Looking for New York pharmacy tech license information? Following are the important facts you need to know about the requirements for pharmacy technicians in New York.
Updated in 2022!
Does New York regulate pharmacy technicians?
Yes. This used to not be the case, but a new law came into effect in April 2021 where the state of New York fell in line with most other states in the US in that pharmacy techs are recognized and regulated.
Is certification required to practice in New York?
No. Many of the large pharmacy chains, however, require pharmacy technicians to be certified. And you do need to register as a pharmacy technician with the Board of Pharmacy.
When is registration required?
When you start working as a pharmacy technician.
Is licensure required?
Yes, you do need a valid New York pharmacy technician license.
What are the registered pharmacy technician licensure requirements?
To be licensed as a registered pharmacy technician in New York state, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have received an education including a high school graduation or its equivalent.
- Have certification from a nationally accredited pharmacy technician certification program.
- Be of good moral character.
- Submit a fee of $75.00 for initial licensure and $100.00 for initial registration (Total of $175).
- File an application with the New York State Department of Eduction: Office of the Professions.
Is there a difference between “licensure” and “registration”?
Yes. In New York State, upon satisfying the licensure eligibility requirements, a “license” is awarded. Licensure is for life unless suspended, revoked, or annulled for reasons of misconduct.
In order to practice as a registered pharmacy technician in New York State and use the title “registered pharmacy technician”, a licensee must be currently “registered”. Registration is for a three-year period, except for the first registration renewal after licensure, which is prorated to move licensees to month of birth renewal.
What do I have to do to work as a pharmacy technician in New York?
- Be hired as a pharmacy technician by a retail or hospital pharmacy. Bear in mind the following two points:
- Individual employers determine job requirements and entry-level qualifications for pharmacy technicians, so get as much information as possible from potential employers about the job skills and experience they require.
- Many employers require high school level education at a minimum. Some may give preference to candidates with an associate’s degree or a certificate of completion from a pharmacy technician training program.
Is training required?
The pharmacist-in-charge in the place of employment is responsible for any training.
Are there Continuing Education (CE) requirements?
No. If you are nationally certified, however, maintaining your certification requires CE (twenty units of continuing education every two years).
How often is renewal required?
Every three years for maintaining your “registered pharmacy technician” status. The license doesn’t require renewal.
Other good info to know about New York pharmacy tech requirements
- A technician may only perform pharmacy functions that do not require professional judgment.
- The supervising pharmacist (or pharmacist-in-charge) is responsible for all actions of the pharmacy technician.
- The pharmacist-in-charge may supervise two pharmacy technicians at a time.
Essential Contact Info for the New York Pharmacy Tech
New York State Education Department: Office of the Professions
www.op.nysed.gov/prof/pharm
Office: State Education Building
89 Washington Avenue, Room 201
Albany, NY 12234-1000
Telephone: 518-474-3817 ext. 130
Fax: 518-473-6995
Professional Association for New York Pharm Techs
New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists (NYSCHP) www.nyschp.org
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