• Pharmacy technicians in Minnesota who meet the requirements are poised for helping.pharmacie image by muro from Fotolia.com
  
  The modern understanding of pharmaceuticals comes partly from the Greek word "pharmakon," meaning "drug." For some, the pharmacy is a weekly destination, and most likely not because of a voluntary desire for going. Since a visit to the pharmacy usually implies some form of discomfort or disorder, qualified and amiable pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can contribute to a more pleasant experience in an unfavorable situation. In Minnesota, anyone meeting the specific requirements can qualify as a pharmacy technician.
  
  

Basics

• Since January 30, 1999, all pharmacy technicians working in Minnesota must be registered with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy (MBP). Additionally, technicians must be at least 16 years old and knowledgeable of pharmaceutical practice laws and regulations regarding what tasks they can and cannot perform.
  
  

Laws and Regulations

• While not all-inclusive regarding every situation that may confront a pharmacy technician in Minnesota, existing laws and regulations serve as working guidelines. Some examples of Board guidelines, according to the MBP, are: The technician can receive prescriptions from patients, but cannot take new prescriptions over the phone; can enter prescriptions into the computer, but cannot override warnings in the computer; can sell or deliver prescriptions to patients, but cannot counsel patients.
  
  

Application

• As of June 2010, applying for pharmacy technician registration requires payment of a $20 fee along with a filled-out and signed application form. Each applicant must be aware that as a part of this application he must provide a personal telephone number that will become public information, per Minnesota statute 13.41. Application and fee should be sent to the location below:
  
  Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
  
  2829 University Ave. S.E. #530
  
  Minneapolis, MN 55414-3251
  
  651-201-2825
  
  Fax: 651-201-2837
  
  

Certification

• The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is set up for enabling pharmacy technicians in supporting pharmacists for the advancement of patient safety. While technician certification is not a requirement in Minnesota, it is recommended for the purpose of exercising greater patient care and service. The PTCB reports that certified technicians experience increases in pay and promotion opportunities. Contact information for the PTCB is below:
  
  Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
  
  2215 Constitution Avenue NW
  
  Washington, DC 20037-2985
  
  1-800-363-8012
  
  Fax: 202-429-7596