Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania
- Meet Basic Requirements. Be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Create PALS Account. Register with the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) to start your application.
- Complete a Background Check. Submit to a criminal background check as part of the registration process.
- Complete Training (Optional). Enroll in a PTCB-recognized training program or gain 500 hours of work experience.
- Register with State Board. Submit all required documents and pay the registration fee through PALS.
- Work Under a Pharmacist. Begin working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
State Requirements
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 17 years old (16 for trainees).
- Education Requirement: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Registration: Required to register with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy.
- Background Check: Must complete a criminal background check during registration.
- Training: New technicians must complete an SBOP-approved training program unless grandfathered (with over 1 year of experience).
- Supervision: Must work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Education and Training
In Pennsylvania, training for pharmacy technicians is not mandated by the state; however, the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy oversees the registration and training of technicians under Act 140.
According to the Act, while new pharmacy technicians must complete a PTCB-recognized training program approved by the Board, those who have worked in a licensed pharmacy for more than a year can be “grandfathered” in without needing formal training.The condition here is at least 500 hours of equivalent work experience.
This alternative route is available for technicians who have gained practical experience but were unable to attend a PTCB-recognized program. The experience must cover key knowledge areas required for the job, and it can be earned across various pharmacy practice settings. On the other hand, Training programs typically cover essential topics such as pharmacy law, medication safety, pharmacology, and prescription processing. These programs equip technicians with the skills needed to work efficiently under a pharmacist’s supervision.
Overall, formal training enhances employability, especially since many employers prefer technicians with structured education to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Certification
While certification is not legally required for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania, it provides significant advantages. Certifications from organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) enhance job market competitiveness.
PTCB-recognized training programs are specifically designed to prepare candidates for the PTCB exam, covering critical subjects like pharmacy law, medication safety, and pharmacology.
Additionally, many training programs include exam fees in tuition, making it a logical step for students to pursue certification after completing their program.
Many employers prefer or require technicians to be certified due to the growing responsibilities in the field, such as handling medications and ensuring patient safety.
Licensing/Registration
In Pennsylvania, registration with the State Board of Pharmacy is required for all pharmacy technicians under Act 140.
The registration process for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania begins by creating an account with the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Applicants must complete a criminal background check, provide proof of meeting the education and age requirements, and pay a registration fee. Once submitted, the State Board of Pharmacy reviews the application, and upon approval, technicians are registered to work under a licensed pharmacist.
Registrations must be renewed periodically, and reinstatement of expired registrations may involve reapplying and meeting any new regulatory or continuing education requirements established by the Board.
Licensing reciprocity does not apply to pharmacy technicians, as Pennsylvania does not require licensing.
Continuing Education
Currently, Pennsylvania does not mandate Continuing Education (CE) for pharmacy technicians. However, technicians who hold certifications from organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) must fulfill CE requirements to maintain their certification.
For the PTCB, technicians must complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including:
- 1 hour focused on pharmacy law.
- 1 hour dedicated to patient safety.
CE courses must be relevant to the technician’s work and can be taken through ACPE-accredited providers to ensure eligibility.
Resources
Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy
www.dos.state.pa.us/pharm
Mail: PO Box 2649. Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Telephone: 717/783-7156
Fax: 717/787-7769
Professional Association for Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technicians:
Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association
www.papharmacists.com