Pharmacy Technician Schools in Alabama

Individuals in Alabama who are passionate about healthcare can enter the industry by pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician. The profession offers competitive returns, career stability, professional support, and various opportunities for career growth.

The following guide was created to help readers prepare for the journey to becoming successful pharmacy technicians in Alabama. We explore the best training options, certification and licensing requirements, and opportunities for career growth.

We also analyze the various categories of pharmacy technician salaries in Alabama and the factors that drive them.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Alabama

The steps below are needed to become a successful pharmacy technician in Alabama.

Step 1: Meeting the Foundational Requirements

Employers and training institutions have foundational requirements that candidates must meet before becoming pharmacy technicians. For instance, most programs conduct background checks and require a high school diploma or GED.

Step 2A: Academic Training

For individuals in Alabama seeking to become pharmacy technicians through academic training, several community colleges and technical schools offer strong programs. Candidates who prioritize convenience and flexibility can choose online programs, while those who want in-person training can choose campus-based options.

It is also possible to choose a pharmacy technician program based on the academic award offered and duration. Common options include 1-year certificate programs and 2-year associate degree programs.

An upcoming section explores specific institutions and programs.

Step 2B: Hands-On Experience

The other approach to becoming a pharmacy technician in Alabama is to study “on the job”. Certain employers and establishments offer these opportunities.

Many training programs require candidates to gain hands-on experience toward the end of their training through an internship.

Step 3: Career Growth

After training, candidates can earn certification, select a specialty focus, and continue growing their careers through networking, advanced certification, and continuing education. We explore these issues further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a bookkeeper in Alabama

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Alabama oversees pharmacy technicians through the Alabama Board of Pharmacy. The board sets the registration requirements, which currently include submitting an official application and paying the application fee.

For now, the application fee is set at $64. Candidates must also have the required education, be at least 17 years old, and hold a high school diploma or GED before registering.

As for certification, earning national credentials from organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is essential to becoming a successful pharmacy technician. Candidates should be prepared to pass a professional examination to earn this credential.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Alabama

Below are the top institutions to attend as a future pharmacy tech in Alabama.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Alabama by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Birmingham

Salary & Career Outlook

The average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Alabama varies with years of experience. Other factors, like their credentials and specific location within the state, also play critical roles.

By location, the highest annual average salaries are in Montgomery and Huntsville, at $37,846 and $37,548, respectively. Those who work in Birmingham manage an annual salary of $37,327.

In general, professionals in the state can fall into the bottom tier with an average annual salary of $24,542 or into the top tier with an average annual salary of $47,871. At the mid-level, the expected annual salary is $34,276, according to Indeed.