A pharmacy technician assists in the delivery of medication and other pharmacy products under the supervision of a pharmacist. Due to higher standards and stringent training and certification requirements, Iowa’s pharmacists demonstrate their confidence in their technicians by delegating numerous tasks that do not require a pharmacist’s professional judgment. Iowa’s Board of Pharmacy is one of a few state boards that mandates national certification for all technicians. Technicians and prospective technicians must also complete formal training at an accredited provider or from an employer-sponsored program. Training gives technicians a broad knowledge of pharmacy practice and the skills needed to prepare and package medications, manage inventory, calculate dosages, and maintain patient confidentiality. Iowa’s regulations give pharmacy technicians the freedom to perform many of the duties of a pharmacist. However, the pharmacist supervisor must check the medication before dispensing to the patient.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Iowa
Iowa Pharmacy Technician Requirements
License Requirement
Any individual employed as a pharmacy technician in Iowa must obtain and maintain a current registration with the Board. The individual must submit the application for registration within 30 days of commencing work. Students enrolled in a pharmacy technician training program must also apply for registration as a pharmacy technician trainee before commencing the practical portion of the training. Anyone who fails to register and maintain national certification (Certified Pharmacy Technician) may be subject to disciplinary actions. Iowa’s established rules for registration ensures pharmacy technicians have the competency and skills required to complete their duties on the job. Registration also helps the Board to keep track of pharmacy technicians and administer disciplinary action when needed. After receiving confirmation of registration, a pharmacy technician must renew the license biennially to continue working in a licensed pharmacy. There are no continuing education requirements for renewal. However, the technician must maintain certification with the PTCB or NHA.
Technician trainee licenses expire one year following the date of issue and are not renewable. Employers should verify a technician’s status with the registry as pharmacists are ultimately responsible for the actions of a pharmacy technician (trainee) within their care.
Pharmacy interns who work as pharmacy technicians are exempt from the registration requirements if they’re in good standing with the Board.
Age Requirement
Pharmacy technicians and technician trainees must be at least 18 years old when applying for registration with the Board. Both the PTCB and NHA require applicants for certification to be 18 years or older.
Education Requirement
Although the Board does not request proof of high school completion, applicants cannot obtain PTCB or NHA certification (to register in Iowa) without a diploma or GED. Individuals must also complete pharmacy technician training from an ASHP accredited program, accredited college, or approved pharmacy employer.
Other Requirements
An applicant for registration must declare any history of felony or misdemeanor crimes. This includes any guilty pleas or no contest to felonies or misdemeanors – does not include minor traffic violations with fines under $100. Provide supporting documents along with your application if you answer “yes” to any of the criminal history questions.
The Pharmacy Technician Program
Content
Iowa’s Pharmacy Board recommends pharmacy technician programs accredited by the ASHP or accredited colleges. During training, students learn medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacy laws. Anatomy, identifying drugs, dispensing drugs, communications and patient confidentiality are other major components of the coursework. Accredited programs provide preparatory training for those seeking national certification, which gives students the confidence to obtain a passing score on national exams, such as the PTCB or ExCPT.
Colleges like DMACC West Campus requires students to complete clinical rotations in both a retail and hospital setting, which gives them exposure and competency to work in any pharmacy setting. The clinical rotation is a critical component of pharmacy technician training; students cannot graduate without completing the hands-on training at a community or hospital pharmacy. Training providers may conduct a criminal background check and require students to take a physical exam, and pass a TB and drug test before participating in the clinical externship. The Board of Pharmacy requires students to apply for registration as a pharmacy technician trainee before the practical component of the training begins.
Duration and Cost
The average cost of $2,499 does not include expenses for textbooks, uniform, workbooks, national certification, criminal background check, and other supplies. Financial aid may be available for qualifying students. The duration of the program depends on the type of credential awarded at the end of training. Certificate programs run from 24 to 36 weeks while diploma and degree programs can last up to 52 weeks.
Employer-based training remains the preferred mode of training for many Iowa technicians as it affords students an opportunity to train for free while earning an income. Employer-based training may be up to 12 months long as the pharmacist-in-charge trains technicians in all aspects of the services they must provide to the public. There are a few drawbacks to employer-based training: there might be a long waiting list for training (recruiting new employees) due to low turnover in the industry and fewer opportunities are available as understaffed employers hire pharmacy technicians who are already trained and certified.
