There’s a huge demand for pharmacy technicians in the health care and pharmaceutical care industries. Due to increasing needs for pharmaceutical products and services, jobs in the pharmaceutical industry are projected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations through the years 2021 through 2031. The expanding senior population and increasing availability of new medications will also fuel the demands for qualified pharmacy technicians in various settings, and as pharmacists focus more on patient care, the roles and responsibilities of technicians will expand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, employment opportunities for full-time and part-time technicians will explode. Certified pharmacy technicians will receive the best opportunities as the industry seeks trained, competent, and skilled support personnel.
Federal regulations along with the professional standards outlined by the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy govern the activities of pharmacy technicians within state pharmacies. While the state focuses on the registration and criminal history of pharmacy technicians, most employers require formal training and certification to reduce instances of medication errors and ensure public safety.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Arkansas
Arkansas Pharmacy Technician Requirements
License Requirement
Pharmacy technicians must register with the Board of Pharmacy using the Board-provided form. As part of the application for registration, applicants must consent to a criminal background check and submit details of their high school education. Applicants for registration cannot commence work until the Board approves the application and issues a permit to work, which must be displayed in a visible place in the pharmacy. The license expires on December 31 biennially.
Pharmacy employers have the responsibility to verify a prospective employee’s registration with the Board and ensure that the Board issues a permit for the technician to work at that specific location. The employer must complete this step before assigning pharmacy technician related duties.
The pharmacy technician’s obligations to the Board don’t culminate with registration. The Board requires technicians to:
- Renew their licenses before December 31 on even-numbered years
- Notify the Board in writing of any name or address changes within 14 days of making the change
- Notify the Board of changes in employment. The pharmacist-in-charge at both old and new places of employment shall also inform the Board
- Secure a permit and receive an acknowledgment from the Board before commencing work at a new place of employment.
The application processing time is three weeks after the Board receives all the required documentation.
Age Requirement
Applicants for pharmacy technician registration in Arkansas must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Education Requirement
The Board requires applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent education as a prerequisite to registration. Along with the application, submit one of the following documents as proof of former education:
- A high school diploma
- High school transcript
- Diploma from a recognized college
- College transcript
- A letter from the high school verifying your graduation date. The letter must contain a seal and official signature from the school.
- GED documents.
A high school diploma is the minimum education requirement for registration. It is, currently, also the minimum requirement for certification by the PTCB. PTCB certification also requires completion of an ASHP accredited program.
Other Requirements
To be eligible for registration, all applicants must also have a good moral character and pass a state and federal background check. The application form requests information on each candidate’s personal history. Applicants should respond truthfully to all questions and reveal all convictions, whether the arrest or citation was dismissed or expunged. The criminal history questions cover DWI, DUI and MIP violations, theft, domestic violence, assault, shoplifting, possession of controlled substances and any other violations under state and federal laws. The Board could deny the application for any untruthful responses to the questions.
In addition to the questionnaire, applicants must complete a fingerprint card, using the standard FBI card, and send a completed and notarized criminal background check form with the application. The last name on the criminal background check must match the last name on the application for registration and the driver’s license.
Note that prior convictions/misdemeanors will not automatically negate your application for registration. Once you’re truthful about the convictions and provide documentation detailing the circumstances surrounding the convictions, the Board will review and make a decision based on several factors, including your age at the time and the time elapsed.
The Pharmacy Technician Program
Content
More than 50 percent of pharmacy technicians opt for formal training, even though, the state does not require it for registration. The programs offered at community colleges, universities, vocational schools, and other institutions fill up quickly as students rush to meet employer demands for training. The state requirements for registration, like some other states, stipulate high school as a minimum. However, employer requirements often exceed those minimums. Most employers prefer trained and certified pharmacy technicians who can easily execute assigned tasks with minimum training.
Pharmacy technician training program prepare graduates to do just that. ASHP-accredited programs and those accredited by other established authorities comprise of classroom, lab, and clinical components to produce well-rounded graduates. In the classroom, instructors cover topics such as medical abbreviations, brand name and generic drugs, pharmacy law, professional ethics, dosage calculation, pharmacy administration, drug delivery systems and much more.
