How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Mississippi

To become a pharmacy technician in Mississippi, follow these steps:

Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
Background Check: Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprints.
Certification: Obtain PTCB or ExCPT certification after the first license renewal.
Application: Apply to the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy and pay a $50 fee.
Continuing Education: Complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including 1 hour in pharmacy law and 1 hour in patient safety.

Pharmacy Technicians in Mississippi must comply with state regulations, including certification and continuing education. Certification is required after the first license renewal.

Basic Requirements

Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
Background Check: A criminal background check, including fingerprints ($40 fee), is mandatory.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $50.00; renewal fee is $20.00.

Certification and Training

Certification: Candidates must pass the PTCB or ExCPT exam after the first renewal. More information can be found on the PTCB website.
Training: It is recommended to complete a recognized training program for better employment prospects.

Registration Process

Apply: Candidates must apply to the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy.
Approval: Candidates cannot practice until they receive approval from the Board.

Continuing Education

Hours: Pharmacy Technicians must complete at least 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years.
Content: CE must include one hour of pharmacy law and one hour of patient safety.
Fee: Included in the renewal fee.

Average Salary

Annual Salary: The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Mississippi is approximately $30,300.
Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $14.58.
Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

Job Growth: Employment for Pharmacy Technicians in Mississippi is expected to grow, driven by an increasing demand for healthcare services.
Career Advancement: Opportunities for advancement include becoming a lead technician, specializing in oncology or compounding, or transitioning to roles such as a Pharmacy Technician Instructor or a Pharmacy Manager.

Training Programs in Mississippi

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

Hinds Community College (Raymond)
Pearl River Community College (Poplarville)
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Gulfport)

Resources

Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy: For detailed regulations and updates.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): For certification information and exam details.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP): For accredited training programs and continuing education resources.

Conclusion

Meeting Mississippi’s requirements is essential for pharmacy technicians pursuing a career. Always refer to the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy for the latest information and updates.

Licensure Renewal

Renewal Period: Pharmacy technician licenses in Mississippi must be renewed every two years.
Deadline: The renewal deadline is June 30th of even-numbered years.
Late Renewal: A late fee of $50.00 is assessed for renewals submitted after the deadline.
Inactive Status: Technicians may place their license on inactive status for up to 4 years. No CE is required during inactive status.

Technician Duties and Supervision

Allowable Duties: Pharmacy technicians may receive and process prescription orders, prepare medications, and maintain inventory under pharmacist supervision.
Prohibited Duties: Technicians cannot provide drug information or consultation to patients, or make decisions requiring professional judgment.
Pharmacist to Technician Ratio: Mississippi allows up to 3 pharmacy technicians per supervising pharmacist.
Remote Supervision: Technicians cannot be remotely supervised and must be directly supervised by a pharmacist on-site.

Disciplinary Actions

Grounds for Discipline: Unprofessional conduct, negligence, substance abuse, criminal convictions, and other violations may result in disciplinary action.
Types of Discipline: Disciplinary actions can include license revocation, suspension, probation, fines, and mandatory remediation.
Reporting Violations: Employers must report any terminated technician to the Board within 30 days if the reason for termination could constitute grounds for discipline.

Professional Organizations

Mississippi Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP): This organization provides networking, education, and advocacy for pharmacists and technicians.
Mississippi Pharmacists Association (MPhA): This organization offers CE opportunities, legislative representation, and professional resources for the pharmacy community.
Joining professional organizations can provide valuable connections and mentorship and help technicians stay current on changes in the field.