Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in New Mexico

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional working under the direction and supervision of a licensed pharmacist. In other words, a pharmacy technician, is a pharmacist's right hand.

To become qualified, there are several training options for individuals interested in becoming pharmacy technicians in New Mexico: certificate programs (typically less than a year), diploma programs (typically one year) and an associate degree program (typically two years long and generally offered with an externships in the field, hospital and retail).

For those that wish to study part time there are online pharmacy tech programs that can completed at your own pace. Alternatively online schools are a great alternative for those that don't live in bigger cities of Albuquerque or Santa Fe or nearby and distance is a problem.

Training incorporates classroom, laboratory and practical experience which covers all aspects of this highly rewarding profession. Seek ASHP certified programs and be prepared to undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregivers criminal history screening program prior to starting your program as well as other health compliance requirements.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in New Mexico

Upon completion of a pharmacy technician training program students are prepared for entry-level employment in retail and hospital pharmacies and pharmacies within medical and doctor's offices, mail order pharmacies, home IV therapy including pharmaceutical sales if you are a sales enthusiast.

New Mexico Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

Certification is mandatory. The state of New Mexico require pharmacy technicians to be certified through either (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) - PTCB or ExCPT. Graduates of state approved training program are qualified and eligible to take the National Certification exam for pharmacy technicians.

Is a Pharmacy Technician license required in New Mexico?

Registration/Licensing is required for anyone who wants to work as a pharmacy tech in the state of New Mexico. The registering body is:

New Mexico State Board
5500 San Antonio Dr. NE Suite C,
Albuquerque,
NM 87109 (Behind the Cracker Barrel Restaurant).
Tel: (505) 222-9830 or (800) 565-9102 Toll Free.
Email: pharmacy.board@state.nm.us

How much does a pharmacy technician make in New Mexico?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics in their yearly review reported that the *average New Mexico pharmacy technician salary is $16.23 p/h or $33,710 per year. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018).

An entry level pharmacy technician I in NM with little to no experience earns an average of $28,921 whilst an experienced and/or certified pharmacy technician II can earn upwards of $41,431 per annum depending on years of experience and work setting.

When compared to other healthcare careers which can take years of training, pharmacy technicians can in as little as two years become fully trained, qualified and certified professionals. With regards to job security, the Bureau of Labor Statistics purport that this is a growing career with job-growth to be around 12% from 2016-2026. This is indeed great news if you wish to embark on a brand new career.

*Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Employment & Wages database.