In a mock pharmacy setting, students get hands-on opportunities to practice the preparation of medications, label prescriptions, process orders, and interact with “patients.” The clinical aspect of the training is another critical component, and at most schools, completing the clinical internship is a requirement for graduation. During the clinical, students work in a community or hospital pharmacy performing non-sterile product compounding, packaging, labeling, and interacting with members of the pharmacy team and public.
Duration and Cost
The cost of training depends on the institute and the credential issued at the end of training. Degree programs obviously cost more than diploma and certificate programs. The pharmacy technician program at Arkansas State College costs $3,468. Other expenses for textbooks, uniforms, and supplies are extra. Financial aid may be available in the form of federal and private loans.
If you’re looking for opportunities for free training, you can look to employer-sponsored program and train while you work at licensed pharmacies across the state. The pharmacist-in-charge at many pharmacies provide training for new employees to prepare them for their roles and responsibilities as part of the pharmacy-services team. The content may be similar to those offered at community colleges and vocational schools without the accompanying costs. Since the training may not be recognized by other employers within and outside the state, as a graduate of an employer-based program, you can increase your competitive advantage by applying for national certification. Note: There may be a waiting list to secure employer-sponsored training.
If you choose the paid training option, you should ensure that the program is accredited. Also, ask about the total cost of attendance as advertised fees don’t always include the costs for textbooks, uniform, lab fees, registration, and other supplies.
The duration of the training depends on the class schedule and the type of credential issued. The duration of diploma and certificate programs ranges from 4 to 16 months and degree programs last much longer.
National Exams
National certification is not a Board of Pharmacy requirement at this current time, but regulations can change in the future. Many pharmacy technicians within the state still pursue certification to improve their employment opportunities and earn higher salaries.
There are two recognized agencies for obtaining national certification: the National Healthcareer Association and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
Candidates for PTCB certification can apply year-round using the Board’s online portal. You can pay the $129 application fee using your credit card or e-check. Paper applications are available for those with a disability or hardship that prevents them from applying online. The PTCB requires a written request for paper submissions.
Applicants for certification must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.
- Disclose criminal convictions and any actions taken against the candidate by any State Board of Pharmacy.
- Obtain a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
- Candidates must also agree to abide by PTCB Policies and Procedures.
The PTCE is available at more than 200 Pearson Vue testing centers across the nation. Once certified, technicians can recertify every two years after fulfilling the continuing education requirements of 20 pharmacy education continuing units. The renewal fee is $49.
The ExCPT, managed by the NHA, is the second option for certification. The exam is available at more than 500 PSI/LaserGrade centers across the nation. To qualify for certification, you must:
- At least18 years at the time of application
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Have completed a formal training program or at least 12 months of pharmacy-related employment
Candidates can register online and call a PSI/LaserGrade center to schedule a test after NHA approves the application. The cost for certification is $125 for two years. Candidates must complete the continuing education requirements and pay the renewal fee in order to recertify.
Acquiring Your State License
Application
Pharmacy technicians cannot perform the duties of a technician until the Board approves an application for registration and issues a certificate of registration and permit to work at a specific pharmacy. The pharmacy must display the permit in a prominent place for public perusal. After submitting the application, fee, and all the required documents, the Board will review the request and inform the candidate in writing within three (3) weeks. Following is a basic guideline for submitting a new registration with the Board.
Pharmacy technician application:
- Download the application form online and enter a truthful response to all questions. The Board will return your documents if you fail to answer all questions.
- Enclose a check or money order payable to the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy in the amount of $71.25.
- Include a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, GED certificate, or letter from your high school confirming your graduation date. You can present your college transcript.
- Include a copy of your driver’s license or other state ID.
- Include a copy of your social security number card – no substitutions
- Complete the AR State Police/FBI Criminal Background Check Identity Verification Form and sign in the presence of a notary
- Include a completed fingerprint card – the standard FBI fingerprint card.
