Alaska Pharmacy Technician Requirements and Training Programs

Alaska provides a wealth of opportunities for pharmacy technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there were 650 pharmacy technicians in 2021 and the employment rate is expected to grow by 5% by 2031. Alaska’s pharmacy technicians earn a median hourly rate of $18.42 or $37,340 per year, placing them among the best-paid pharmacy technicians in the nation. Technicians employed in surgical hospitals and outpatient care centers earn a lot more. The Alaska Board of Pharmacy requires individuals to register for licensure before working or training at state-registered pharmacies. The requirements for registration are not as stringent as other states; pharmacy technicians do not need to complete formal training or certification to register with the Board. However, an Alaska Pharmacist Association survey reveals that more than 58 percent of the state’s technicians acquire PTCB certification to increase their technician responsibilities, earn respect, and get better wages.

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Alaska Pharmacy Technician Requirements

License Requirement

The Alaska Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to register before working at the state’s registered pharmacies. The Board defines a pharmacy technician as a person who performs manipulative, non-discretionary tasks associated with the everyday running of a pharmacy. The individual executes his/her responsibilities under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Candidates for registration must be at least 18 years with a high school diploma or equivalent, no criminal convictions and the ability to speak, write and read English.

After the Board approves the application for registration, pharmacy technicians must wear a name tag identifying their role in the pharmacy. A pharmacist-in-charge must ensure pharmacy technicians receive training in accordance with the duties they perform. Before taking up the task of preparing sterile pharmaceuticals, pharmacy technicians must first complete at least 40 hours of on-the-job training. The topics should cover preparing, sterilizing, aseptic techniques, and admixture of parenteral and sterile pharmaceuticals.

Pharmacy technicians must renew their licenses biennially to continue working as pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy employers should verify a new employee’s status with the Board and report any indiscriminate actions to the Board. Pharmacy interns do not need to register to provide services as a pharmacy technician.

Age Requirement

Alaska’s pharmacy technicians must be 18 years or older to register with the Board.

Education Requirement

Pharmacy technicians must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to register with the Board. The applicant will need to provide details of the high school or other program attended and the graduation date. Alaska does not require any other formal education from technicians.

Other Requirements

Applicants with felony convictions or those found guilty of other crimes may not be eligible for registration if the crimes affect their ability to perform their duties as a pharmacy technician. The Board does not perform criminal background checks by default. However, those who answer “yes” to the Personal Data questions on the application form may be subject to an interview and criminal background check before the Board makes a final decision.

The Pharmacy Technician Program

Content

There are fewer than a dozen formal pharmacy technician training programs in Alaska. In spite of the lack of formal institutions offering credible training programs, Alaska’s pharmacy technicians are well-trained, certified, and among the best-paid in the industry. More than 90 percent of the state’s technicians acquire the knowledge and skills they need through on-the-job training. Committed pharmacists ensure technicians learn all the essential skills to execute their responsibilities on the job. They supervise the didactic component of the training and ensure student/employees obtain lots of opportunities to put their learning into action.

Pharmacy technician programs, including the one at the University of Alaska Anchorage, cover core topics including introduction to pharmacy, pharmacy calculations, techniques of pharmacy practice, pharmacology, law and ethics, communication, and public safety. Employer-trained students also learn topics that are specific to their duties in the pharmacy. At the conclusion of training, students can receive and prepare prescription for a pharmacist review, initiate, verify and collect payment, manage inventory, maintain pharmacy equipment, avoid medication errors, and communicate effectively and maintain patient confidentiality. The training will also prepare students for the national certification exam administered by the PTCB. Requirements for enrollment vary from one provider to another. In general, students should be at least 18 years (the Board only registers persons 18 years or older), have a criminal free background, and a high school diploma or GED. The training provider may also require students to pass a drug screen and TB test.

