Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Wisconsin
- Meet Age and Education Requirements. Be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete On-the-Job Training. Receive supervised training from a licensed pharmacist or enroll in a formal training program if required by the employer.
- Submit DSPS Application. Register online through the LicensE portal with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
- Pay Registration Fee. Submit the applicable fee with your registration application, with a fee reduction option if eligible.
- Consider Certification. Although not required, obtaining certification from PTCB or ExCPT can enhance job prospects.
- Pursue Continuing Education (Optional). If certified, complete 20 hours of CE every two years to maintain certification status.
State Requirements
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education Requirement: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Criminal Background: May be required to undergo a background check, including fingerprinting. No history of drug-related crimes is allowed.
- Training: On-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist is required.
- Certification: Certification from PTCB or ExCPT is optional but recommended to improve job prospects.
- Licensing/Registration: Registration through the state is not mandated, and there are no licensing renewals.
- Continuing Education: Not required by the state at this time.
Education and Training
In Wisconsin, formal education and training for pharmacy technicians is not explicitly required by the state. However, many employers expect technicians to undergo some form of structured training, either through on-the-job learning or formal education programs. Pharmacy technicians often receive training directly from licensed pharmacists, learning key operational tasks in the workplace.
While the state does not mandate formal education, many training programs provide a comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics such as pharmacy law, pharmacology, medication safety, dosage calculations, and pharmacy operations.
These programs can vary in length, ranging from several months to a year, depending on the institution. In some cases, technical colleges or pharmacy technician schools offer these courses as part of certification preparation.
Certification
In Wisconsin, certification as a pharmacy technician is not required by state law. However, obtaining certification can significantly boost your employment prospects and increase your earning potential.
While many pharmacy technicians in the state are trained on the job, becoming certified demonstrates a higher level of competence and commitment to the profession, which can make you stand out to potential employers.
The two most common certification programs are offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The PTCB’s Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential is highly regarded across the U.S. To qualify for this certification, candidates must pass the PTCB exam, meet educational requirements (typically a high school diploma or equivalent), and have a clean criminal record.
Another popular option is the ExCPT certification through the NHA, which also requires passing an exam and fulfilling similar prerequisites.
Licensing/Registration
In Wisconsin, registration is mandatory for anyone working as a pharmacy technician. According to the Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board, individuals cannot perform the duties of a pharmacy technician or use the title “pharmacy technician” without being registered with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). This requirement applies to both general applicants and those enrolled in youth apprenticeship programs.
The registration process involves:
- Submitting an application through the DSPS’s LicensE portal.
- Meeting the minimum age requirement of 18 and holding a high school diploma or equivalent, or being enrolled in an approved youth apprenticeship program.
- Paying the applicable registration fee, with the option to apply for a fee reduction if eligible.
Additionally, individuals awaiting registration approval may still work as pharmacy technicians under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Registration ensures that pharmacy technicians are properly supervised and compliant with state regulations, even in apprenticeship pathways.
Continuing Education
In Wisconsin, Continuing Education (CE) is not required by state law for pharmacy technicians. Once registered, pharmacy technicians are not mandated to complete ongoing CE credits to maintain their status with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). This applies to both general pharmacy technicians and those participating in youth apprenticeship programs.
However, if you pursue certification through national organizations like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), continuing education is required. For example, the PTCB requires certified technicians to complete 20 hours of CE every two years to maintain their Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) status. These hours must include at least 1 hour of pharmacy law and 1 hour of patient safety.
The NHA’s ExCPT certification has similar CE requirements.Even though CE is not required by the state, it is highly recommended for pharmacy technicians who want to advance their careers, keep up with changes in the field, and maintain their certifications. CE helps technicians stay updated on medication safety, new regulations, and pharmacy technologies, making them more valuable in their roles and helping them provide better patient care.
Resources
Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board
Address: 1400 E Washington. Madison, WI 53708-8935
Phone: 608/266-2112
Fax: 608/267-0644
Mail: PO Box 8935
E-mail: thomas.ryan@drl.state.wi.us
http://nhanow.com/pharmacy-technician/requirements/wisconsin.aspx