How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Learn the step-by-step process to become a certified pharmacy technician in Massachusetts, including training, PTCB certification, and state registration.
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If you’re someone who is detail-oriented, enjoys helping others, and is looking to build a career in the healthcare field, becoming a pharmacy technician might be the perfect path for you. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in supporting pharmacists by handling technical tasks like preparing medications, billing insurance, and maintaining inventory. Their work allows pharmacists to focus on clinical responsibilities, such as reviewing drug interactions and counseling patients.

In the United States, each state has its own specific requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician. In Massachusetts, these requirements are established by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy. This guide will provide you with the steps you need to take to meet the state’s licensing requirements and start your career as a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy
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Massachusetts pharmacy technician requirements

Before you can begin working as a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts, you must obtain a license from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy. Meeting the licensing requirements involves several steps:
  • Application and fee
    • Submit a completed application to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy.
    • Attach a 2" by 2" passport-sized photograph.
    • Pay the application fee. For 2026, the application fee is $150. 
  • Character requirements
    • To obtain a license from the MA Board of Registration in Pharmacy you must be considered to be of good moral character.
    • You must not have been convicted of a drug-related felony or admitted to sufficient facts to warrant such findings.
  • Certification or approved training
    • Applicants must demonstrate competency in the pharmacy technician role by choosing one of two pathways:
    • Pathway 1: Earn certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or
    • Pathway 2: Finish a pharmacy technician training program approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy.
    • The Board categorizes technicians as either pharmacy technicians or certified pharmacy technicians, depending on the chosen pathway. Certified pharmacy technicians are granted additional responsibilities, which will be detailed in the next section.
  • Educational requirement
    • You must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Age requirement
    • You must be at least 18 years old.
Note: If you are under 18 and still in high school, there is an alternative pathway for obtaining a license to work in a pharmacy in Massachusetts. See below to learn how to become a pharmacy technician while still in high school.

References:

Official registration requirements are outlined in the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy regulations, 247 CMR 8.00: Pharmacy Interns and Technicians.

Difference between certified and non-certified pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the roles of pharmacy technicians and certified pharmacy technicians are distinctly defined by law. Those who earn PTCB certification are granted the ability to take on additional responsibilities, increasing their value in the pharmacy. This often results in higher pay and greater opportunities for career growth. Below is a summary highlighting the key differences between these two roles:

Pharmacy Technician

  • Wear a badge displaying their name and the title “Pharmacy Technician.”
  • Identify themselves as a “Pharmacy Technician” when interacting with patients or contacting doctors’ offices.
  • Accept prescription refill approvals from prescribers, provided there are no changes to the prescription.
  • If the prescription has been changed, they are not authorized to accept the approval and must defer the task to a certified pharmacy technician.
  • Cannot receive new prescriptions from prescribers, whether verbally or in writing.
  • Cannot transfer prescriptions for Schedule VI controlled medications between pharmacies.
  • Cannot count or prepare prescriptions for Schedule II medications (e.g., many pain and ADHD medications).
  • Cannot conduct inventory counts for Schedule II medications.

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

  • Wear a badge displaying their name and the title “Certified Pharmacy Technician.”
  • Identify themselves as a “Certified Pharmacy Technician” when interacting with patients or contacting doctors’ offices.
  • Accept prescription refill approvals from prescribers, provided there are no changes to the prescription.
  • If changes are made to the prescription, they are authorized to accept the approval and make the necessary updates.
  • Receive new prescriptions from prescribers, either verbally or in writing.
  • Transfer prescriptions for Schedule VI controlled medications between pharmacies.
  • Count and prepare prescriptions for Schedule II medications (e.g., many pain and ADHD medications).
  • Conduct inventory counts for Schedule II medications.

Pharmacists-to-technicians ratios

In addition to defining responsibilities, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy enforces strict rules regarding the number of pharmacy technicians a single pharmacist can supervise.
  • A pharmacist may oversee up to four pharmacy technicians, provided at least two of them are certified.
  • If only one technician is certified, the maximum number drops to three pharmacy technicians.

References:

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy defines the scope of practice differences between pharmacy technicians and certified pharmacy technicians in Policy 2020-15: Scope of Practice.
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Why PTCB certification is preferred

Although there are two pathways to satisfy the Massachusetts requirements, most aspiring pharmacy technicians choose to become certified because of the many advantages it offers. 

