about drug classifications, interactions, and effects.
- Pharmacy Law: Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Prescription Processing: Understanding how to prepare and dispense medications.
- Pharmacy Math: Performing calculations for dosages and conversions.
While on-the-job training is an option, completing a formal program is highly advantageous as it provides comprehensive preparation, making candidates more competitive in the job market and ensuring a higher level of competency in the field.
Certification
In North Dakota, certification is a crucial step for pharmacy technicians seeking registration with the state. Pharmacy technicians are required to obtain national certification, typically from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another recognized body. The PTCB exam ensures that pharmacy technicians meet a national standard of competence, including knowledge of medications, pharmacy law, and safety protocols.
Achieving certification offers several advantages. It not only meets state requirements but also makes pharmacy technicians more attractive to employers. Certification demonstrates a higher level of professionalism and commitment to the field, improving job prospects and earning potential. Furthermore, certified technicians are often more competitive for specialized roles, such as in hospital settings or compounding pharmacies, where advanced skills are necessary.
The most common certifications include:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the PTCB.
- Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Both exams cover areas like pharmacology, medication safety, and federal pharmacy law. After certification, pharmacy technicians must renew their credentials every two years, including completing continuing education requirements, to maintain their certified status.
Licensing/Registration
In North Dakota, licensing and registration are mandatory for all pharmacy technicians. The North Dakota Board of Pharmacy requires that pharmacy technicians register annually with the state. This process involves submitting a completed application, along with a non-refundable registration fee of $35, and proof of certification. Technicians must also provide a passport-sized photo, and the application must be notarized to ensure its validity. Upon approval, technicians receive a registration number and an identification card, which must be kept on file at their place of employment.
For technicians moving from another state, North Dakota offers reciprocity, provided the individual holds a valid certification and meets the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy’s requirements. Pharmacy technicians transferring into North Dakota may need to submit additional documentation proving their qualifications, such as work history or proof of previous certification.
Continuing Education
In North Dakota, Continuing Education (CE) is a mandatory requirement for all registered pharmacy technicians to maintain their certification and registration. The North Dakota Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to complete 10 hours of CE every year. This includes 1 hour dedicated to pharmacy law and an additional hour focused on patient safety. These educational activities ensure that technicians stay up-to-date with changes in pharmacy regulations, medication management, and patient care protocols.
CE requirements help pharmacy technicians enhance their skills, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. Technicians are responsible for maintaining their own CE records for at least two years, and they must provide proof of completion if requested by the Board. Any technician who fails to meet these requirements may face suspension of their registration until they complete the necessary CE hours.
For pharmacy technicians holding national certifications, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification, CE requirements are similar. The PTCB mandates 20 hours of CE every two years, with at least 1 hour in pharmacy law and another in patient safety, aligning well with North Dakota’s requirements. Meeting CE obligations ensures that technicians remain compliant with both state and national standards, fostering professional growth and higher quality patient care.
Resources
North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy
www.nodakpharmacy.com
Office: 1906 E. Broadway Avenue. Bismarck, ND 58501-1354
Mail: PO Box 94986
Telephone: 701-328-9535
Fax: 701-328-9536
Professional Association for North Dakota Pharmacy Technicians:
North Dakota Pharmacists Association (NDPhA)
www.nodakpharmacy.net