Duration and Cost

Since a number of technicians obtain their training on the job, there are no costs attached to training. As demands for technicians increase, an increasing number of employers give preference to previously trained and certified technicians in order to meet immediate shortages. Technicians who pursue formal training and certification can step into a number of pharmacy settings and offer immediate support to burdened pharmacists. Therefore, formal training offers distinct advantages for students who can afford to pay an average of $2,995 for 12 months of training. Funding available through the Workforce Investment Act and other sources of financial aid could help to reduce the cost of formal training.

For students who cannot afford the programs available at vocational schools and universities, the sponsored training at pharmacy employers could give them an affordable way to enter the industry. Training led by pharmacists typically last 6 to 12 months and covers a broad range of pharmacy related topics and tasks.

National Exams

While there’s no requirements for technicians to pursue certification for initial registration with the Board of Pharmacy, there are immeasurable benefits for those who do. The results of a survey conducted by the Alaska Pharmacists Association revealed that more than half the state’s pharmacy technicians are certified by the PTCB. Pharmacists and technicians responding to the survey believed that certification increases technician professionalism, increases tech wages, improves patient safety, demonstrates technician commitment, gives pharmacists more time for counseling patients, and raises the standards for pharmacy technicians.

The Board of Pharmacy and pharmacy employers recognize the PTCB exam. The PTCB is a non-profit organization that improves the standards for pharmacy technicians. The Board designs and develops a national certification exam that is administered at more than 200 Pearson Vue computerized testing centers across the nation. The 2-hour exam comprises of 90 multiple-choice questions. Testing centers are available in Anchorage, Alaska. The exam is just one component of the validation process. Applicants for testing must first provide proof of completing high school or equivalent, proof of completing an accredited pharmacy technician program, have no drug felonies, and no felonies of any kind up to 5 years prior to the date of application. Certification is valid for two years, and CPhTs must complete the continuing education requirements and renew on time to maintain certification. The renewal fee is $49 for online renewal.

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Acquiring Your State License

Application

Pharmacy technician applicants must be 18 years and older and have a high school diploma or equivalent. They should also be able to read, speak and write English and have no criminal convictions that affect their ability to perform their duties of a pharmacy technician. The following describes the steps for registering as a pharmacy technician in Alaska.

Pharmacy Technician Application:

Alaska defines a technician as an individual who performs pharmacy functions under the direction of the pharmacist.

  • Download the Pharmacy Technician Application on the ABOP website.
  • Complete the application in full and get the form notarized.
  • Include copies of your state ID, social security card, and high school diploma.
  • The fee for the initial application is $25, which covers the non-refundable application fee ($0) and the initial technician license fee ($25). The Board accepts personal checks, certified check, or money order made payable to the “State of Alaska.”
  • Sign the email agreement if you want to receive email communication from the Board relating to the status of your license.
  • Provide supporting documents if you respond “yes” to the Personal Data questions.
  • Mail the application form, fee, and supporting documents to the address provided below.

The processing time for complete and accurate application forms is four to six weeks after the Board receives the documents. If you have a history of disciplinary actions or criminal convictions, you should submit a letter detailing the circumstances and a copy of legal documents. The Board will forward the application to the Investigations Department for review where members of the Board will make a final decision.

An application will be considered abandoned when 12 months have elapsed since correspondence was last received from or on behalf of the applicant. An abandoned application is denied without prejudice. At the time of abandonment, the division will send notification to the last known address of the applicant, who has 30 days to submit a written request for a refund of biennial license and other fees paid. The application fee will not be refunded. If no request for refund is received within that timeframe, no refund will be issued, and all fees will be forfeited

Renewal

Pharmacy technicians’ licenses lapse after June 30 of even-numbered years. There is no grace period. The only accepted and reliable means of renewing an application is through the postal mail; the Board does not accept faxed or email applications. The processing time for renewals is four to six weeks for correct and complete renewal application, so submit the renewal at least one month before the deadline.

Following are the steps for renewal.

  • Download a pharmacy technician renewal form online if you did not receive a form in the mail. The copy received in the mail will have a barcode specific to your name and license number.
  • The renewal fee is $25. Some technicians will qualify for the prorated renewal fee of $12.50.
  • Complete the Statement of Compliance verifying your completion of the continuing education requirements. For renewals, you must complete 10 hours of continuing pharmacy education or obtained initial certification as a pharmacy technician by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
  • Complete the jurisprudence questionnaire, which may require a review of Alaska’s Statutes and Regulations for pharmacies and pharmacy technicians.

