Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Oklahoma

As of June 1st, 2012, the state of Oklahoma features about 764 retail drug stores, hospital pharmacies and other suppliers of federally controlled substances.  According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oklahoma pharmacies employ approximately 4,750 full time professional pharmacy technicians.  However, less than half of all pharmacy technicians employed in Oklahoma actually maintain valid, up-to-date, Board certified licenses.  Nonetheless, Oklahoma pharmacists strongly prefer licensed assistants, as federal law prohibits unlicensed technicians from handling and processing prescriptions.  Regulations and guidelines pertaining to pharmacy technicians vary from state to state. 

Oklahoma State Regulations for Pharmacy Technicians

The Oklahoma State Pharmacy Board does not require Board certification as a prerequisite to local employment as a pharmacy technician.  Rather, the activities and qualifications of pharmacy technicians are decided by supervising pharmacists, in accordance with state and federal laws.  Most pharmacy technicians are, in fact, either Board certified or undergoing the process of Board certification.  All pharmacy technicians seeking licensing must register with the state's Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).  Registration requires the submission of a completed application, as well as a forty dollar application fee made payable to the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy.  Registrations must be renewed annually, along with a forty dollar renewal fee, no later than the last day of the registrant's birth month.  All fees associated with registration and renewal are the applicant's responsibility.  Licensing for Oklahoma pharmacy technicians also requires the completion of a Board approved training program prior to local employment.  Pre-licensing permits are given to those who complete the academic portion of their training.  This allows trainees to continue their educations on the job.  The entire training program must be completed within ninety days of receiving the work permit. 

Oklahoma Training Programs for Pharmacy Technicians Include:

Oklahoma residents who seek careers as technicians at local pharmacies can often learn the required skills at accredited local colleges.  Schools in the state of Oklahoma featuring degree programs for pharmacy technicians include University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, State University College of Pharmacy in Weatherford and University of Phoenix, which features convenient facilities in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. At the same rate, many aspiring Oklahoma pharmacy technicians acquire professional qualifications and licenses via online educational options.  Popular accredited online colleges with certificate programs for pharmacy technicians include Ultimate Medical Academy, Southeastern College, Lincoln Technical Institute, UEI College and Institute of Technology, to name only a few.