Mississippi Pharmacy Technician Requirements and Training Programs

Employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to increase by 5% through the year 2031. The Bureau of Labor Statistics credits the expected growth to the demands of a rising senior population who use more prescription drugs than the younger generation. The rise in the number of retail pharmacies in Mississippi also creates greater employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians. After training and state registration, pharmacy technicians work under the direction of a registered pharmacist, performing duties that do not require the pharmacist’s professional judgment. According to the Mississippi’s Board of Pharmacy regulations, pharmacy technicians can prepare prescriptions, manage patient records and billing, order supplies, and maintain inventory. They can also receive and screen prescription orders and maintain pharmacy equipment, such as sterilizing bottles, beakers, and other glassware. Pharmacy technicians should have a broad knowledge of pharmacy practice and be able to understand and interpret pharmaceutical and medical terms, abbreviations and symbols in order to fill their roles responsibly.

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Pharmacy Technician Schools in Mississippi

Mississippi Pharmacy Technician Requirements

License Requirement

Any individual who wants to serve as a pharmacy technician must first obtain a registration from the Board of Pharmacy. The individual must meet all the conditions outlined by the Board, including the age requirement, education requirement, and moral requirement. All candidates for registration must consent to a criminal background check and pay the fee for initial registration and subsequent renewals to continue working. Technicians must complete an accredited training program or an in-pharmacy program that includes topics such as pharmacy terminology, pharmacy calculations, dispensing systems and labeling requirements, pharmacy laws and regulations, record keeping and documentation, proper handling and storage of medications, pharmaceutical diversion awareness, and medication safety.

Upon registration, pharmacy technicians must abide by the state’s regulation for pharmacy practice. This includes renewing the registration annually before the March 31 deadline and operating within the principles outlined by the Board. Technicians must operate under the direction of a registered pharmacist and shall not provide a prescription or medication to the patient without the pharmacist’s verification. They also cannot counsel patients, perform tasks that require a pharmacist’s professional judgment, and perform tasks that violate federal and state laws. Pharmacists with a revoked or suspended license cannot register as a pharmacy technician. A pharmacy intern in good standing does not need to register as a pharmacy technician to function in the role. Pharmacists must verify a prospective employee’s registration with the Board before extending an offer of employment.

Age Requirement

Mississippi’s pharmacy technicians must be 18 years or older before submitting an application for registration with the Board.

Education Requirement

A high school diploma or GED equivalent is necessary to register as a pharmacy technician in Mississippi. The applicant must submit a copy of the high school diploma or GED certification or an official copy of the transcript along with the completed application.

Other Requirements

Mississippi’s pharmacy technicians must have a good moral character verifiable from the result of a criminal history report. An individual who has prior arrests for criminal convictions must indicate on the questionnaire and include a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the arrest. Providing false information on the application may be grounds for immediate denial of the application for a Mississippi license. The Board will conduct a nationwide criminal background check to uncover information not contained in a local background check. Provide the information beforehand to increase your chances of success. If the Board denies your request for registration, you cannot submit another request for at least one year following the denied application. In some cases, the Board may restrict an individual from ever applying for registration.

The Pharmacy Technician Program

Content

Although the Board of Pharmacy does not mandate formal training as a requirement for registration, pharmacy technicians will benefit from formal training. Colleges, universities, vocational schools and pharmacy employers facilitate training to give students the communication, safety, and patient advocacy skills needed to perform their duties on the job. Instructors use classroom and hands-on training to emphasize special skills such as the preparation and distribution of medication, record maintenance, labeling and filling orders, and communicating with patients and members of the health care team.

The clinical experience also prepares students for employment in various health care settings. The Board of Pharmacy upholds high standards for technicians. Therefore, students must undergo a criminal background check, drug testing, immunization and state registration before commencing the clinical experience. To ensure patient safety, students will cover topics such as drug classifications, common drug side effects, generic and trade names, pharmacy math and dosage calculations, and methods of drug preparation before the training begins in a clinical setting.

ASHP accredited programs, such as the ones offered at Jones County College, cover at least 200 hours of clinical experience in a retail and hospital environment to prepare students for work in multiple environments. The ASHP sets the standards for training nationally, making it easy for graduates to move their skills between states.

The abundance of employer-based training provides balance to the shortage of accredited institutionalized training. Retail pharmacy employers provide structured training to employees and prospective employees. The curriculum is similar to traditional training, but will include training in duties that are specific to the employer’s requirements for pharmacy technicians.

Duration and Cost

The average cost of pharmacy technician training in Mississippi is $21,500 plus expenses for textbooks, supplies, and uniform. The costs of a criminal history check, immunization, drug screen, and TB test are also the students’ responsibility. Federal and private loans, grants and scholarships may be available to qualifying students. Due to the high cost of formal training, many aspiring pharmacy technicians choose the route of employer-sponsored training, which is free and lets them earn while they train. With numerous pharmacies across the state, there are opportunities in almost every city. Both employer and institutionalized training prepare students for national certification, which costs an additional $115 to $129, depending on the agency.