National Exams
Iowa’s pharmacy technicians must pursue certification through one of the two major certifying agencies: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association. Technicians who successfully pass the exam and meet the requirements of either agency can bear the CPhT credential. Both agencies require applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and obtain a passing score on the exam. Certified technicians must meet the annual continuing education requirements to maintain their CPhT status and renew their registration with the Board of Pharmacy. Since certified technicians are bound by a strict code of conduct and ethics, there are fewer instances of medication errors and violation of patients’ confidentiality in Iowa.
The PTCB is a nationally recognized and the older of the two certifying agencies. They not only ensure pharmacy technicians have the basic skills to support pharmacists on the job but also have strict continuing education requirements to improve critical thinking and boost staff retention. The PTCE is available at more than 200 Pearson Vue testing centers across the nation, including several centers in Iowa. Candidates for certification must completed accredited training before applying for the exam. Applicants must submit a request online and pay the $129 fee. The exam is two hours’ long and comprises of 90-multiple-choice questions. The biennial renewal fee is $40.
The ExCPT is another option for certification that is recognized by a growing number of states, including Iowa’s Board of Pharmacy. Apart from the standard age, criminal history, and education requirements, NHA requires prospective CPhTs to complete formal pharmacy technician training or at least 12 months of employment before taking the certification exam. Students receive their results immediately following the 2-hour, 110-question computerized test. The fee for certification is $117, and renewal is also every two years.
Acquiring Your State License
Application
There are two registration options for Iowa’s pharmacy technicians. Those who have not completed the requirements for national certification must register as a pharmacy technician trainee and register again as a Certified Pharmacy Technician before the trainee license expires. An individual who is nationally certified by the PTCB or NHA can apply for registration as a certified pharmacy technician. All applicants must be at least 18 years and provide information on their educational background, criminal history, work experience and current employment on the application form.
Pharmacy Technician Trainee Application:
Iowa defines a pharmacy technician trainee as an individual who is training to become a pharmacy technician or someone who is pursuing national certification through one of the national certifying agencies.
Following are the steps for registration.
- Print a copy of the application from the Board’s website and answer all questions.
- Provide your social security number, educational background, criminal history, and current employment. If you’re registering as a prerequisite to training as part of a college-based externship, you should make a note on the form.
- Include copies of your high school diploma and other education completed.
- Include a copy of your state-issued ID and social security card.
- Enclose the $20 application fee using a check or money order. Make check payable to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy.
- Include supporting documents if there are criminal convictions in your past.
- Double-check the application before mailing to the address provided below – the Board will return incomplete applications.
- Applicants are strongly advised to perform a background check on themselves through Iowa Courts Online or have an employer perform one prior to submitting the application
Pharmacy technician trainee registrations are non-renewable as technician trainees must register as a Certified Pharmacy Technician within one year, starting from the date of employment. If the technician does not obtain national certification within the one-year period, he/she cannot continue to provide services or train in the pharmacy.
Certified Pharmacy Technician Application:
After passing a national certification exam and acquiring CPhT certification, a pharmacy technician trainee can register as a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Iowa.
If the individual fails to register within 30 days of commencing employment, the Board will assess a $40 penalty, so the total cost of registration will be $80.
Following are the steps for registration.
- Print a copy of the application from the Board’s website and answer all questions.
- Provide your social security number, educational background, criminal history, and current employment
- Include copies of your high school diploma and other education completed.
- Include a copy of your state-issued ID and social security card.
- Enclose the application fee using a check or money order. Make check payable to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. Note the application fee is prorated based on the expiration of national certification – eg, an application with national certification expiration in 5-12 months is $10 and national certification expiration in 1-2 years is $20
- Provide a copy of your current national certified pharmacy technician certificate (PTCB or NHA)
- Include supporting documents if there are criminal convictions in your past.
- Double-check the application before mailing it to the address provided below – the Board will return incomplete applications.
- Applicants are strongly advised to perform a background check on themselves through Iowa Courts Online or have an employer perform one prior to submitting the application
Applications are valid for 45 days. You will need to submit a new application with fee if you do not complete your application within the timeframe.
Renewal
Certified pharmacy technicians’ licenses expire on the last day of their birth month every two years. The Board sends a renewal application to the licensee’s last known address at least two months prior to the license expiration.
Following are the steps for renewal.
- If you did not receive the renewal application in the mail, you can print a copy from the Board’s Website.
- Inform the Board of any address or name changes within 10 days of making the change.
