Pharmacy Technician in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.
Jobs (LA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a pharmacy technician in Louisiana
To become a certified Pharmacy Technician in Louisiana, individuals must first register as a Pharmacy Technician Candidate with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. Candidates must be at least 18 years old (or 16 if enrolled in a Louisiana Department of Education Jump Start program) and possess a high school diploma or GED. They must then complete either a board-approved training program or 600 hours of practical experience under a licensed pharmacist, pass a national certification exam (PTCB or NHA), and undergo a criminal background check. Finally, candidates can apply for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate, which requires an application fee of $100 and must be renewed annually.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Louisiana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Louisiana requirements
| Licensing body | Louisiana Board of Pharmacy |
| State license | Required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED. Completion of a nationally accredited and Board-approved training program OR 600 hours of practical experience under a licensed pharmacist. National certification (PTCB or NHA) is required for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate. |
| Experience | 600.0 hours |
| Exam | PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129) |
| Application fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 10.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18 for most pathways (16 for Louisiana Department of Education Jump Start program). Requires a criminal background check. There is a two-tiered process: Pharmacy Technician Candidate registration ($50 application fee) to train, and then the Pharmacy Technician Certificate ($100 application fee) after meeting all requirements. Renewal fee is $60 annually. |
Source: Louisiana Board of Pharmacy
workspace_premium Louisiana license tiers
Louisiana offers multiple tiers of pharmacy technician licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician Candidate | N/A |
| Certified Pharmacy Technician | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleLouisiana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk