Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Requirement
Tennessee requires pharmacy technicians to be registered with the state. National certification is not required but provides additional privileges, including exemption from ratio limitations and expanded duties.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit a pharmacy technician registration application to the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy
- Pass a criminal background check and provide fingerprints
- (Optional) Complete a pharmacy technician training program
- (Optional) Pass the PTCE or ExCPT to become nationally certified
- Renew registration every two years
Pharmacy Technician Salary
Pharmacy technicians in Tennessee typically earn $17–$20 per hour. Certified technicians may earn more and qualify for expanded roles in certain pharmacies.
State Registration Requirements
- All pharmacy technicians must be registered before working
- National certification is not required, but certified techs may:
- Perform more advanced duties
- Be exempt from technician-to-pharmacist ratio restrictions
- Registration must be renewed biennially
- Technicians must work under pharmacist supervision
Continuing Education Requirements
- Tennessee does not require CE for state registration renewal
- PTCB Certification requires 20 CE hours every 2 years, including 1 hour in Pharmacy Law and 1 hour in Patient Safety
Summary
Tennessee requires pharmacy technicians to register with the state but does not mandate certification. National certification offers benefits like broader responsibilities and ratio exemptions. CE is only required for those maintaining national certification.