How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Wyoming

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Wyoming

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements. Ensure you are at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and no disqualifying background issues.
2. Obtain Certification. Pass the PTCB or ExCPT certification exam to meet Wyoming’s requirements for pharmacy technicians.
3. Submit Application. Complete and submit the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy’s application form, including fees, fingerprints, and proof of certification.
4. Undergo Background Check. Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, as part of the application process.
5. Receive License. Obtain your license from the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy, which allows you to work as a pharmacy technician in the state.
6. Complete Continuing Education. Fulfill 6 hours of approved CE annually to maintain and renew your license.

Optional Path: Technician-in-Training. Apply for a Technician-in-Training permit if you are not yet certified, allowing you to work under supervision while you complete training and prepare for certification. This permit is valid for up to two years.

State Requirements

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Training: Completion of an on-the-job training program or formal education from an accredited institution.
• Certification: Required to pass either the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
• Licensing: Must obtain a state-issued license to practice as a pharmacy technician.
• Background Check: Mandatory background check including fingerprinting.
• Continuing Education: 20 hours of CE, including 1 hour in pharmacy law, every two years for certification renewal.

Education and Training

In Wyoming, completing a formal training program for pharmacy technicians is not required by the state, but it is highly recommended. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed accredited programs, which typically cover key subjects like pharmacology, dosage calculations, medical terminology, and pharmacy law.

Training can be obtained through community colleges, vocational schools, or online programs, often including hands-on externships. Completing a structured training program can enhance your knowledge, make you more competitive in the job market, and better prepare you for the certification exams, which are necessary for state licensing.

Certification

Certification is mandatory for pharmacy technicians in Wyoming. The state recognizes two primary certifications: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which offers the ExCPT exam. Passing one of these exams is a prerequisite for obtaining a state license.

Getting certified demonstrates a technician’s competence and knowledge in key areas like medication safety, pharmacy law, and patient care. Certification can lead to better job opportunities, higher pay, and greater professional growth, as many employers prefer or require certified technicians.

Pharmacy Technician in Training

In Wyoming, this position allows individuals to work under the supervision of a pharmacist while they prepare to meet the certification and licensure requirements. This pathway is ideal for those who are new to the field and wish to gain hands-on experience before taking certification exams.

To become a technician-in-training, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: At least 18 years old.
• Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Background Check: Applicants must submit to a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, to ensure they have no disqualifying offenses.

The permit is valid for two years and is non-renewable. During this period, trainees are expected to work towards obtaining certification from either the PTCB or ExCPT. If certification is not achieved within the two-year timeframe, the individual can no longer continue to work in the pharmacy as a technician-in-training.

Licensing/Registration

In Wyoming, licensing and registration are mandatory for anyone wishing to work as a pharmacy technician. To be eligible for licensure, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess current certification from either the PTCB or ExCPT. Additionally, a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, is required to ensure the applicant’s eligibility​.

The application process involves submitting a completed form along with a $100 fee, fingerprint cards, proof of education, and a copy of the certification. The license remains active as long as the certification is maintained, but technicians must renew their licenses periodically as per state regulations. If a license lapses, individuals must apply for reinstatement by submitting a reinstatement application and meeting specific requirements​.

For those already certified or licensed in another state, it’s important to note that Wyoming does not offer reciprocity. Applicants moving to Wyoming must complete the full licensing process, including certification verification, to practice as a pharmacy technician in the state​.

Continuing Education

In Wyoming, continuing education (CE) is a requirement for maintaining a pharmacy technician license. Each technician must complete 6 contact hours of approved continuing education annually to be eligible for license renewal. CE hours must be from recognized providers, such as programs accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) or offered through organizations like the Wyoming Pharmacists Association​.

Pharmacy technicians need to keep certificates of completion for their CE courses for at least two years, as the state board may conduct random audits to verify compliance. Failure to meet CE requirements can result in the license being classified as “inactive,” preventing the technician from practicing until the issue is resolved​.

Additionally, technicians certified by the PTCB or ExCPT must fulfill their national CE requirements, which often include completing 20 hours of CE over a two-year cycle, with specific hours dedicated to pharmacy law and patient safety.

Resources

Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy
http://pharmacyboard.state.wy.us/

Address:          1712 Carey Avenue, Suite 200. Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone:             307/634-9636
Fax:                 307/634-6335
E-mail:             bop@wyo.gov

http://nhanow.com/pharmacy-technician/requirements/wyoming.aspx

http://pharmacyboard.state.wy.us/laws/Chapter_10_Pharmacy_Act.pdf