State requirements

Missouri Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

Missouri requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the MO Board of Pharmacy. To obtain a pharmacy technician license, applicants must:
  • Submit a completed, signed, and notarized application to the Board of Pharmacy and pay a registration fee. The application can be found here. For 2024, the application fee is $35.
  • Submit to fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
  • Submit a 2x2 passport style photo along with the application
  • There are no age restrictions for obtaining a license
  • A high school diploma is not required
  • PTCB certification is not required for registration. But some activities can only be performed by certified technicians.  See below.
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More details can be found on the Missouri Board of Pharmacy website.

Advantages of Certification in Missouri

A PTCB certification is not required to register as a pharmacy technician in the Missouri. However, in practice many pharmacies strongly prefer hiring technicians who are certified. This is because the Missouri Board of Pharmacy grants certain privileges only to certified pharmacy technicians.

Certified pharmacy technicians can:
►  Administer medications by a prescription order
►  Administer vaccines 
►  Assist at a remote dispensing site where a pharmacist is not present

There are significant advantages to the pharmacy to having a certified staff. By having a technician staff that is capable of assisting in more activities, the pharmacist's time is freed up. Because of this, many pharmacies only hire certified technicians. This also means that PTCB certified pharmacy technicians are significantly more valuable than non-certified employees. As a more valuable employee, you can expect to:

Get a higher salary

Certified pharmacy technicians provide a substantial benefit to Missouri pharmacies. Aside from being able to assist with additional activities, employers know that you will need less training, and could be trusted with more responsibility. This translates to a significantly higher salary.

Get hired more quickly

Certified technicians have a proven commitment to pharmacy. This sends a big signal to employers that you are dedicated and dependable.

Find a more desirable job

Pharmacies that prioritize employee wellbeing and good work environments are more discerning when it comes to hiring. Certification opens doors to more attractive job opportunities.
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More details can be found on the Missouri Pharmacy Technician Informational Guide.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Missouri

The fastest and most cost-effective method of meeting the Missouri Board of Pharmacy pharmacy technician requirements:
  1. Complete a PTCB approved course such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  2. Pass the PTCB Certification exam
  3. Submit the PTCB Certificate to the Board of Pharmacy.

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