A profession’s job outlook is typically the deciding factor when considering your career goals. The growing demand for healthcare professionals is indisputable as multiple instances of chronic diseases among the aging population rises. The prescription medications required to treat diseases will also create demand for pharmacy technicians to support pharmacists in community and institutional pharmacies.
Apart from the need for more technicians, the industry needs competent individuals who are capable of fulfilling the growing list of responsibilities that technicians must perform. Pharmacists are assuming more clinical roles in the pharmacy, leaving technicians to manage more of the administrative responsibilities. Many states, including the District of Columbia, have expanded the scope of duties for technicians. The added responsibilities increase the needed for formal education and certification. DC Health recognizes certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association.
DC Pharmacy Technician License Requirements
DC Health regulates pharmacy technicians and requires all technicians to register before practicing. Pharmacy technicians may register as a new registrant, by grandfathering, by reciprocity, or as a pharmacy technician trainee. A person must register with the Board as a pharmacy technician trainee within 30 days after beginning an employer-based pharmacy technician program that is recognized by the Board. Persons completing a non-employer-based technician training must register as a trainee before performing the duties of a technician in the pharmacy. Trainees may perform the duties of a pharmacy technician under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, OR
- Have passed a Board-approved exam proving competency in the educational skills required to perform the function of a pharmacy technician, AND
- Have a certificate from PTCB, NHA, or another state-certifying organization approved by the Board
- Must have completed one of the Board approved pharmacy technician training programs:
- A board recognized national, regional or state accredited pharmacy technician program
- A pharmacy technician training program at an accredited college or university
- An employer-based pharmacy technician training program
- A pharmacy technician training program that meets the guidelines of the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) and is licensed by the District Educational Licensure Commission
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to register as a pharmacy technician in DC.
Education Requirement
The DC Board of Pharmacy requires all applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Applicants must have completed one of the Board approved pharmacy technician training.
Other Requirements
Since a major part of a pharmacy technician’s role and function is to handle and dispense controlled substances, a background check is an essential part of the registration process. Applicants must answer the Clean Hands Before Receiving a License or Permit Act of 1996 Certification Form Requirement on the application as well as the questions related to criminal history. Certain convictions may result in denial of registration.
The Pharmacy Technician Program
Content
Board approved pharmacy technician programs in DC must cover theory and practical instruction to prepare students to perform the functions of a pharmacy technician. There must be a minimum of 160 hours of practical experience and the duration of the program must not exceed one year. According to the Board’s guidelines, instruction should cover the role and responsibility of the pharmacy technician, knowledge of prescription medications, the dispensing process, interacting with patients, third party prescriptions, sterile and non-sterile compounding, and pharmaceutical calculations. Other topics are federal and district laws and regulations governing controlled substances and the practice of pharmacy, drugs used to treat major chronic conditions, confidentiality, knowledge of specific dosing considerations for pediatric and geriatric populations, and professional standards for labeling, dispensing, storing, and administration of medication.
National Exams
The DC State Board of Pharmacy does not require technicians to obtain certification. It also does not recognize of the national certification agencies. Certification could be a requirement for employment as many employers hold the certification as the standard for pharmacy technician employees.
Pharmacy technicians in DC can apply for and obtain PTCB certification after meeting the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must provide proof of completing high school or GED equivalency
- Complete have a clean criminal record with no disciplinary actions from a State Board of Pharmacy
- Must have completed an accredited pharmacy technician program (ASHP accredited)
- Complete the application for the national exam and pay the fee of $129
The certification is valid for two years and can be renewed after completing the continuous education requirements. Renewal candidates must complete 20 hours of CE during the cycle. One hour must be related to pharmacy law and regulations, one hour for patient safety, and the rest must be related to the professional work and practice of a pharmacy technician. The renewal cost is $40.
The ICPT designs and develops the ExCPT exam. To be eligible to take the ExCPT, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a completed a training program or have at least 12 months of pharmacy-related experience – completed within 36 months of the application date
- Take and pass the ExCPT exam
- Pay the exam fee of $105
Pharmacy technician programs at community colleges and vocational schools will include modules dedicated to success on the national exam.
Acquiring Your State Permit
Application
Candidates for a pharmacy technician permit must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. A criminal background check is a required step in the registration process.
New Pharmacy Technician Registration:
- Submit a completed signed application for DC Registration
- Submit two recent and identical passport-size photo (approx. 2 x 2)
- Provide social security number or a sworn affidavit stating that you do not have a social security number and proof of legal authorization to work in the US
- Provide a copy of legal name change if your name has changed at any point since first attendance of high school, college, or university. Acceptable documents of name change include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders
- Submit a clear copy of a US government-issued photo ID
- Complete the requirements for a criminal background check
- Submit official school transcript or its equivalent or proof of passing a Board approved exam that proves your competency to perform the function of a pharmacy technician
- Provide a clear copy of current Pharmacy Technician Certification from _ PTCB, NHA, or another state certifying organization approved by the Board, or a certificate of completion of a board approved pharmacy technician program which included a board approved exam
- Enclose check, money order or certified check in the amount of $50 (application fee) and made payable to DC Treasurer
Pharmacy Technician Registration by Reciprocity:
- Submit a completed signed application for DC Registration
- Submit two recent and identical passport-size photo (approx. 2 x 2)
- Provide social security number or a sworn affidavit stating that you do not have a social security number and proof of legal authorization to work in the US
- Provide a copy of legal name change if your name has changed at any point since first attendance of high school, college, or university. Acceptable documents of name change include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders
- Submit a clear copy of a US government-issued photo ID
- Complete the requirements for a criminal background check
- Provide proof of current licensure, registration, or certification in good standing to practice as a pharmacy technician in another state
- Provide verification from each state in which the applicant holds or has ever help a pharmacy technician registration
- Enclose check, money order or certified check in the amount of $50 (application fee) and made payable to DC Treasurer
Pharmacy Technician Trainee Registration:
- Submit a completed signed application for DC Registration
- Submit two recent and identical passport-size photo (approx. 2 x 2)
- Provide social security number or a sworn affidavit stating that you do not have a social security number and proof of legal authorization to work in the US
- Provide a copy of legal name change if your name has changed at any point since first attendance of high school, college, or university. Acceptable documents of name change include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders
- Submit a clear copy of a US government-issued photo ID
- Complete the requirements for a criminal background check
- Submit official school transcript or its equivalent
- Document showing enrolment in a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program and employment as a pharmacy technician trainee
- Submit a letter from a pharmacist/training program showing that a Pharmacy Technician Training shall perform duties that commensurate with the training and experience he or she has received
Renewal
Pharmacy technician registrations expire on February 28th of each odd-numbered year, Renew using the following procedures:
- Use the renewal link to renew online
- Pay the renewal fee of $50 and an additional $50 for a criminal background check
- Submit documentation of completing the continuing education requirements – 20 CE consisting of
- At least two hours in pharmacy law
- At least two hours in medication safety
- At least two hours in cultural competency or
specialized clinical training focusing on patients or
clients who identify as LGBTQ, or question their
sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
Contact the Board:
DC Health
899 North Capitol Street, NE,
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 442-5955
Fax: (202) 442-4795
TTY: 711
Email: doh@dc.gov
ASHP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in DC
There are no ASHP accredited programs in DC
Other Pharmacy Technician Programs in DC
Washington, DC Pharmacy Technician programs:
University of the District of Columbia
4200 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-274-5000