How to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama

If you are interested in pharmaceuticals and like working with people, a pharmacy technician career could be a great choice.

While the training period is shorter than in other medical professions, you still need to meet specific professional standards to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama. Read on to learn more about what's required.

What does a pharmacy technician in Alabama do?

As a pharmacy technician, you'll work under the supervision of a state-licensed pharmacist. You might perform your job at a retail pharmacy, hospital, clinic, or nursing facility. Responsibilities typically include mixing, labeling, and dispensing prescriptions. You could also be responsible for inventory management, filing paperwork, and customer service.

Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama

Step 1: Earn a high school diploma

To qualify to be a pharmacy technician in Alabama, you must be at least 17. Additionally, you must have a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate to qualify.

Step 2: Register with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy

Before studying to become a pharmacy technician, you need to pay $60 and apply online to the Alabama Board of Pharmacy. Also required is a criminal background check, which costs $40. An arrest or conviction won't automatically disqualify you from becoming a pharmacy technician. However, you might have to undergo a hearing to determine if the board will grant your application.

Step 3: Undergo training or certification

There are two ways to prepare for a pharmacy technician career in Alabama:

1. Board-approved training

The Alabama Board of Pharmacy has a list of approved pharmacy technician training programs. The topics offered include terminology, labeling and dispensing, laws, record-keeping, and handling medications.

2. National certification

The Alabama Board of Pharmacy recognizes the following certifications:

• The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
• The Certification of Pharmacy Technicians Exam (ExCPT), administered by the National Healthcareer Association

Before taking the exam, you need to complete a board-recognized exam preparation course or gain hands-on experience under a licensed pharmacist's supervision.

Certification isn't required in Alabama to become a pharmacy technician, but doing so can increase your chances of employment.

Step 4: Turn in the paperwork

Once you've passed your certification exam or completed your training, you're required to:

• Submit evidence of certification or training to the Alabama Board of Pharmacy within 10 days of completion.
• Ensure that you and your employer keep training or certification documentation on hand for two years after completion.

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