Pharmacy Technician Schools in Alaska

By performing routine duties in a pharmaceutical establishment, Pharmacy technicians in Alaska not only ensure the establishment runs smoothly but also free up pharmacies to take on more complex roles.

In the guide below, we outline everything an interested individual needs to know to become a successful pharmaceutical technician in Alaska. We examine the best ways to prepare for training, the types of training institutions that offer the best education, and how candidates can continue to grow on the job.

We also break down the annual average salary possibilities and career outlook of the profession.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Alaska

Below is a step-by-step framework for starting a career as a pharmacy technician in Alaska.

Preparatory Steps

Students who have transferable attributes such as attention to detail, interpersonal and communication skills, and organizational skills are typically better positioned to build a lasting career. Refining these skills is thus an excellent way to prepare for pharmacy technician education and a subsequent career.

Attending a Recognized Training Program

Future pharmacy technicians in Alaska often begin their training at a recognized technical institution. In addition to the academic route, you can start a career in this field through an on-the-job path.

In this case, candidates will need to convince an established pharmaceutical company to train them despite their lack of prior experience. Naturally, it is infinitely easier to get placement for hands-on training if a candidate has already completed some form of academic training.

Below is a list of prominent institutions offering robust, recognized pharmacy tech programs in Alaska.

Hands-On Experience

Individuals who have completed an academic program can still consolidate their skills with “on-the-job” training. They can do so by participating in an internship or externship.

The best programs provide 240 hours of internship training. This is also a major requirement for certification.

Job Placement

Pharmacy technicians can secure employment in various capacities. They can work as general technicians or, more specifically, as community pharmacy technicians, laboratory technicians, and others.

Certification is also crucial to this journey, and we analyze this step in greater detail below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a bookkeeper in Alaska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Alaska, trained candidates can become successful pharmacy technicians after registering with the state board of pharmacy. The application can be completed online and requires a $25 licensing fee.

To qualify, candidates must be at least 18 years old and fluent in English. The license lasts for 2 years, after which it must be renewed.

The Alaska Board of Pharmacy recognizes pharmacy technicians in two categories. The first category is standard pharmacy technicians, and the second is pharmacy technicians with national certifications.

To be in the second category, candidates must earn a nationally recognized credential. The most prominent option is the Certified Pharmacy Technician certification offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Alaska

Below are the top programs for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Alaska.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Alaska by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Anchorage

Salary & Career Outlook

The middle-level category is the most popular among pharmacy technicians in Alaska, based solely on average annual salary. Those in this bracket earn an average annual salary of $45,793, according to Indeed.

For the bottom tier, the expected annual average salary is $34,282. Pharmacy technicians in Alaska who rank among the top earners can earn up to $61,169 annually.

By location, the highest average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Alaska is in Sitka, at $68,204. Also prominent are Barrow and Fairbanks with annual average salaries of $62,099 and $59,363, respectively.

Naturally, a professional’s experience level and their credentials can also influence their yearly returns.