Certified technicians can take on significantly more responsibilities within the pharmacy, which makes them more valuable team members. 
  • Higher salary potential
    Certified pharmacy technicians are more valuable to the pharmacy team and typically earn higher wages.
  • Better job opportunities
    Due to improved staffing and task delegation, many pharmacies only hire certified technicians. 
  • Professional fulfillment 
    In MA, pharmacy techs must disclose their certification status when interacting with patients or doctors. Certification improves credibility and professional satisfaction.
Additionally, Massachusetts’ pharmacist-to-technician ratio laws allow a single pharmacist to oversee a larger team when at least one or two technicians are certified. Certified technicians add value by simplifying staffing and improving cost efficiency.

How to become a pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts 

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts is a straightforward process clear state requirements. By completing approved training, earning national certification, and registering with the state, you can position yourself for a successful career in pharmacy. Here is a step-by-step guide:
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  • Complete a PTCB-recognized course 
    • If you don’t have prior pharmacy experience, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires you to complete an approved training program.
    • These programs are offered in person at community colleges or online through providers like the Pharmacy Technician Academy.
  • Pass the PTCB certification exam 
    • After completing your training program, you’ll be eligible to take the PTCB certification exam.
    • The exam is administered at a Pearson VUE testing center (1,400+ locations nationwide).
  • Submit your online application 
    • Apply for your certified pharmacy technician license through application portal found on the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy’s website.
    • Pay the required application fee.
Alternative Pathway

Steps to become a (non-certified) pharmacy technician

To access the pharmacy area in Massachusetts, a license from the MA Board of Registration in Pharmacy is required. Some individuals, such as pharmacy owners, bookkeepers, or other professionals not directly involved in pharmacy operations or patient care, may choose to obtain a non-certified pharmacy technician license. For these individuals, the steps to licensure are as follows:
  • Complete an MA Board-approved program
    • The MA Board of Registration in Pharmacy provides a list of approved employer-based training programs on their website.
  • Pass an employer-administered exam 
    • After completing the employer-based program, you must pass an employer-administered exam to demonstrate your understanding of pharmacy operations.
  • Submit your online application
    • Use the application portal to apply for your pharmacy technician license and pay the fee.
    • This pathway only allows you to apply as a non-certified pharmacy technician.

Opportunities for high school students under 18

Working part-time as a pharmacy technician is an excellent way for high school students to explore the healthcare field. This hands-on role provides the opportunity to work alongside pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, offering valuable experience and insight to help determine if a career in healthcare is the right fit. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy recognizes the importance of this early exposure and provides pathways for high school students to gain this experience.

Pharmacy technician trainees

If you’re in currently enrolled high school and at least 16 years old, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy offers the option to obtain a Pharmacy Technician Trainee license. This license allows you to work in a pharmacy, perform many of the same tasks as pharmacy technicians, and gain valuable hands-on experience in the field.
For more information about navigating these requirements as a high school student, visit the Massachussetts Board of Pharmacy Licensing Requirements Guide. You can also reach out to your high school guidance counselor for help getting started in the field.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy can help

At Pharmacy Technician Academy, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve certification and succeed as a pharmacy technician. Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a recognized program by the PTCB and designed to thoroughly prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). 

By completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course, you’ll meet the PTCB’s eligibility requirements to take the certification exam, even if you don’t have prior pharmacy experience. The course is structured to cover all the essential topics tested on the PTCE, including medication basics, pharmacy law, patient safety, and more, giving you the knowledge and confidence needed to pass on your first attempt. 

We’re here to support aspiring pharmacy technicians with everything they need to achieve certification and thrive in their careers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to go to school to become a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts?

No, attending a formal school or earning an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology is not required. You can meet the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy’s requirements by earning a PTCB certification or completing an approved employer-based training program.

Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy tech?

No, certification is not mandatory to work as a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts. The Board of Registration in Pharmacy also accepts some employer-based training programs to meet the training requirements. However, many individuals opt for PTCB certification due to its many benefits, such as higher salary and greater opportunities for career advancement.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts?

The time it takes depends on the training program you choose. Traditional college programs may take over a year to complete, while many online options can be finished in just a few months. Once all requirements are met, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy typically processes license applications very quickly.

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Massachusetts?

Pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts earn an average hourly wage of $21.74, though this can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of pharmacy. For more details, check out our Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook Report.

How old do you have to be to work as a pharmacy technician?

In Massachusetts, individuals as young as 16 can obtain a Pharmacy Technician Trainee license through the Board of Registration in Pharmacy. This license allows you to perform many of the same tasks as pharmacy technicians and is a great way to get valuable hands-on experience in the healthcare field before graduation.

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