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Pharmacy techs need to be able to pay great attention to detail.
When it comes to pharmacy technicians, each state has different requirements when it comes to licensing.
Article Table of Contents
General Requirements
The general requirements to work in this field in Alaska, are:
- 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- A clean criminal record
- Register with the Alaska Board of Pharmacy
- Wear a name tag at work
The Board registration has to be renewed every 2 years.
Additionally, attending a series of approved classes is also mandatory to maintain this registration.
Training Requirements
Training is not mandatory in Alaska, though most technicians do get some minimal training on the job.
This training on the job is around 40 hours long, and individuals learn how to prepare sterile pharmaceuticals.
Some techs do choose to undergo formal training by attending an educational program at one of the colleges below.
Some of the schools may have some minimum standards for students to meet before enrolling, so it’s a good idea to check those out beforehand.
Upon completing these programs, individuals may also earn a certificate or an associates’ degree, depending on the duration of the program.
One of the shortest programs lasts for 9 months, giving the possibility of having a better salary right away.
There are some programs that are available exclusively online, making it easier for students to attend the classes.
It’s possible for schools to offer internships, though this is not always the case for pharmacy techs.
For those who cannot obtain an internship, volunteering at hospitals is a good alternative.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Charter College | 2221 E Northern Lights Blvd Ste 120, Anchorage, Alaska 99508 |
| Four Valleys Community School | P.o. Box 790 Girdwood, AK 99587 |
| University of Alaska | 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508 |
It’s a good idea to ask the school about their scholarships if you find the fees too high.
Certification
Those who want to become certified, you need to:
- Register with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board,
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
- Pay the $129 fee
Some will consider the Board registration as being certified or licensed since renewal is involved.
For more information related to the renewal process, read above or contact the Board for specifics.
Salary
The salary of a pharmacy technician is higher in Alaska than in other parts of the United States.
Graduating from a special training program also increases the salary of these professionals.
Of course, the workplace itself might also influence how much an individual earns, based on how many hours is the place of employment open.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $39,023 |
| Juneau | $38,641 |
| Fairbanks | $38,953 |
| Wasilla | $38,497 |
| Sitka | $38,115 |
| Ketchikan | $38,115 |
| Kenai | $38,497 |
| Palmer | $38,497 |
| Bethel | $38,497 |
| Kodiak | $38,497 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 470 | $47,110 | $22.65 | $60,100 | $37,850 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 80 | $48,190 | $23.17 | $61,540 | $37,410 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Extra Information
There are many places hiring pharmacy techs, though some of those places do operate 24/7 and this means night and weekend shifts are to be expected.
The job responsibilities include:
- Wearing the name tag while at work
- Having the certification displayed at work
- Carefully filling the patient’s names and prescriptions into the correct forms and computer programs
- Manage the inventory
- Dispense prescriptions
- Answering the phone
Depending on where an individual work, a pharmacy, hospital, clinic, their duties may also vary.
For instance, in a hospital, these techs may be required to compound intravenous (IV) solutions or to deliver medications to and from satellite pharmacies.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State