Pharmacy Technology

The Pharmacy Technology program prepares students for employment as Pharmacy Technicians. This 16-credit Occupational Endorsement Program prepares students for both the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) examination as well as further study in pharmacy disciplines.

The Pharmacy Technology program is delivered completely at a distance using interactive web-based technologies. This six-course program of study allows students to take each course from any location, working conveniently from home, local campus or at work. 

Once employed, graduates of the program will assist licensed pharmacists as they provide medications and other drug devices to patients.

Courses

The Occupational Endorsement Certificate is comprised of six (6) courses offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters.  All courses are offered distance-delivered through UAA's online course management system, Blackboard. 

PHAR A101 Introduction to Pharmacy (3 credits)  Offered Fall and Spring
PHAR A105 Pharmacology for Technicians I (3 Credits)  Offered Fall Only
PHAR A107 Pharmacy Calculations (3 Credits)  Offered  Offered Fall Only
PHAR A111 Techniques of Pharmacy Practice (3 Credits)  Offered Spring Only
PHAR A115 Pharmacology for Technicians II (3 Credits)  Offered Spring Only
PHAR A192 Topics in Pharmacy (1 Credit)  Offered Spring Only

Job Duties, Opportunities and Work Environment

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. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the profession will be growing at a rate of 21-35% until the year 2012. The Alaska Department of Labor indicates the Average hourly wage range for Pharmacy Technicians in the state of Alaska is $11.92-$21.80 with an average wage of $16.33.

Requirements for Licensure in Alaska

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;
  • and pay a $100 fee to the State of Alaska.

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 websites.

Recommended Preparation

The Pharmacy Technology courses are open enrollment.  There are no prerequisites, but there are some recommendations to encourage student success.

  • 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

 

Doctor of Pharmacy Distance Pathway Program

Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions offer an accredited pharmacy program with a distance pathway leading to a doctor of pharmacy degree (Pharm.D.)

Five (5) seats are reserved for first-year students who meet eligibility criteria and admission requirements who are currently UA students or Alaska residents. 

For admissions information, visit Creighton's Admissions Website.

For additional information about the UAA/UA-Creighton pharmacy initiative, contact Debra Cieplack at dacieplak@uaa.alaska.edu or (907) 786-4495.

 

 

CEU Credits for Licensed Pharm Techs

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 Roxi Valentine at rovalentine@uaa.alaska.edu .

 

 

Contact Information

Pharmacy Technology Program
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Drive, AHS 161
Anchorage, AK 99508-4614
Phone: (907) 786-6928
Fax: (907) 786-6938
Email: rovalentine@uaa.alaska.edu