Pharmacy Technician New Hampshire Requirements

To become a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire, 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.
Application: Submit a notarized application with a passport photo and a $25 fee to the New Hampshire State Board of Pharmacy.
Training: Complete training under a licensed pharmacist.
Certification: Certification is not required but recommended.

Pharmacy Technicians in New Hampshire are regulated by the state, though certification is not mandatory. However, candidates must meet specific requirements and register with the State Board of Pharmacy.

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. Candidates must not have a history of drug-related crimes.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $25.00, including a passport photo and a notarized application.

Certification and Training

Certification: Certification through PTCB or ExCPT is not required but is approved. More information can be found on the PTCB website.
Training: Candidates must complete training under the supervision of a qualified, licensed pharmacist. Pharmacies must keep a record of the training completed.

Registration Process

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

Continuing Education

Hours: Continuing Education (CE) is not required by the State Board of Pharmacy.
Fee: An annual renewal fee of $25.00 is required.

Average Salary

Annual Salary: The average annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in New Hampshire is approximately $33,600.
Hourly Wage: This equates to an average hourly wage of about $16.16.
Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, location, and workplace setting can affect earnings.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

Job Growth: Employment for Pharmacy Technicians in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire

Several accredited programs provide the necessary training:

New England Institute of Technology (Concord)
Manchester Community College (Manchester)
Great Bay Community College (Portsmouth)

Resources

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire’s requirements is essential for those looking to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Technician. Always refer to the New Hampshire State Board of Pharmacy for the latest information and updates.

Expanding Roles and Skills Development

Advanced Responsibilities

Pharmacy technicians in New Hampshire can expand their roles to include:

Medication Therapy Management: Supporting pharmacists in managing patient medication therapies.
Patient Counseling: Assisting in patient education about medication usage and safety.

Skill Enhancement

Technicians can develop skills in:

Compounding: Creating personalized medications for patients.
Health Informatics: Utilizing technology to manage patient data and improve pharmacy operations.

Networking and Professional Growth

Join Professional Associations

Engage with organizations such as the New Hampshire Pharmacists Association (NHPA) and the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) for networking and career development opportunities.

Mentorship and Continuing Education

Participate in mentorship programs and continuing education to stay updated with industry advancements and enhance professional skills.