- Submit any other required documentation if a Request for Waiver is required
- Mail the completed application, supporting documents, and fee to the Board of Pharmacy
Once the Board receives the application, they will run a state background check and then email or mail a Transaction Number that you will need to provide to an electronic fingerprint harvester to have your fingerprints electronically submitted to the Board. A list of current electronic fingerprint harvesters is available on the Board’s website.
Renewal
Pharmacy technician licenses expire on December 31st every two years. For fast and convenient renewal, you can renew online using a credit card. Failure to renew by February 1 of the following year will result in a $20 penalty. Renewals submitted later than February 1 will result in a $40 penalty. Applications who fail to renew by April 1 must apply for a reinstatement, pay the late fees, and undergo another criminal background check in order to keep working as a pharmacy technician. The reinstatement fee is $111.25.
Use the following steps to renew your application online:
- Gather your registration and social security numbers; you’ll need them to complete the renewal.
- Go to the online renewal portal on the Board of Pharmacy website to renew online.
- Submit any changes to your existing mailing and email addresses.
- Use your MasterCard, Discover, Visa or American Express card to pay the $70 renewal fee. You can also use a preprinted e-check to submit payment.
- Print the confirmation of registration and keep a copy for your records.
Transfer
If you’re registered in another state, you’ll have to submit a new registration with the Board of Pharmacy before you begin practicing as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas. Complete the application form, fingerprint card and sign the criminal background check form in the presence of a notary. Send the documents along with the application fee to the Board of Pharmacy address provided below.
Contact the Board of Pharmacy:
Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy
322 South Main Street, Suite 600
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-0190
Fax: 501-682-0195
Email: adh.pharm.cs@arkansas.gov
Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Arkansas
Beebe, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Arkansas State University – Beebe
ATTN: Pharmacy Technician Program
P.O. Box 1000
Beebe, AR 72012
(501) 882-8896
Hot Springs, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
National Park Community College
101 College Drive
Hot Springs, AR 71913
(501) 760-6416
Petra Allied Health
Eastgate Plaza
2212 Malvern Ave. Suite 2
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 627-1906
Little Rock, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Heritage College
1309 Old Forge Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72227
(501) 708-0909
Remington College – Little Rock
19 Remington Drive
Little Rock, AR 72204
1-800-323-8122
Paragould, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Black River Technical College – Paragould Campus
1 Black River Drive
Paragould, AR 72450
(870) 239-0969
West Memphis, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Mid-South Community College
2000 West Broadway
West Memphis , AR 72301
(870) 733-6042
Employer-Based Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Arkansas
Bentonville, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Sam’s Club Pharmacy #4969
3500 SE Club Blvd
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479)621-0283
Walmart Pharmacy #2741
3510 SE 14th St
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479)621-6470
Northwest Medical Center Phcy
3000 Medical Center Pkwy
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479)553-4157
USA Drug Express #1030
1101 N Walton Blvd
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479)273-3394
Fayetteville, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Collier Rexall Drug Store #1
100 W Dickson St
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479)442-6262
Walgreens Pharmacy #7847
524 S School Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479)251-7685
Regency Hospital Of NW Arkansas
1125 N College Ave FL 4
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)713-7083
VA Medical Center Pharmacy
