State requirements

Nevada Pharmacy Technician Requirements

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

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

In this article we'll examine Nevada's unique requirements for licensure, discuss alternative pathways to completing the requirements, and show you the fastest and most cost-effective method to begin your career in healthcare.

Registration Overview

  • The Nevada Board of Pharmacy recognizes two tiers of the pharmacy technician role: "pharmaceutical technician in training (PTT)" and "pharmaceutical technician". Individuals looking to become a pharmacy technician have two options:
  • Meet less strict requirements to become a Pharmaceutical Technician in Training (PTT). Complete additional on-the-job training and apply to change your registration to Pharmaceutical Technician.
  • Meet the stricter requirements for becoming a Pharmaceutical Technician without any on-the-job experience. See below.

How to Register as a Pharmaceutical Technician in Training (PTT) in Nevada

To register as a pharmaceutical technician in training, an applicant must:
  • Submit an application and pay a registration fee. For 2024, the fee is $50.
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a high school graduate or equivalent
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After completing 1,500 hours of work experience, you can submit an application for a "pharmaceutical technician". See below.
Official text on pharmaceutical technician in training requirements can be found in the Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 639.242.

How to Register as a Pharmaceutical Technician in Nevada

In order to become register as a pharmaceutical technician, applicants must:
  • Submit an application and pay a registration fee. For 2024, the fee is $50.
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a high school graduate or equivalent
  • Complete one of the four options below:
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Option 1: Complete 1,500 hours of working as a pharmaceutical technician in training (PTT). This is the preferred method. See below.
Option 2: Successfully complete an ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician school. 1st Pass CPhT Course does NOT have this accreditation. If this is the pathway you choose, ensure that the program you select is accredited before enrolling. A directory of approved programs can be found here.
Option 3: Have at least 1,500 hours of experience working as a pharmacy technician in another state.
Option 4: Successfully complete pharmacy technician training conducted by a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Indian Health Service of United States, Department of Health and Human Services, or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Official text on pharmaceutical technician requirements can be found in the Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 639.240.

Analysis of Options:

Option 1: This is recommended choice for most aspiring technicians. It is the fastest way to begin your career. You also get the benefit of getting paid while working and getting experience.
Option 2: ASHP-accreddited programs provide a high quality pharmacy education. The drawbacks to these programs, are that typically take 9-24 months to complete and cost thousands of dollars. This makes it the most expensive and time consuming option.
Option 3: This is a preferred option for individuals who practiced pharmacy in another state.
Option 4: This is an optimal choice for individuals that meet the requirements.

The Preferred Method of Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Nevada

In summary, the easiest and most cost-effective method to become a certified pharmacy technician in Nevada is to:

  • Complete a PTCB approved program such as 1st Pass CPhT Course
  • Pass the national PTCB Certification exam
  • Submit an application to work as a "Pharmaceutical Technician in Training (PTT)"
  • Work (and get paid) as a PTT for 1,500 hours

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