The board will randomly audit renewal applications for verification of reported continuing education contact hours. To conduct an audit under this section, the board will access and evaluate continuing pharmacy education data reported to the ACPE-NABP CPE Monitor Service during the time period audited.

Upon written request, a pharmacist or pharmacy technician shall provide the board with a copy of each certificate of completion for the continuing education units not reported to the ACPE-NABP CPE Monitor Service during the time period audited by the board.

Transfer

Out-of-state pharmacy technicians should complete an application for new registration as Alaska does not practice reciprocity with other states.

Contact the Board:

 Alaska Board of Pharmacy
333 Willoughby Avenue, 9th Floor
Juneau, AK 99801-1770

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806

Phone: (907) 465-2550
Fax: (907) 465-2974
E-mail: license@alaska.gov

Pharmacy Technician Training Programs Alaska

 Anchorage, AK Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:

UAA School of Allied Health
Allied Health Sciences Building
3500 Seawolf Drive, AHS 148
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
(907) 786-4346

Charter College in Anchorage
2221 East Northern Lights Blvd #120
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 277-1000

Alaska Regional Hospital Phcy
2801 Debarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)276-1131

Carr Pharmacy #520
3101 Penland Pkwy
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)297-2060

Carrs Pharmacy #1806
600 E Northern Lights Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907)297-0600

Fred Meyer Pharmacy #11
1000 E Northern Lights Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)264-9633

Costco Pharmacy #63
4125 Debarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)269-9503

Walmart Pharmacy #2070
3101 A St
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907)563-6600

Alaska Psychiatric Inst Phcy
3700 Piper St
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)269-7179

Anchorage Medset Pharmacy
4101 Arctic Blvd Ste B
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907)770-6081

Carrs Pharmacy #1805
1650 W Northern Lights Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99517
(907)339-0560

Alaska Managed Care Phcy #1829
5600 Debarr Rd Ste 8
Anchorage, AK 99504
(907)339-2960

Carrs Pharmacy #1809
5600 Debarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99504
(907)339-0960

Providence Health Systems Phcy
4900 Eagle St
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907)212-0251

St Elias Specialty Hosp Phcy
4800 Cordova St
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907)564-2249

Primary Care Center Pharmacy
4320 Diplomacy Dr Ste 1710
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)729-2150

SCF RASU Pharmacy
4160 Tudor Centre Dr
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907)729-4160

Cardinal Health
5630 Silverado Way Ste 1
Anchorage, AK 99518
(907)562-0229

Walgreens Pharmacy #12679
7600 Debarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99504
(907)771-9920

Fred Meyer Pharmacy #18
7701 Debarr Rd
Anchorage, AK 99504
(907)269-1733

Target Pharmacy #2371
1200 N Muldoon Rd Ste F
Anchorage, AK 99504
(907)269-2101

Carrs Pharmacy #1817
7731 E Northern Lights Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99504
(907)331-1760

Carrs Pharmacy #2628
1725 Abbott Rd
Anchorage, AK 99507
(907)339-2860

Costco Pharmacy #10
330 W Dimond Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907)267-7116

Walmart Pharmacy #2071
8900 Old Seward Hwy
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907)344-7300

Fred Meyer Pharmacy #656
2300 Abbott Rd
Anchorage, AK 99507
(907)365-2033

Fred Meyer Pharmacy #71
2000 W Dimond Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907)267-6733

Walgreens Pharmacy #12680
2197 W Dimond Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907)339-9600

Target Pharmacy #2372
150 W 100th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907)267-7501

Carrs Pharmacy #1812
4000 W Dimond Blvd
Anchorage, AK 99502
(907)339-1260

Carrs Quality Pharmacy #1813
1501 Huffman Rd
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907)348-1360

Walgreens Pharmacy #13449
12405 Brandon St
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907)646-4023

 

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