Step By Step Guide To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Louisiana 2025
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians in Louisiana assist pharmacists with dispensing medications, managing inventory, and fulfilling prescription orders. They play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and safety of medication distribution.
Step 2: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician in Louisiana, verify that you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: Hold a high school diploma or GED.
Step 3: Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Enroll in a pharmacy technician training program approved by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. These programs are typically offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or online institutions.
- Program Duration: Most programs take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete.
- Curriculum: Coursework includes pharmacology, pharmacy law, medical ethics, and hands-on experience through clinical practice or externships.
Relevant regulations and approved program lists are available on the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy's homepage.
Step 4: Apply for a Pharmacy Technician Candidate License
Prior to completing your training program, apply for a Pharmacy Technician Candidate License in Louisiana. This license allows you to gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- Application Process: Submit an application through the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
- Fee: The application fee is $25 as of 2025.
- Processing Time: The Board typically processes applications within 3 to 4 weeks.
Step 5: Gain Practical Experience
Fulfill the practical experience requirements by working as a technician candidate. You will need to complete a set number of hours under supervision to qualify for certification:
- Experience Hours: Louisiana requires technicians to complete 600 hours of practical experience.
Step 6: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
After completing your training program and acquiring the necessary practical experience, register to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
- Fee for PTCE: $129
- Fee for ExCPT: $117
- Minimum Passing Score: Certification requires achieving the minimum score established by the respective certifying organization.
Step 7: Obtain National Certification
Pass the PTCE or ExCPT to earn your national certification. This certification demonstrates your competency and qualifies you to work as a certified pharmacy technician in Louisiana.
Step 8: Apply for a Louisiana Pharmacy Technician License
Once nationally certified, apply for a Pharmacy Technician License in Louisiana:
- Application Process: Submit the license application form along with proof of national certification to the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
- Fee: The licensure application fee is $50 as of 2025.
- Documents Required: Include documentation of education, practical experience, and certification.
- Processing Time: The processing time is generally 4 to 6 weeks.
Step 9: Maintain Your Pharmacy Technician Certification
To continue practicing as a pharmacy technician in Louisiana, adhere to certification maintenance requirements:
- Continuing Education: Complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years, with 1 hour specifically in pharmacy law.
- Renewal Period: The technician license must be renewed annually through the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
For further details regarding state-specific regulations and updates, visit the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy's homepage.