According to section nine of the Pharmacy Practice Act of 1987, prospective pharmacy assistants must be at least 16 at the time of hire. Though pharmacy technicians this young are not normally hired, young pharmacists who show a great deal of maturity and a professional attitude can be hired.
In order to become a pharmacy assistant, prospective candidates must submit an application to the Illinois Pharmacy Board. This ensures that applicants have criminal records clean of any drug or pharmacy-related incidents. The 2010 application carries a $40 application fee, which is non-refundable. If the application is denied, it can be submitted again once the applicant fulfills missed requirements.
Prospective pharmacy assistants must possess a high school diploma or be enrolled in high school. The equivalents of a high school diploma, such as a general equivalency diploma or a foreign high school diploma, also meet this requirement. Applicants who do not meet this requirement must obtain a GED before their applications will be accepted. Applicants must graduate high school or obtain a GED within two years of hire.
Once these steps have been completed, registered pharmacy technicians are then permitted to assist pharmacists in the pharmacy. Starting in January, 2010, pharmacy technicians are required to become licensed within two years of hire. In order to become licensed, pharmacy technicians must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Examination. In order to qualify to take this exam, pharmacy technicians must have a high school diploma, GED, or a foreign high school diploma, and no felony or misdemeanor convictions involving drug of pharmacy related issues.