How to become a pharmacy technician in Missouri

Pharmacy technicians are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 7% job growth for these professionals over the next decade. If a career in this growing field sounds enticing, read on to learn how to become a pharmacy technician in Missouri.

What is a pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists to organize, dispense, and dispatch medications for patients. These professionals may also give consultations, manage relationships with insurance providers, and update medical records.

How to become a pharmacy technician in Missouri

Many individuals take the following steps to become a pharmacy technician in Missouri:

Step 1: Meet the prerequisites

To become a pharmacy technician in Missouri, you must first meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting process
• Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent

Step 2: Apply for registration

Once you have met the prerequisites, you can apply to be registered as a pharmacy technician in Missouri. You can do this digitally or with physical documents.

To apply digitally:

• Create an account on the Missouri Board of Pharmacy (MBP) website
• Fill out the application
• Make an appointment to get fingerprinted
• Pay the $35 fee

To apply using physical documents:

• Download the application from the MBP website and fill it out
• Notarize the application
• Attach proof you have received a background check and provide a passport-sized photo
• Pay the $35 fee
• Mail the complete application to the MBP

Step 3: Participate in a certification program (optional)

Certification is not required to become a registered pharmacy technician in Missouri, but your employer may require it and it may be necessary for you to complete certain tasks. Missouri does require certification for pharmacy staff who either fill prescriptions under a pharmacist's supervision or give vaccines when directed by their supervisor.

In Missouri, there are two options for education and training. One is managed by the Pharmacy Technicians Certification Board (PTCB), and the other is managed by the National Healthcareer Association. While there is some variation between the two, they generally feature the following components:

• Participate in a classroom component
• Gain on-the-job experience
• Complete your application on the PTCB or Healthcareer websites and pay the related exam fees.
• Pass an exam

Step 4: Continuing education and registration renewal

All pharmacy technicians must renew their registration annually. Applicants must pay a $35 fee, undergo fingerprinting, provide a current passport photo, and submit their application by mail or online before May 31st of each year. They must also complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

For those interested in advancing their career further, earning a master's degree in healthcare can open up additional opportunities in hospital administration, healthcare policy, or clinical program management.

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