Arizona Pharmacy Technician Requirements and Training Programs

There’s an abundant need for experienced pharmaceutical-support professionals capable of dispensing prescription medications quickly and effectively. According to an Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of pharmacy technicians will increase by 5 percent between 2021 to 2031 – a growth rate that is faster that the average for all occupations. In the Handbook, the Department of Labor attributes the projected growth to the escalating senior population and a constant supply of prescription medications to fight diseases.

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In Arizona, the need for pharmacy technicians is on par with the rest of the nation. Certified pharmacy technicians take prescription requests, verify prescriptions, count, and bottle tablets, prepare liquid medications, label containers, update patients’ records, manage inventory, and submit claims to insurance companies. The Arizona State Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to register with the state Board before practicing at licensed pharmacies.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in AZ

Arizona Pharmacy Technician Requirements

License Requirement

Arizona’s pharmacy technicians must obtain registration as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee or a Certified Pharmacy Technician before working at the state’s registered pharmacies. Students enrolled in statewide pharmacy technician training programs must apply for registration before completing the experiential component of the education program.

A pharmacy technician trainee license is valid for two years and is only applicable for pharmacy technicians who are not certified by the PTCB. Applicants must present a high school diploma or GED, a U.S. birth certificate, the application fee and a completed application for registration form. Once the Board approves the application, the pharmacy technician trainee can commence training or employment in a retail or hospital pharmacy.

Pharmacy technician trainees can update their license to a Certified Pharmacy Technician by acquiring PTCB certification. The Pharmacy Board develops the PTCE exam and issues the national certification to qualified technicians. Applicants for state registration as Certified Pharmacy Technicians must present proof of PTCB certification at the time of application and renewal in order to maintain the full license status.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to register as a pharmacy technician in Arizona.

Education Requirement

Applicants for state registration must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. A high school diploma is also required for PTCB certification – for candidates who want to register as Certified Pharmacy Technicians in Arizona. The Board of Pharmacy will accept the following documents as proof of high school completion.

  • Copy of your high school diploma
  • Copy of transcripts with date of graduation included
  • A certified statement from your School Board or District confirming your graduation on a specific date
  • GED certificate
  • GED test results indicating your passing scores.

Other Requirements

Applicants must declare previous misdemeanor or felony charges on the application and include a copy of the paperwork related to the charges. The Deputy or Executive Director will review all applications with charges and make a determination on the request for registration. Felony charges will delay the processing of the application and may require a criminal background check.

Applicants applying for full registration must provide proof of PTCB certification in the form of a PTCB certificate, PTCB wall card, or letter of passing score from the PTCB.

The Pharmacy Technician Program

Content

Pharmacy technician training at ASHP accredited institutes prepares graduates for entry-level positions as pharmacy technicians in a community, hospital mail order pharmacy or similar health care setting. The course of study comprises of classroom instruction and experiential training at a local pharmacy. Classroom training covers topics such as pharmacy operations, pharmacology, health care concepts, pharmacy administration, pharmaceutical calculations and medical terminology. A clinical externship gives students an opportunity to work first hand with pharmacists, serve customers and be a part of a team consisting of other pharmacy technicians and health care personnel.

Program graduates will have the foundational knowledge and skills to support pharmacists in areas such as office procedures, administration, pharmacy technology and pharmacology.

Duration and Cost

Tuition for ASHP accredited training in Arizona costs approximately $7,500. The advertised cost at most campuses does not include registration fees, textbooks, workbooks, criminal background check, immunization, physical exam and PTCB certification. Financial aid may be available through scholarships, federal and private loans and special grants. The duration of training varies from 100 to 750-contact hours, which translates to 2 months to 10 months.

Arizona’s Board of Pharmacy does not require formal education for state registration. However, the state’s minimum requirements in no way reflect employer requirements. Training is advantageous if you plan to take the PTCE exam for national certification.

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National Exams

If you’re serious about your career a pharmacy technician, you should consider pharmacy technician certification through the PTCB. Arizona’s employers are actively seeking committed employees who demonstrate their competency through relevant industry training and certification. The state and employers recognize technicians with credentials from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Pharmacy technician candidates, who lack experience in a pharmacy care setting, can enroll in a formal training program in preparation for the PTCE developed by the PTCB. The computer-based exam contains 90 multiple choice questions, including 10 trial questions that do not count towards the final score. Candidates have two hours to complete the exam, which tests their knowledge of three primary areas:

  • Providing support to pharmacists
  • Inventory control and management
  • Administration and the pharmacy practice

You must have no felony convictions and no drug, or pharmacy-related convictions to take the exam. You’ll also need to provide proof of completing high school. Successful candidates will receive the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation and must recertify every two years – after completing 20 hours of continuing pharmacy education.

