Summary of Program
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. Click HERE to find out more about the web-based Pharmacy Technology Program.
Once employed, graduates of the program will assist licensed pharmacists as they provide medications and other drug devices to patients.
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 $50 application fee and $100 licensing fee, $150 total.
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
- 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
