Step By Step Guide To Become A Pharmacy Technician In New Hampshire 2025
Becoming a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire requires a series of specific steps to meet state regulations and ensure you are well-prepared for the role. This guide details the requirements and steps to become a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire in 2025.
Step 1: Understand New Hampshire's Requirements
In New Hampshire, pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Board of Pharmacy. The New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy establishes these requirements to ensure uniformity and safety in pharmacy practices. Reference the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy for comprehensive details.
Step 2: Complete Your High School Education
A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement to become a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire. Ensuring completion of this foundational step guarantees eligibility for further training and employment.
Step 3: Pursue a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Although New Hampshire does not mandate formal education beyond a high school diploma, completing a pharmacy technician training program is highly recommended. Look for programs accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Such programs typically cover essential aspects of pharmacy practice, including pharmacology, medical law, and ethics.
Step 4: Register with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy
All pharmacy technicians in New Hampshire must register with the Board of Pharmacy. Submit an application that includes:
- Personal identification information
- Evidence of completing a training program (if applicable)
- Payment of a $50 registration fee
Ensure your registration is up-to-date and renew as necessary according to state guidelines.
Step 5: Consider Certification
While New Hampshire does not require certification, obtaining certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) can enhance job prospects and demonstrate professional competence. To become certified, you must pass an examination offered by these organizations. PTCB certification requires a $129 fee and a high school diploma.
Step 6: Gain Practical Experience
Practical experience in a pharmacy setting is invaluable. Seek employment or internships at retail pharmacies, hospitals, or long-term care facilities. Experience helps solidify your understanding of daily responsibilities and enhances your skills under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.
Step 7: Continuing Education and Renewal
Maintain your registration with the Board of Pharmacy by fulfilling any continuing education (CE) requirements. Although New Hampshire currently does not specify mandatory CE for pharmacy technicians, staying informed about any changes in this mandate is crucial. Certification renewals will require CE credits; for example, the PTCB mandates 20 hours of CE every two years, which includes one hour of pharmacy law.
Step 8: Stay Informed on State Laws and Regulations
Remain updated on any changes in state laws and regulations concerning pharmacy technicians. This can include updates to registration processes, renewal fees, and educational requirements. Refer to the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy website regularly for the latest information.