New York Pharmacy Technician Requirements
New York Pharmacy Technician Requirements
*Completing the PharmacyTechScholar.com Online Course and Passing the PTCE meets the proposed 2021 credentialing/training requirements in New York
New York is one of the few remaining states that does not regulate the practice of pharmacy technicians. Currently, you do not need to register or apply for a license to work as a pharmacy technician in the state. While some employers require national certification upon or within a given timeframe of hire, this is not a state mandate. However, Senate Bill S5162 implements a licensure process for pharmacy technicians performing certain functions in the hospital setting. The licensure process goes into effect in January 2021. There will be no grandparenting exemption for licensure. It is important that all current and aspiring pharmacy technicians are aware of the 2021 New York pharmacy technician requirements and prepare accordingly. This article describes the requirements that are currently proposed for adoption in the legislation.
Basic Education and Background Requirements
Individuals applying for a New York pharmacy technician license must be 18 years of age and have completed high school or equivalent credentialing. Background check requirements are not outlined in the bill but expect this to be included as part of the application process.
Application Fee
A licensure or registration fee is usually required as part of the application process. This fee varies by state, and ranges from $25 to $150 or more. While this information is not yet available, anticipate the 2021 New York pharmacy technician license application to include a fee in this range.
National Certification
To register as a pharmacy technician in New York, you will be required to be certified by a nationally accredited organization. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association both offer exams to earn your CPhT credential. Either one will qualify to meet this requirement.
Post High School Education or Technician Specific Training
New York will not be requiring completion of a state approved or nationally accredited training program as part of the pharmacy technician registration process. The proposed legislation requires that pharmacy technicians receive site specific training. This will be provided by pharmacy employers, and documentation of completion of this training will be required.
Taking our course qualifies you to take the PTCE through the PTCB, without the otherwise 500-hours of technician experience that would be required.
Resources
New York Council of Health-System Pharmacists Information on Pharmacy Technician Legislation
I really want to apply for pharmacy technician certification
Hi Asadi,
Do you have any questions about this that we may help you with?
I’m certified in the state of Illinois. Do I still need to apply for New York? Are there any fees or tests that I need to complete 1st?
Hi Brian,
New York requires national certification for registration as a pharmacy technician. They do not have any language around reciprocation for those that hold a registration or license in another state: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-pharmacy-technicians/license-requirements
In other words, if you don’t already have your CPhT credential, you’ll need to take the national certification exam (either the PTCE through the PTCB or the ExCPT through the NHA). There is a fee to those organizations for the exam, and currently the fee for registration in New York is $175.
Hi. I’m a Registered Pharmacist in the Philippines. I want to be a Pharmacy Technician in New York. Do I have to go to New York to take the course and get that certificate or do they have where I can take it online?
Hi Fairah,
You can review the latest New York Board rules here: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-pharmacy-technicians/license-requirements
As far as the course, you can take that from anywhere. However, the PTCE is generally only offered at Pearson VUE test centers in the U.S.: https://ptcb.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360047224372-I-am-located-outside-of-the-United-States-May-I-test-