1100 N College Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)443-4301
Southgate Pharmacy
1620 S School Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479)443-4747
USA Drug Express #1013
1572 N College Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)521-3200
Harp’s Pharmacy #176
1189 N Garland Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)444-7967
Medical Arts Pharmacy
2515 E Huntsville Rd
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479)443-3411
USA Drug Express #1033
2111 W Martin Luther King Blvd
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479)442-5225
Walgreens Pharmacy #5475
300 E Township St
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)582-0098
Harp’s Pharmacy #177
1780 N Crossover Rd
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479)571-1214
Medicap Pharmacy #8221
2818 W Martin Luther King Blvd
Fayetteville, AR 72704
(479)571-4545
Walgreens Pharmacy #11781
2964 W Martin Luther King Blvd
Fayetteville, AR 72704
(479)521-5103
Walgreens Pharmacy #11988
2750 E Mission Blvd
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)442-2134
Walmart Pharmacy #144
2875 W Martin Luther King Blvd
Fayetteville, AR 72704
(479)521-4350
Walmart Pharmacy #2745
2690 E Citizens Dr
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)571-6673
Harps Pharmacy #124
1274 N Colorado Dr
Fayetteville, AR 72704
(479)251-9130
Harp’s Pharmacy #355
3055 N College Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)442-7917
Highlands Pharmacy
3232 N Northhills Blvd
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)695-1199
Health South Rehab Hosp Phcy
153 E Monte Painter Dr
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)444-2259
Collier North Hills Pharmacy
3380 N Futrall Dr Ste 2
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)443-9200
Target Pharmacy #1470
3545 N Shiloh Dr
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)443-5628
Walgreens Pharmacy #7718
4007 N Shiloh Dr
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)442-4756
Walmart Pharmacy #359
3919 N Mall Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)443-9267
United Medical Pharmacy
2901 E Zion Rd Ste 11
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479)973-4889
Little Rock, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
USA Pharmacy #8418
1601 Main St
Little Rock, AR 72206
(501)371-9229
City Pharmacy
1801 Broadway St
Little Rock, AR 72206
(501)374-6565
Kroger Pharmacy #550
1100 E Roosevelt Rd
Little Rock, AR 72206
(501)375-5645
Walgreens Pharmacy #12738
3901 W Markham St
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)664-6017
Little Rock Comm Hlth Ctr Phcy
4400 Shuffield Dr
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)686-9052
Arkansas State Hospital Phcy
305 S Palm St
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)686-9047
Kroger Pharmacy #636
614 Beechwood St
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)666-7997
Rhea Drug Store
2801 Kavanaugh Blvd
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)663-4131
Arkansas Health Department Phcy
4815 W Markham St Lot 25
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)661-2325
Kavanaugh Pharmacy
5008 Kavanaugh Blvd
Little Rock, AR 72207
(501)664-3844
Smith Country Club Drug Store
5114 Kavanaugh Blvd
Little Rock, AR 72207
(501)663-4118
Walgreens Pharmacy #3413
5501 W 12th St
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501)663-2142
Blandford Pharmacy
5 Saint Vincent Cir Ste 110
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)664-4466
Kroger Pharmacy #644
1900 N Polk St
Little Rock, AR 72207
(501)663-3257
Medic Pharmacy #1
5901 W 12th St Ste 1
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501)664-3907
Target Pharmacy #2737
420 S University Ave
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)801-3413
USA Drug Express #1001
500 S University Ave
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)664-4121
Baptist Health Medical Ctr Phcy
9601 I-6 30
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)202-2000
Kroger Pharmacy #639
2509 McCain Blvd Ste 3
North Little Rock, AR 72116
(501)758-9307
Baptist Health Extended Care
9601 Interstate 630 Exit 7
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)202-1070
Walgreens Pharmacy #5730
3710 S University Ave
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501)568-1486
Tanglewood Drug Store
6815 Cantrell Rd
