The information included here is the most recent and updated information as of February 10, 2023.
When and where can I register?
Registration is now open. Pharmacy technicians can register here.
What is the deadline for technicians that are currently working to register?
Current pharmacy technicians can continue to work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist licensed by the Pharmacy Examining Board until March 31, 2023. After that date, they will need an application for registration pending with the department.
What is the difference between direct and general supervision?
The state of Wisconsin defines direct supervision as "immediate availability to continually coordinate, direct and inspect in real time the practice of another." General supervision is "to continually coordinate, direct and inspect the practice of another."
What is the pharmacy technician registration fee?
The fee is $30 for a two-year registration; we expect technician registrations will be on the same cycle as pharmacist registrations. Because 2023 is an odd year, and pharmacists renew on even years, PSW has asked DSPS about the initial registration cycle and how they will align the timeline with pharmacists. More information will be shared as it is received.
Who needs to register as a pharmacy technician?
For the purposes of registration, a pharmacy technician is considered to be anyone who is not a licensed pharmacist and, under the supervision and delegation of a pharmacist, administers vaccines, performs technical dispensing functions, compounding, packaging, labeling and storage, pharmacy and inventory management, or other activities involved in the practice of pharmacy. Individuals performing these duties must be registered as pharmacy technicians (see below for exceptions for pharmacy students).
Individuals must be registered if they perform any of the duties below, regardless of their job title, unless they are a licensed pharmacist or meet one of the student exceptions:
- Interpreting prescription orders.
- Compounding, packaging, labeling, dispensing, and the coincident distribution of drugs and devices.
- Proper and safe storage of drugs and devices and maintaining proper records of the drugs and devices.
- Drug product substitution
- Drug regimen screening, including screening for therapeutic duplication, drug-to-drug interactions, incorrect dosage, incorrect duration of treatment, drug allergy reactions, and clinical abuse or misuse.
- Performing any act necessary to manage a pharmacy.
- Administering vaccines.
Students
| Status
|
Need to Register as a Pharmacy Technician?
|
| Enrolled in pharmacy school and employed with the job title “pharmacy technician”
|
YES
|
| Performing any of the above tasks, regardless of job title, while enrolled in the first or second year of pharmacy school, unless completing the hours to meet the licensure internship requirement
|
YES
|
| Completed the second year of pharmacy school, currently enrolled in pharmacy school, and performing duties only under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist
|
NO
|
| Completed the second year of pharmacy school, currently enrolled in pharmacy school, and performing duties under the general supervision of a licensed pharmacist, unless completing internship hours
|
YES
|
| Completing internship hours required for licensure and meeting all documentation requirements of internship (as found here)
|
NO
|
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Examples:
I am a first-year pharmacy student and work part-time as a pharmacy technician. Do I need to register?
I am a third-year pharmacy student and work part-time as a pharmacy technician, which includes tasks under the general supervision of a pharmacist. Do I need to register?
I am a third-year pharmacy student and work part-time as a pharmacy intern, and all of my tasks are performed under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. Do I need to register?
I am performing my fourth-year APPE rotations and all of my duties are under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. Do I need to register?
My job title is not pharmacy technician, but I perform one or more of the tasks above under the delegation and supervision of a pharmacist. Do I need to register?
- YES, unless one of the student exceptions applies
I am a first-year student performing tasks under general pharmacist supervision during my IPPE hours that I am documenting for my internship requirement. Do I need to register?
I am a first-year student performing tasks under general pharmacist supervision during my IPPE hours that I am not documenting for my internship requirement. Do I need to register?
Will employers and credentialing departments be able to check the status of a technician registration application?
Yes. The look-up will be available here. We recommend employers/managers ask pharmacy technicians to provide their application number to monitor application status.
How long before starting as a technician would a new hire need to become registered?
Per state statute, technicians need only apply (not have their application processed/registration issued) to begin working as a pharmacy technician.
Would pharmacy technicians need to be registered before hire?
No, but pharmacy technicians must have applied for registration by their start date.
The draft emergency rule for Phar 19 references the applicant not having an arrest or conviction record. Is this any conviction, state, local, or federal? Or is it for specific convictions?
Pharmacy technicians could have their registration denied for the same reasons as a pharmacist, which can be found in 450.10. They can be restricted or denied if they have been found guilty of violating any law that substantially relates to the practice of pharmacy.
If DSPS denies a pharmacy technician registration, the individual cannot work as a "pharmacy technician." If desired, an employer could reassign them to a non-pharmacy technician role.
What is the suggested procedure if a hired individual fails to register or is denied?
If DSPS denies a pharmacy technician registration, the individual cannot work as a "pharmacy technician." An employer could reassign them to a non-pharmacy technician role or determine if appropriate to end the employment relationship.
I work with the local high school youth apprentice program employing a pharmacy technician under 18. How do I find out if this program meets the requirements of WI Act 100? Where can we find the listing of apprentice programs from the Department of Workforce Development under s. 106.13 (2m)?
For more information about the youth apprenticeship program, including how to enroll your worksite as a program participant, click here.
Will Wisconsin law require certification of pharmacy technicians?
No, the requirement is for pharmacy technician registration only. Individuals do not need to be certified to register and work as pharmacy technicians.
Will pharmacy technicians be required to complete CE to maintain their registration in Wisconsin?
No. There is no continuing education (CE) requirement for registered pharmacy technicians in Wisconsin.
Will pharmacy technicians be required to complete a training program approved by the Wisconsin Board of Pharmacy (PEB)?
No. There is no training requirement for pharmacy technician registration.