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.
PTCB certification is not required for registration. But some activities can only be performed by certified technicians. See below.
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:
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.
Certified technicians have a proven commitment to pharmacy. This sends a big signal to employers that you are dedicated and dependable.
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.