State requirements

Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in Louisiana.
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Becoming a  Pharmacy Technician in
Louisiana

All individuals looking to work in a pharmacy have to register with Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. The pharmacy registration process is somewhat unique in Louisiana. The state has several education and experiential requirements that must be met. And, there are multiple ways to meet those requirements.

In this article we'll examine Louisiana's unique requirements for licensure, discuss alternative pathways to completing the requirements, and show you the fastest and most cost-effective method to get licensed as a pharmacy technician.

Registration Overview

  • The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy recognizes two tiers of the pharmacy technician role: pharmacy technician candidates and pharmacy technicians.
  • Individuals looking to practice as a pharmacy technician, must first register as a candidate. There are several requirements that must be met to register as a candidate. See below.
  • Once you register as a candidate, you will have to meet additional experience, training, and certification criteria before you can register as a pharmacy technician.

How to Register as a Pharmacy Technician Candidate

To register as a candidate, applicants must show proof of pharmacy education. This can be done in one of two ways:
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Option 1: Pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.
Option 2: Enroll in a Louisiana Board-Approved pharmacy tech training program.
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In addition to one of the above options, applicants must also submit all of the following:
  • An online application and pay an application fee. For 2024, the fee is $50.
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Proof of identity. (Ex: Birth certificate or passport)
  • Name change documents, if applicable. (Ex: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
  • Passport style photo of the applicant (head and shoulders only)
  • Agree to submit to an FBI criminal background check.
  • Candidates must be at least 18 years old.

How to Register as a Pharmacy Technician

The pharmacy technician candidate registration is a training credential. It is valid for a maximum of two years and cannot be renewed. After becoming a candidate, the individual must meet one additional requirement to become a pharmacy technician. There are two options that satisfy the requirement, and the choice will depend on your previous selection.

Option 1: If the individual used option 1 above, meaning that they already passed the national PTCB exam and got certified, then the only requirement they have to meet is to work 600 hours. Since these are working hours and not "training" hours, you will get paid for working them.  This is the preferred method.

Option 2: If the individual used option 2 above, meaning that they enrolled in a Louisiana Board-approved education program. Then they will have to complete the program including any unpaid "training" hours required by the course. After completing the program, the individual will then have to pass the national PTCB exam.

The Preferred Method of Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

In summary, the fastest and most cost effective method to become a pharmacy technician in Louisiana involves 3 steps.

  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the national PTCB Certification exam
  3. Work (and get paid) for 600 hours
The alternative pathway requires that you first take a state-approved course, and then take a national exam. This may take longer and require an unpaid externship.

PTCB Certification Requirements

To become a certified pharmacy technician you must meet the following criteria
Click here for a full set of guidelines from the PTCB.

Residency

Reside in the United States of America or its territories.

Certification program or equivalent work experience

Complete an approved training program (like the 1st Pass CPhT Course) or have 500 hours of equivalent work experience. See below.

Compliance

You must comply with all PTCB policies and disclose all criminal and state Board of Pharmacy license actions.

Pass the PTCE

Obtain a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Certification Exam
Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify to sit for the PTCB certification exam, you must complete one of the following:

Pathway 1:

Complete a PTCB Approved Pharmacy Technician Course (such as 1st Pass CPhT).
This is the preferred method.

Pathway 2:

Complete 500 hours work experience as a pharmacy technician.
PTCB classifies this as an alternative method for individuals not in a position to attend a course.

The Preferred Method:
A PTCB Approved Training Program

There are several reasons why Pathway 1 is the preferred method
  • Work experience alone will not teach you enough to pass the PTCB certification exam. You will still have to study. 
  • Certified technicians are offered significantly higher starting wages. Working 500+ hours without being certified can cost you thousands of dollars.
  • Pharmacies that offer better work environments are more selective in their hiring. Being certified gives you access to more desirable jobs.
  • Certified technicians are given priority when scheduling shifts. 
  • As a CPhT, you will get more respect from your peers and patients.
Overview

Benefits of our training program

There are many advantages to our 1st Pass CPhT training program.  Here are just a few. Visit the course page to learn more.

Expertly designed curriculum

Our curriculum was designed by board certified clinical pharmacists and pharmacy managers. Pass the PTCE and learn the skills employers are seeking. See the 1st Pass CPhT Course Page to find out more about the 1st Pass Advantage.

Accelerated learning experience

Accelerated but self-paced. Motivated students who have time to devote to studying can finish the course in as little as three weeks. You can be on your way to a new career in less than a month.

Affordably priced

Technology and determination allowed us to make this course accessible to everyone looking to start a new healthcare career.

Our Course