The average duration of the training depends on the objective and outcome. For example, the diploma program at Jones County College is approximately 6 months while the at the same college is five semesters long. Employer training could last up to 12 months at some locations.

National Exams

Mississippi’s Board of Pharmacy no longer requires technicians to obtain national certification. Employers may require it from current and prospective employees. The national exams assess technicians’ readiness for work. As the older of the two certifying bodies, the PTCB is widely recognized and accepted by employers and state pharmacy boards. The PTCB, through a partnership with Pearson Vue, delivers the exam electronically at hundreds of testing centers across the nation and two centers in Ridgeland and Tupelo, Mississippi. Applicants must submit their high school diploma and fingerprints for screening before receiving authorization to take the exam.

The two-hour exam contains 90 questions that tests candidates’ knowledge of six critical domains. Only 80 out of 90 questions count toward the final score. The fee for PTCB certification is $129, and the renewal is $40 biennially. CPhTs must complete the continuing pharmacy education requirements to qualify for renewal.

The ExCPT, a product of the NHA, is the second option for national certification. The agency’s prerequisites for certification are similar to the PTCB, requiring applicants to possess a high school diploma, be at least 18 years, and possess a good moral character. Candidates must also demonstrate proof of formal pharmacy technician training or 12 months of employment performing pharmacy-related tasks. The ExCPT exam is two hours’ long and contains 110 multiple-choice questions, which tests students’ knowledge of brand name and generic drugs, pharmacy regulations, and technician duties, and dispensing medication.

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The ExCPT has contracted with LSI/LaserGrade to administer the exam at more than 200 centers across the nation. The cost of certification is $115.

Acquiring Your State License

Application

Aspiring pharmacy technicians must register with the Board before engaging in the practice of pharmacy. Beginning April 1, 2011, all applicants must be 18 years or older, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have a good moral character. Following are the requirements for registering with Mississippi’s Board of Pharmacy.

Pharmacy Technician Application:

Checklist for candidate registration:

  • Create an account online before submitting an application through the online gateway
  • Respond to all questions on the application form
  • Respond to the questions relating to state regulations governing the practice of pharmacy technicians.
  • Enclose money orders or business checks for the $50 registration and $40 background check fee in a postage paid envelope or submit your payment online
  • Upload proof of high school graduation
  • Take the background check form to the local police, department of public safety, or other agency to get fingerprinted on a white and blue FD-258 card. The person completing the fingerprints must complete the questionnaire on page 4 of the application.
  • Ask the person who took the fingerprints to place the completed fingerprint card in the prepaid envelope along with other documents and mail directly to the Board of Pharmacy at the address provided below.

The Board cannot issue a license if the applicant does not provide the specified documents, including the fingerprint card for a criminal history check. False or incorrect information could result in the Board’s refusal to grant or renew a technician’s license. Violation of any of the state or federal laws relating to the practice of pharmacy could result in disciplinary action, including the revocation of a license. Once approved, the technician must keep a copy of the registration certificate at his/her primary place of employment.

Renewal

Pharmacy technicians must renew their registration annually by submitting the request on a Board-provided form. The registration expires on March 31 every year. Any registration not renewed by the deadline will become null and void, and the pharmacy technician cannot perform duties in the dispensing or drug storage areas of the pharmacy. The Board will return all renewal applications postmarked after March 31 and assess a $50 late fee. The pharmacist-in-charge must ensure all pharmacy technician employees have up-to-date registrations and are in good standing with the Board.

Following are the steps for renewal.

  • Log into the online portal and complete the renewal application
  • Pay the $50 renewal fee before March 31 using a debit or credit card

It’s the technician’s responsibility to notify the Board of any changes of address or employment within 10 business days.

Transfer

Mississippi does not practice reciprocity for pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy technicians registered in another state and certified through a national agency can follow the standard procedure for a new registration.

Contact the Board:

Mississippi Board of Pharmacy
6360 I-55 North, Suite 400
Jackson, MS 39211
Phone: 601-899-8880
Fax: 601-899-8851

Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Mississippi

Ellisville, MS Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Jones County Junior College
900 South Court Street
Ellisville, MS 39437
(601) 477-4025

Flowood, MS Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Cardinal Health Pharmacy
20 River Bend Pl
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)936-4828

F & M Specialty Pharmacy
117 Luckney Station Rd
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)939-9353

Kroger Pharmacy #479
110 Promenade Blvd
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)718-2233

Target Pharmacy #1920
170 Promenade Blvd
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)992-0676

Coram Healthcare Services
2929 Layfair Dr
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)939-4994

Specialty Pharmacy
1000 Lakeland Square Ext Ste 100
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)362-6888

Marty’s Discount Pharmacy
1042 River Oaks Dr
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)932-2027

River Oaks East Womens Pav Phcy
1026 N Flowood Dr
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)933-6456

