How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Missouri

To become a pharmacy technician in Missouri, 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.
Registration: Apply to the Missouri Board of Pharmacy and pay a $35 application fee.
Certification: Certification through PTCB is not required but recommended.
Continuing Education: No state-mandated CE, but PTCB-certified technicians need 20 hours of CE every two years.

Pharmacy Technicians in Missouri are regulated but not required to obtain certification to practice. However, certification can enhance career opportunities and salary prospects.

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, is mandatory.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $35.00 for annual renewal.

Certification and Training

Certification: Certification is not required but is beneficial for career advancement. Candidates can choose to certify through PTCB. More information can be found on the PTCB website.
Training: There is no mandatory training program, but completing one is recommended for better job prospects.

Registration Process

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

Continuing Education

Hours: There is no state-mandated CE requirement for Pharmacy Technicians in Missouri.
Certification CE: If certified, candidates must complete 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years to maintain certification.

Average Salary

Annual Salary: The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Missouri is approximately $28,200.
Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $13.56.
Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

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

Training Programs in Missouri

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

St. Louis College of Health Careers (St. Louis)
Midwest Institute (Earth City)
Ozarks Technical Community College (Springfield)

Resources

Missouri 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 Missouri’s requirements is essential for pharmacy technicians looking to pursue a career. Always refer to the Missouri State Board of Pharmacy for the latest information and updates.