Demonstrate your commitment to the health care profession by acquiring CPhT designation.

Acquiring Your State License

Application

There are two options for pharmacy technician registration in Arizona.

Pharmacy technician trainee application (not PTCB certified)

  • Download and fill out the pharmacy technician application.
  • Pay the non-refundable license application fee of $50
  • Provide proof of legal U.S. residency and birth date. If you’re a not a citizen, you must provide proof of your eligibility to work in the U.S. Acceptable documents include AZ driver’s license, a birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization,
  • Submit government issued ID
  • Provide verification of licensure or certification if applicable
  • Provide a copy of Arizona fingerprint clearance card
  • Provide documentation of any name changes
  • Submit any court documentation, disciplinary orders, or license denial orders if applicable

Certified pharmacy technician application

  • Download and fill out the pharmacy technician application.
  • Pay the non-refundable license application fee of $82
  • Provide proof of legal U.S. residency and birth date. If you’re a not a citizen, you must provide proof of your eligibility to work in the U.S. Acceptable documents include AZ driver’s license, a birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization,
  • Submit government issued ID
  • Submit a copy of your high school diploma or GED.
  • Enclose a copy of your PTCB or ExCPT certificate as proof of passing a national certification exam
  • Provide verification of licensure or certification if applicable
  • Provide a copy of Arizona fingerprint clearance card
  • Provide documentation of any name changes
  • Submit any court documentation, disciplinary orders, or license denial orders if applicable

Renewal

Registration for pharmacy technician trainees is non-renewable.

Certified pharmacy technicians must renew their registration with the Board every two years. The Board of Pharmacy will send out the renewal notice with the applicable fees 30 to 45 days before your license expires. It is crucial that you notify the Board of any changes in your name or address within 10 days of making the change.

Along with a completed application for renewal, you must provide a copy of your up-to-date PTCB certification, proof of at least 20 hours of continuing education, and the renewal fee of $72. The penalty for late renewals is ½ the renewal total – not to exceed $350.

The Board will terminate your license if you fail to renew by the expiration date.

Transfer

Arizona does not practice reciprocity with other states. Pharmacy technicians, licensed to work in another state, must apply for registration with the State Board of Pharmacy before commencing work in Arizona. Pharmacy technicians certified with the PTCB can register as Certified Pharmacy Technicians with the Board.

Arizona Board of Pharmacy

1616 W. Adams St., Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 771-2727
Fax: (602) 771-2749

Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Arizona

Coolidge, AZ Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Central Arizona College
8470 N. Overfield Road
Coolidge, AZ 85128
(520) 494-5444

Glendale, AZ Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Arizona College – Glendale
4425 West Olive Avenue, Suite 300, Glendale, AZ 85302
(602) 759-2234

Mesa, AZ Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
PIMA Medical Institute
2160 S. Power Road
Mesa, AZ 85209
800-477-PIMA

Phoenix, AZ Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Maricopa Community College
245 E. Buckeye Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602.238.4316

Carrington College
8503 N. 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85051
602-427-0722

Brookline College Phoenix Campus
2445 W. Dunlap Avenue, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85021-5820
(602) 242-6265

UEI College – Phoenix
9215 North Black Canyon Hwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
1-877-463-1838

Prescott, AZ Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Yavapai College
1100 E. Sheldon St,
Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 445-7300

Scottsdale, AZ Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Penn Foster College
14300 N. Northsight Blvd. Suite 125,
Scottsdale AZ 85260
1-800-275-4410

Show Low, AZ Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Northland Pioneer College
1001 W. Deuce of Clubs
Show Low, AZ 85901
(928) 532-6111

Tempe, AZ Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Rio Salado College
2323 West 14th Street,
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-517-8000

Brookline College Tempe Campus
1140-1150 S. Priest Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 545-8755

Tuscon, AZ Pharmacy Technician training programs:
Pima Community College
8181 E. Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ 85709-4000
(520) 206-7850

Brookline College Tucson Campus
5441 E. 22nd Street, Suite 125
Tucson, AZ 85711-5444
(520) 748-9799

 

Search Pharmacy Technician Programs

Get information on Pharmacy Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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