How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island

1. Meet Age and Education Requirements. Ensure you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Choose Your Path. Decide whether to pursue certification (required for Pharmacy Technician II) or start as a Pharmacy Technician I with on-the-job training.
3. Complete Training. Enroll in a formal pharmacy technician training program (recommended but not mandatory for Technician I).
4. Pass Certification Exam. If pursuing Pharmacy Technician II, pass the PTCE or ExCPT certification exam.
5. Register with the Rhode Island Department of Health. Submit your application and complete background checks for state registration.
6. Start Working. Begin working as a Pharmacy Technician I or II under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
7. Renew Your Registration. Renew your state registration annually by June 30th to maintain your ability to practice.
8. Complete Continuing Education. For Pharmacy Technician II, complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification.

State Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education Requirement: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Certification Requirement: Pharmacy Technician II applicants must pass a certification exam from the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or NHA (National Healthcareer Association).
• Training Requirement: Pharmacy Technician I candidates must receive on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
• Background Check: Must undergo a criminal background check.
• Registration Requirement: Must be registered with the Rhode Island Department of Health before practicing.
• License Renewal: License must be renewed annually by June 30th.
• Continuing Education: For Pharmacy Technician II, 20 hours of continuing education every two years is required, including 1 hour in pharmacy law.

Pharmacy Technician I vs II

Pharmacy Technician I:

• This entry-level position does not require certification, though individuals must be registered with the Rhode Island Department of Health.
• Technician I typically involves on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
• Duties may include basic tasks such as preparing prescriptions, managing inventory, and handling customer inquiries, all under close supervision.
• This role is suitable for those just starting their pharmacy technician career and gaining experience in a real-world setting.

Pharmacy Technician II:

• To reach this level, candidates must pass a national certification exam like the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
• A Pharmacy Technician II often has more autonomy and may handle more complex tasks, including compounding medications and interacting more directly with patients and healthcare providers.
• Certification ensures a higher level of competence, making Technician II a more advanced role with greater responsibilities and potential for higher pay.

Education and Training

In Rhode Island, formal education and training are not strictly required by the state for Pharmacy Technician I applicants, though on-the-job training is required under a licensed pharmacist. However, pursuing a structured pharmacy technician training program is highly recommended, especially for those aiming to advance to a Pharmacy Technician II role, where certification is required.

Training programs typically cover a wide range of subjects, including pharmacy law, medical terminology, pharmacology, medication preparation, and patient safety practices. These programs equip candidates with critical skills such as drug dosage calculations, compounding medications, and understanding prescription processing. Training may also include externships that allow students to gain hands-on experience in real pharmacy settings.

Completing a formal training program is highly beneficial, as it prepares you for the certification exams (like PTCB or ExCPT) required for advancing in your career. In addition, employers often prefer hiring technicians with formal education, as it demonstrates competency and a solid foundation in pharmacy operations. For those looking to progress into specialized areas or secure higher-paying positions, education can be a crucial stepping stone.

Certification

In Rhode Island, certification is mandatory for Pharmacy Technician II but not for Pharmacy Technician I. To become a Pharmacy Technician II, candidates must pass a national certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Certification demonstrates that a technician has the required knowledge and skills to work competently in a pharmacy.

The two most common certifications are:

1. PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board): This is widely recognized and requires applicants to complete a training program or have equivalent work experience. Additionally, candidates must pass the PTCE exam, which covers topics such as medication safety, federal regulations, and medication preparation.
2. ExCPT (National Healthcareer Association): Similar to the PTCE, this exam focuses on areas like pharmacy law, drug classifications, and dispensing processes. The ExCPT also requires candidates to pass an exam and complete continuing education to maintain certification.

Licensing/Registration

In Rhode Island, registration with the state is required for all pharmacy technicians before they can begin working. Both Pharmacy Technician I and II must apply for registration through the Rhode Island Department of Health. The registration process involves submitting an application along with required documentation, such as proof of education and training for Technician I, or certification for Technician II. It also includes undergoing a criminal background check.

The registration must be renewed annually by June 30th. Pharmacy technicians must ensure that their registration is active before continuing their duties in a pharmacy setting. Failure to renew on time could result in penalties or suspension of work until the registration is reinstated. To renew, technicians typically need to submit updated information and pay the necessary fees.

For technicians moving to Rhode Island from another state, reciprocity may be available. If a technician is already licensed or registered in another state, they may need to submit interstate verification to prove their previous licensure status and meet Rhode Island’s requirements. The state may accept credentials from other states, though specific documentation will be required to evaluate eligibility.

If a technician’s registration or license expires, they may be required to apply for reinstatement. This process typically involves submitting the appropriate forms, paying additional fees, and meeting any conditions for reactivation. It’s important for technicians to stay informed about renewal deadlines to avoid interruptions in their ability to practice.

Continuing Education

In Rhode Island, continuing education (CE) is a requirement for maintaining the registration of Pharmacy Technician II. Technicians at this level must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. This requirement is in place to ensure that pharmacy technicians stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, including changes in pharmacy law, medication safety practices, and advancements in drug therapy. Of the 20 hours, at least 1 hour must focus on pharmacy law, and another hour must cover patient safety.

Although there is no state-mandated continuing education for Pharmacy Technician I in Rhode Island, most national certification bodies, like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), have their own CE requirements. For example, to maintain PTCB certification, pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including the same pharmacy law and patient safety requirements.

Completing continuing education is highly beneficial, as it allows technicians to stay informed about best practices, new medications, and regulatory changes. Additionally, it ensures that certified pharmacy technicians maintain their professional competencies and are well-prepared to provide high-quality care.

Resources

Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy 
www.health.ri.gov/hsr/professions/pharmacy.php 

Office: 3 Capitol Hill, Room 205. Providence, RI 02908-5097
Telephone: 401-222-2840

Fax: 401-222-2158

Professional Association for Rhode Island Pharmacy Technicians: 
Rhode Island Pharmacists Association
www.ripharmacists.org