Little Rock, AR 72207
(501)664-4444
Family Medical Center Pharmacy
4202 S University Ave
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501)562-3314
Kroger Pharmacy #632
6420 Colonel Glenn Rd
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501)565-0188
Medic Pharmacy #2
6221 Colonel Glenn Rd Ste 4
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501)562-3740
Cantrell Rexall Drug
7321 Cantrell Rd
Little Rock, AR 72207
(501)663-6368
Walgreens Pharmacy #11345
7601 Cantrell Rd
Little Rock, AR 72227
(501)221-1601
Kroger Pharmacy #630
8415 W Markham St
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)227-8200
USA Drug Express #1005
105 N Rodney Parham Rd Ste 3
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)224-8480
Don’s Pharmacy
8609 W Markham St Ste A
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)225-2222
Drug Emporium Pharmacy #240
9112 N Rodney Parham Rd
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)223-2262
Walgreens Pharmacy #10364
9200 N Rodney Parham Rd
Little Rock, AR 72227
(501)223-9814
Baptist Medical Towers Pharmacy
9601 Baptist Health Dr Ste 109
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)202-2460
North Little Rock, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Baker Valu-Rite Drug
4133 E Broadway St
North Little Rock, AR 72117
(501)945-3264
Kroger Pharmacy #638
4403 Camp Robinson Rd
North Little Rock, AR 72118
(501)758-6360
Veterans Affairs Pharmacy
2200 Fort Roots Dr
North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501)257-2925
Argenta Drug
324 Main St
North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501)374-4851
Medicine Man Pharmacy
2520 Main St
North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501)758-7581
Kroger Pharmacy #633
900 W Pershing Blvd
North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501)771-2903
Medicine Shoppe #1686
324 W Pershing Blvd Ste 100
North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501)758-1010
Walgreens Pharmacy #10352
2500 McCain Blvd
North Little Rock, AR 72116
(501)812-6228
USA Drug #15
2743 Lakewood Village Dr
North Little Rock, AR 72116
(501)758-8723
Walmart Pharmacy #1105
4450 E McCain Blvd
North Little Rock, AR 72117
(501)945-9400
Pharmerica Pharmacy #4110
3809 McCain Park Dr Ste 105
North Little Rock, AR 72116
(501)753-1529
Kroger Pharmacy #642
6929 John F Kennedy Blvd
North Little Rock, AR 72116
(501)835-6530
Sam’s Club Pharmacy #8266
5600 Landers Rd
North Little Rock, AR 72117
(501)955-9451
Mark’s Pharmacy
7311 N Hills Blvd
North Little Rock, AR 72116
(501)835-7775
Arkansas Surgical Hospital Phcy
5201 Northshore Dr
North Little Rock, AR 72118
(501)748-8041
Rogers, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Walgreens Pharmacy #9813
2503 W Pleasant Grove Rd
Rogers, AR 72758
(479)936-8079
Target Pharmacy #2498
2404 Promenade Blvd
Rogers, AR 72758
(479)986-1101
Walmart Pharmacy #5822
2708 Rife Dr
Rogers, AR 72758
(479)636-4101
Walmart Pharmacy #5837
5000 Pauline Whitaker Pkwy
Rogers, AR 72758
(479)254-6806
Sherwood, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
St Vincents N Rehab Hosp Phcy
2201 Wildwood Ave
Sherwood, AR 72120
(501)834-6636
Walgreens Pharmacy #4017
8521 Highway 107
Sherwood, AR 72120
(501)833-2603
Springdale, AR Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Harp’s Pharmacy #123
1007 Jones Rd
Springdale, AR 72762
(479)361-1950
Walmart Pharmacy #54
2004 S Pleasant St
Springdale, AR 72764
(479)756-0860
Harp’s Pharmacy #119
2894 W Sunset Ave
Springdale, AR 72762
(479)751-0882
USA Drug #6
2300 W Sunset Ave
Springdale, AR 72762
(479)756-6464
Walgreens Pharmacy #13811
3251 W Sunset Ave
Springdale, AR 72762
(479)756-1290
Walmart Pharmacy #2742
1375 Market Square Dr
Springdale, AR 72762
(479)750-7856
Price Cutter Pharmacy #108
1109 S Thompson St
Springdale, AR 72764
(479)751-0464
Westside Health Mart Pharmacy
3819 W Sunset Ave
Springdale, AR 72762
(479)756-3232
Walgreens Pharmacy #12670
3234 E Robinson Ave
Springdale, AR 72764
(479)756-4368
City Pharmacy
701 S Thompson St Ste A
Springdale, AR 72764
(479)751-2072
Harp’s Pharmacy #170
1945 Butterfield Coach Rd
Springdale, AR 72764
(479)927-3379
Walmart Pharmacy #5738
3553 E Robinson Ave
Springdale, AR 72764
(479)750-2903
Mc Kinney’s Drug
601 W Maple Ave Ste 201
Springdale, AR 72764
(479)751-4536
Springdale Family Pharmacy
400 W Emma Ave
Springdale, AR 72764
(479)751-7408