- Pay the renewal fee using a check or money order.
Failure to renew your license on time would cause your license to lapse into a delinquent status. The penalty for late renewal is $40; the fee increases in $10 increments with each passing month up to a maximum penalty of $70.
Transfer
A pharmacy technician who is licensed in another state should follow the procedure for a new registration as Iowa does not practice reciprocity with other states.
Contact the Board:
Iowa Board of Pharmacy
400 SW Eighth Street, Suite E
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4688
Phone: (515) 281-5944
Fax: (515) 281-4609
Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Iowa
Algona, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Iowa Lakes Community College
2111 Highway 169 North
Algona, Iowa 50511
515-295-9455
Amana, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Amana Pharmacy
507 39th Ave
Amana, IA 52203
(319)622-3341
Cedar Rapids, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Kirkwood Community College
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
319-398-5626
Apple Pharmacy
9255 Atlantic Dr SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319)396-1386
Hy-Vee Pharmacy #1056
20 Wilson Ave SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319)362-3649
Target Pharmacy #1771
3400 Edgewood Rd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319)396-4777
Centerville, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Indian Hills Community College
721 N. First Street
Centerville, IA 52544
(641) 856-2143
Coralville, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Nucara Pharmacy
1150 5th St Ste 140
Coralville, IA 52241
(319)354-6953
Hy-Vee Pharmacy #1080
1914 8th St
Coralville, IA 52241
(319)351-3880
Target Pharmacy #1113
1441 Coral Ridge Ave
Coralville, IA 52241
(319)248-1080
Walmart Pharmacy #2827
2801 Commerce Dr
Coralville, IA 52241
(319)545-6412
Walgreens Pharmacy #10985
2751 Heartland Dr
Coralville, IA 52241
(319)545-4600
Iowa Medical/Classification Ctr
2700 Coral Ridge Ave
Coralville, IA 52241
(319)626-2391
Council Bluffs, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Iowa Western Community College
Continuing Education
2700 College Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
712.325.3404
Iowa City, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
CVS Pharmacy #8539
201 S Clinton St
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)358-6462
Dental Pharmacy
306 Dental Science S
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319)335-7435
West Lawn Pharmacy
4189 Westlawn S
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319)335-9829
Hy-Vee Pharmacy #1281
1720 Waterfront Dr
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)354-7121
K Mart Pharmacy #4315
851 Hollywood Blvd
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)351-1768
Hy-Vee Pharmacy #1285
812 S 1st Ave
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319)337-4279
Hy-Vee Pharmacy #1288
1201 N Dodge St
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319)337-6323
Hy-Vee Pharmacy #7042
310 N 1st Ave
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319)351-2921
Towncrest Pharmacy
2306 Muscatine Ave
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)337-3526
CVS Pharmacy #8547
2425 Muscatine Ave
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)338-7545
Walmart Pharmacy #1721
919 Highway 1 W
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319)337-8862
Pharmacy Matters
230 Scott Ct Ste 238
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319)337-2492
Accredo Therapeutics
2415 Heinz Rd
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)354-7844
Hartig Drug #10
701 Mormon Trek Blvd
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319)338-5778
Kalona, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Miller’s Medicine Cabinet
214 5th St
Kalona, IA 52247
(319)656-3134
Marshalltown, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Iowa Valley Continuing Education
3702 South Center Street,
Marshalltown, Iowa 50158
641.752.4645
Mount Vernon, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Shepley Pharmacy
113 1st St NE
Mount Vernon, IA 52314
(319)895-6248
North Liberty, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Liberty Pharmacy
555 W Cherry St
North Liberty, IA 52317
(319)626-6188
Sioux City, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Western Iowa Tech Community College
4647 Stone Avenue, PO Box 5199
Sioux City, Iowa 51102-5199
800-352-4649
Tipton, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Tipton Pharmacy
124 E 5th St
Tipton, IA 52772
(563)886-2158
Walmart Pharmacy #841
1128 Highway 38
Tipton, IA 52772
(563)886-2117
West Des Moines, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
DMACC West Campus
5959 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-633-2407
West Liberty, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
West Liberty Pharmacy
311 W Rainbow Dr
West Liberty, IA 52776
(319)627-4317
Williamsburg, IA Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Peterson Drug
514 Elm St
Williamsburg, IA 52361
(319)668-1664
Star Drug
517 Court St
Williamsburg, IA 52361
(319)668-1520