In the dynamic world of healthcare, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and knowledge is crucial, and this applies to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as well. Continuing Education (CE) plays a vital role in ensuring that these healthcare professionals are equipped with the latest information and skills required to provide the best care to patients. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of CE for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, exploring the importance of CE credits and where to obtain them, while also providing insights into CE requirements by state.
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Why Do Pharmacy Professionals Need CE Credits?
Continuing Education is not just a regulatory requirement but also a cornerstone of professional development. Here are a few reasons why pharmacists and pharmacy technicians need CE credits:
- Patient Safety: As healthcare providers, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are entrusted with the well-being of patients. Staying current with medical and pharmaceutical advances ensures the safe and effective use of medications.
- Regulatory Compliance: Most pharmacy boards and regulatory bodies mandate a specific number of CEUs to renew licenses. Failure to comply can result in disciplinary actions, including license suspension.
- Enhanced Skills: CE credits help professionals stay informed about emerging therapies, technologies, and practices. This knowledge enhances their problem-solving abilities and patient care.
- Career Advancement: Employers often value employees who actively engage in ongoing learning. Earning CEUs can open up career advancement opportunities.
Where To Get Live and On-Demand Continuing Education Credits For Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
freeCE is a one-stop solution for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, providing a wide array of live and on-demand CE courses. Whether you prefer to attend live events or need the flexibility of on-demand learning, freeCE has you covered. With a diverse range of topics, freeCE ensures that you can tailor your CE experience to your specific needs and interests.
Our user-friendly platform makes it easy to access high-quality education at your convenience, ensuring you can stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the pharmaceutical field.
Continuing Education Hours By State
Continuing education requirements for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can vary significantly based on your place of residence and the specific regulations set by your state’s board of pharmacy. Each state board has its own set of rules regarding the number of CEUs required, the types of activities that are accepted for credit, and the renewal periods.
It’s essential to recognize that these regulations are not uniform across states. Therefore, it is crucial for pharmacy professionals to be well-informed about their state’s particular CE requirements and ensure that they stay in compliance with the rules set by their respective state board of pharmacy. This awareness ensures that you can maintain your professional licensure and continue to provide safe and effective patient care within the boundaries of your state’s regulations.
Check out our state board of pharmacy information map for a list of your state’s CE requirements.
States With Continuing Education Credits Due By 12/31/2023
Hawaii Pharmacists
Hawaii-licensed pharmacists must renew their licenses biennially to maintain the right to practice. Renewal applications are due by December 31 of every odd-numbered year with a renewal fee of $190.
The Hawaii Board of Pharmacy requires 30 continuing education (CE) hours to be completed every 2 years prior to the renewal date of December 31. These education hours may be completed in a live or home study setting.
Louisiana Pharmacists
Louisiana Board of Pharmacy Licensees must renew their licenses annually to maintain the right to practice. The annual renewal period is from November 1 to December 31. Licenses that have not been renewed within this period will expire on December 31.
Pharmacists in Louisiana must complete continuing education during each annual cycle to qualify for license renewal. There are two options for satisfying the continuing education requirements:
Option One: Complete fifteen hours of ACPE or board-approved CE units, three of which must be live.
Option Two: Complete twenty hours of ACPE or board-approved CE units. This option does not include a live requirement.
Alabama Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians in Alabama must renew their certificates every odd year to maintain the right to practice. Registration starts on October 1. The biennial renewal deadline is on December 31 of each odd year. The online renewal window closes on January 31, and after that technicians will need to complete an online reinstatement application.
Prior to biennial reregistration, pharmacy technicians must complete 6 hours of technician-specific ACPE or board-approved continuing education, 2 of which must be live.
Arkansas Pharmacists
Every 2 years, pharmacists in Arkansas must complete 30 hours of CE, 12 of which must be live.
North Carolina Pharmacists
North Carolina Board of Pharmacy licensees must renew their licenses annually to maintain the right to practice. The renewal period is from November 1 to December 31 each year.
As part of the yearly license renewal process, pharmacists are required to complete a total of fifteen continuing education hours, five of which must be live.
Virginia Pharmacists
Virginia Board of Pharmacy licensees must renew their licenses annually to maintain the right to practice.
The renewal period is between January 1 and December 31. If you are newly licensed after October 1, you do not need to renew your license until December 31 of the following year. However, if you were licensed before October 1, you will need to complete all 15 hours of approved CE by December 31 of the year in which you were licensed.
As a prerequisite for license renewal, Pharmacists in Virginia must complete 15 contact hours of continuing education (CE) per year, 3 of which must be live.
Wyoming Pharmacists
Pharmacists in the state of Wyoming may earn CE between January 1st and December 31st of each renewal year. A pharmacist’s license expires annually on December 31st and should be renewed 30 days prior to this date to avoid late fees and timely renewal.
Pharmacists in Wyoming need 12 contact hours of CE, including 1.5 hours on responsible prescribing of controlled substances annually (courses on pain management/opioids will satisfy this requirement).
Maine Pharmacists
Maine Board of Pharmacy licensees must renew their licenses annually to maintain the right to practice. Pharmacist licenses must be renewed by December 31 of each year.
Pharmacists in Maine must complete fifteen hours of continuing education each year to qualify for license renewal. Two of these hours must be on the topic of drug administration.
Why Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Love free CE For Live and ON-demand Pharmacy CE
In a world where the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, freeCE stands out as the ideal choice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians seeking to meet their continuing education requirements.
What sets us apart is our commitment to affordability, offering high-quality education without breaking the bank. With an extensive catalog of courses, both live and on-demand, we cater to diverse interests and needs, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect fit for your professional growth.
When you choose freeCE, you’re not just choosing a CE provider; you’re selecting a partner in your journey towards excellence in pharmacy. Join us today and experience the difference for yourself – affordable, comprehensive, and engaging education at your fingertips.
