Pharmacy technicians are often employed in hospitals, nursing homes, private and chain drug stores, research laboratories, wholesale drug companies, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. The work area for pharmacy technicians is generally a clean, well-lit environment.

Under supervision pharmacy technicians help prepare prescriptions, sometimes measuring, mixing, packaging, labeling and delivering medications to patients. They order supplies and help to keep pharmacy equipment clean. Pharmacy technicians also help maintain confidential drug and patient records.

Job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are excellent. Qualified pharmacy technicians are in high demand nationwide. Visit the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information on projected growth rate.

Currently, the state of Alaska requires all pharmacy technicians to be licensed. To gain a valid license, one must:

• be 18 years of age
• have a high school diploma or equivalent
• not have committed a felony offense
• pay a $25 fee to the state of Alaska
• be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English

Additionally, some pharmacies may require applicants to have passed the national PTCB Examination. Although this examination is not required by the state of Alaska at this time, UAA's 16-credit pharmacy technician program will prepare students to successfully pass the national PTCB exam. The necessary form is available for downloading at the Alaska Board of Pharmacy website.

We recommend the following to encourage student success in the program:

• High school diploma or GED
• Math proficiency - must have pre-algebra skills
• English proficiency - must have good oral command of the English language
• Keyboarding proficiency - 35 wpm highly recommended
• Computer proficiency - you should be comfortable working on a computer, opening and attaching documents and clicking around websites
• PHAR A107 prerequisite requirements

 

Yes. Through a partnership between the UAA College of Health and Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, you can earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree while staying in Alaska.

For more information, visit the UAA Doctor of Pharmacy website.

Practicing pharmacy technicians who are members of the Alaska Pharmacist Association may earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for completing any of our pharmacy technology courses. 

For additional information, please contact uaa_pharmacytech@alaska.edu or (907) 786-4346.