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In Ohio, pharmacy technicians must be well trained. They complete extensive coursework, practice a range of duties, and learn about the complexities of psychopharmacology. Some even obtain certification through a nine or 12-month course. While the requirements for this career path can be intensive, there has not been a registration requirement until recently. In January of 2017, Governor John Kasich signed a bill into law that requires all pharmacy technicians and trainees to register through the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. Eligibility requirements involve age, criminal history, and other factors.

While these registration requirements do not take effect for over a year, it can be good to get a head start. If you would like help understanding your legal rights, call 614-228-5800 today.

Registered and Certified Pharmacy Technicians

Under current law, which was repealed by the passing of Senate Bill (SB) 319, there are no registration requirements for pharmacy technicians. Instead, they are simply labeled as “qualified” if they meet the requirements established by their employer. However, under the rules and regulations outlined in SB 319, which takes effect April 6, 2018, pharmacy technicians will be placed into one of two categories: certified or registered. Both groups must meet the same age, education, criminal background, and registration requirements. The only difference is that certified technicians must have passed a certification exam.

In order to meet state requirements, pharmacy technicians will need to register with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. To become a registered professional, there are a number of eligibility requirements that must be met, including possession of a high school diploma or GED, excellent moral character, a criminal background check, and proof from the person’s employer that they have completed the proper training for becoming a pharmacy technician. Pharmacists who have lost their licenses or who have had their practice suspended may not apply to become registered pharmacy technicians.

Application Fees

Prior to being labeled as a registered pharmacy technician, those wishing to qualify must fill out an application and submit it to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. The application must include a nonrefundable fee of $55. Once the application has been processed, the designation of registered or certified will be awarded, depending on the applicant.

Pharmacy Technician Trainees

Those who are just entering the field are also required to register. They must meet the eligibility requirements listed above, and they must commit to formal pharmacy training and education. However, enrollment in or completion of a training program is not required for registration. Instead, trainees who wish to become pharmacy technicians must indicate that they plan on enrolling in a suitable training program. The fee for registration is $25 for trainees.

Call Graff & McGovern Today

For decades, the requirements for being a qualified pharmacy technician have remained, for the most part, unchanged. With the new registration requirements brought about by SB 319, such as mandatory background checks, many highly qualified technicians may not be able to register with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy and may end up losing their jobs. If you are a pharmacy technician who has been convicted of a crime in the past, you may be worried about having to change careers when the new requirements take effect. The experienced attorneys at Graff & McGovern understand how difficult these situations can be. With their years of expertise, they can explain your many legal options.

To find out how you can qualify for registration as a pharmacy technician, call 614-228-5800 now.