New Mexico is an excellent state to work as a pharmacy technician. Not only do professionals in this field secure employment easily, but they also have several excellent training institutions to hone their skills and set their careers on a strong path.
The primary objective of this guide is to introduce interested individuals to the opportunities available for training, certification, licensing, and career growth. We also cover programs that stand out from the competition and the possible annual average salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in New Mexico.
To round up, readers will also gain an understanding of the criteria they can focus on to improve their yearly earnings.
How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in New Mexico
The following are the major requirements to become a pharmacy technician in New Mexico.
Step 1: Preparation
At the outset, candidates in New Mexico must prepare for training and potential certification and licensing. For this, a minimum age of 18, a high school diploma or GED, and a criminal background check will be required.
Step 2: Classroom & Practical Training
The field of pharmacy technician requires two major types of training: classroom and practical.
Classroom Training
Classroom-based training helps lay the foundation for individuals to become successful pharmacy technicians. It covers important concepts across ethics and regulations, pharmacology, insurance, inventory management, and more.
Community colleges and technical institutions are the best places for aspiring pharmacy technicians in New Mexico to receive classroom training.
Practical Training
Toward the end of the academic program, pharmacy technology students typically complete an internship or externship to gain practical training and real-world experience.
Step 3: Certification & Employment
Certification is crucial for career success as a pharmacy technician in New Mexico. It provides several opportunities and enables candidates to continue growing.
This is why certification typically follows proper education; once certified, candidates can register and secure employment.
We explore the general certification principles for pharmacy technicians in New Mexico in the next section.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Anyone with the appropriate level of education can begin the process to become a licensed and certified pharmacy technician in New Mexico. Licensing involves registering with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.
Candidates can complete the registration process only if they pay the applicable application fees and provide the required documents, such as proof of education, a high school diploma or GED, and proof of age 18.
For those seeking a nationally recognized credential, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s Certified Pharmacy Technician credential is the most respected. Candidates may also pursue the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Pharmacy Technician credential.
Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in New Mexico
All the entries below boast comprehensive, well-rounded training programs for aspiring pharmacy technicians in New Mexico.
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM Campus + Online
Central New Mexico Community College is an excellent institution for starting a career as a pharmacy technician in New Mexico. Candidates can learn in an interactive environment, build technical skills, and prepare for certification exams.
Tuition
$70 - $356 per CreditContact
(505) 224-3000
whavins@cnm.edu
New Mexico Junior College
Hobbs, NM Campus + Online
New Mexico Junior College is another institution with a well-rated pharmacy technician program for New Mexico residents. This program emphasizes striking the right balance between classroom education and practical training.
Tuition
$1,500 per ProgramContact
(575) 392-4510
asknmjc@nmjc.edu
San Juan College
Farmington, NM Campus + Online
Finally, interested individuals can build a strong foundation for their careers at San Juan College. The school's pharmacy technician program is commendable for its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training.
Tuition
$1,100 - $2,405 per ProgramContact
(505) 566-3320
admissions@sanjuancollege.edu
Explore pharmacy technician schools in New Mexico by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Factors such as experience and location are critical in determining how much pharmacy technicians earn in New Mexico. However, these are not the only important factors; other criteria, such as professional credentials, employers, and the work environment, can also significantly influence annual earnings.
By location, the highest average salaries are in Carlsbad and Ruidoso, at $59,299 and $55,255, respectively. Those who work in Santa Fe and Albuquerque earn annual average salaries of $47,361 and $44,558, respectively.
On a general level, professionals can fall at the lower end with an average annual salary of $27,958 or at the top end with an average annual salary of $68,901. They can also fall into the middle level, earning an average annual salary of $43,762, according to Indeed.




