Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Requirement
Rhode Island requires pharmacy technicians to be licensed by the state. There are two levels of licensure: Technician I (non-certified) and Technician II (certified).
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal background check
- Submit a license application to the Rhode Island Department of Health
- Choose one of the following license types:
- Technician I
- Complete on-the-job training approved by your employer
- No national certification required
- Technician II
- Hold active national certification (PTCB or ExCPT)
- May have expanded responsibilities depending on employer
- Renew license annually
Pharmacy Technician Salary
Pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island typically earn $18–$22 per hour. Certified (Technician II) professionals may earn more.
State Registration Requirements
- Licensure is required before employment
- Applicants must choose between Technician I and Technician II licensing paths
- Technician II requires national certification
- Technicians must work under pharmacist supervision
- License must be renewed each year
Continuing Education Requirements
- Rhode Island does not require CE for state license renewal
- PTCB Certification requires 20 CE hours every 2 years, including 1 hour in Pharmacy Law and 1 hour in Patient Safety
Summary
Rhode Island licenses pharmacy technicians at two levels: Technician I (non-certified) and Technician II (certified). While CE is not required by the state, certified technicians must complete CE to maintain national certification.