How to become a pharmacy technician in Ohio

For those seeking a rewarding healthcare role with quick entry and strong growth potential, pharmacy technician roles provide an excellent starting point. Here's how to become a pharmacy technician in Ohio.

What does a pharmacy technician in Ohio do?

Pharmacy technicians work with licensed pharmacists to handle a variety of tasks inside pharmacies. On any given day, they might prepare prescriptions, process insurance claims, and handle patient documentation for medical records.

To work as a pharmacy tech, you'll need to understand medical calculations, have a strong foundation in medications and their application, and have a good grasp of customer service.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians earned a median salary of $40,300 in 2023.

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Ohio

You'll need to be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED to become a pharmacy technician in Ohio. After meeting those requirements, here are the next steps you'll need to take to become a pharmacy technician in Ohio.

Step 1: Complete an approved training program

The first step is enrolling in a training program approved by the Ohio Pharmacy Board. You can choose an employer-based training program, or you can join an accredited program through a college, veterans program, or approved high school technical career track.

Pharmacy technician programs cover topics such as medical terminology, pharmacy billing systems, and pharmacy calculations. You'll also learn about the logistics of running a pharmacy, including inventory management and customer service.

Step 2: Apply for licensure from the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy

Anyone who wants to work as a pharmacy technician must register with the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. Ohio has three registration types:

• Certified Pharmacy Technician
• Registered Pharmacy Technician
• Pharmacy Technician Trainee

The type of registration varies by scope of practice. Pharmacy Technician Trainees have the narrowest scope and Certified Pharmacy Technicians have the widest scope and most independence.

You'll need to show that you've passed a board-approved training program and go through a background check to become eligible. You don't need to have passed the national certification exam to become licensed in Ohio, so you can earn licensure before you sit for the exam, if necessary.

Step 3: Complete certification (optional but strongly encouraged)

Once you've completed your board-approved training program or at least 500 hours of work experience through an employer training program, you can take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. Ohio does not require pharmacy technicians to pass the exam for state licensure, but it can boost your résumé for your job search.

Some employers may still require you to pass the exam for employment, even if you've obtained licensure.

Step 4: Renew your license every two years

Pharmacy technicians of all registration types must submit a renewal application every even numbered year.

Registered Pharmacy Technicians must complete 10 continuing education credits to be eligible to renew their license. Two of those must cover pharmacy jurisprudence, and another two must cover patient or medication safety. You can fulfill up to one-third of the required credits by volunteering with an approved provider of volunteer health care services in Ohio.

Get started on edX

edX can help you prepare for a career as a pharmacy technician. Explore our degree programs to further your career or sign up for a course as you prepare for a degree.