Transcript Pharmacy
2506 Lakeland Dr Ste 201
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)420-4041

Lincare Infusion
20001 Airport Rd N
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)932-3737

Brentwood Behavioral Pharmacy
3531 Lakeland Dr
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)936-2024

CVS Pharmacy #8311
4899 Lakeland Dr
Flowood, MS 39232
(601)919-3044

Gulfport, MS Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
2226 Switzer Rd.
Gulfport, MS 39507
(228) 896-2536

Jackson, MS Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:

Walgreens Pharmacy #5098
955 N State St
Jackson, MS 39202
(601)969-5388

Methodist Rehabilitation Phcy
1350 E Woodrow Wilson Ave
Jackson, MS 39216
(601)364-3393

Rite Aid Pharmacy #7405
380 W Woodrow Wilson Ave
Jackson, MS 39213
(601)713-1130

University Hospital Clinic Phcy
350 W Woodrow Wilson Ave
Jackson, MS 39213
(601)815-3857

University Pavillion Pharmacy
1410 E Woodrow Wilson Ave
Jackson, MS 39216
(601)984-6455

Farlow’s Pharmacy
971 Lakeland Dr Ste 101
Jackson, MS 39216
(601)200-2900

Walgreens Pharmacy #7517
977 Ellis Ave
Jackson, MS 39209
(601)944-9965

Walgreens Pharmacy #7517
977 Ellis Ave
Jackson, MS 39209
(601)944-9965

Fred’s Pharmacy #1996
540 Raymond Rd
Jackson, MS 39204
(601)371-0468

Rite Aid Pharmacy #7214
114 E McDowell Rd
Jackson, MS 39204
(601)371-1452

Mississippi Dept Of Hlth Phcy
3156 Lawson St
Jackson, MS 39213
(601)713-3457

CVS Pharmacy #4997
305 Meadowbrook Rd
Jackson, MS 39206
(601)362-7970

Fred’s Pharmacy #1991
225 Meadowbrook Rd
Jackson, MS 39206
(601)362-9792

Fred’s Pharmacy #2046
2885 Terry Rd
Jackson, MS 39212
(601)373-6783

Super D Pharmacy #26
4329 N State St Ste 10
Jackson, MS 39206
(601)366-8882

Walgreens Pharmacy #4196
3835 Northbrook Dr
Jackson, MS 39206
(601)362-6409

Mississippi State Veterans Home
4607 Lindbergh Dr
Jackson, MS 39209
(601)353-6142

Beemon Drugs
1220 E Northside Dr Ste 304
Jackson, MS 39211
(601)366-9431

Metro Pharmacy
1815 Hospital Dr Ste 118
Jackson, MS 39204
(601)346-5567

Kroger Pharmacy #345
4910 I 55 N
Jackson, MS 39211
(601)366-6554

Central MS Medical Center Phcy
1850 Chadwick Dr
Jackson, MS 39204
(601)376-1134

Walgreens Pharmacy #4191
3445 Terry Rd
Jackson, MS 39212
(601)372-8750

Jackson-Hinds Comp Hlth Ctr Phc
3502 W Northside Dr
Jackson, MS 39213
(601)362-5321

Kroger Pharmacy #432
3520 Terry Rd
Jackson, MS 39212
(601)371-5067

Walmart Pharmacy #903
2711 Greenway Dr
Jackson, MS 39204
(601)922-2876

CVS Pharmacy #5756
1420 Canton Mart Rd
Jackson, MS 39211
(601)956-5143

CVS Pharmacy #5745
2803 Suncrest Dr
Jackson, MS 39212
(601)373-2111

Walgreens Pharmacy #7184
2896 McDowell Road Ext
Jackson, MS 39204
(601)371-7350

Mississippi State University Extension

190 Bost Drive
Suite 330
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-5002

Pearl, MS Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Fred’s Pharmacy #2621
235 George Wallace Dr
Pearl, MS 39208
(601)932-1660

Walgreens Pharmacy #3918
3189 Highway 80 E
Pearl, MS 39208
(601)664-0641

CVS Pharmacy #5746
3201 Highway 80 E
Pearl, MS 39208
(601)939-0834

Infusion Partners
187 Country Place Pkwy
Pearl, MS 39208
(601)936-7012

Tara Pharmacy
110 Metroplex Blvd Ste H
Pearl, MS 39208
(601)664-1664

Richland, MS Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Walmart Pharmacy #2939
200 Market Pl
Richland, MS 39218
(601)939-2958

Polk’s Discount Drug #5
201 Highway 49 S
Richland, MS 39218
(601)932-8609

Scooba, MS Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
East Mississippi Community College
1512 Kemper Street
PO Box 158
Scooba, MS 39358
(662) 476-8442

Whitfield, MS Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Hudspeth Center Pharmacy
Hwy 475 S
Whitfield, MS 39193
(601)664-6350

Mississippi State Hospital Phcy
3550 Hwy 468 W Phcy
Whitfield, MS 39193
(601)351-8000

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