State requirements

Alaska Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in Alaska.
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Becoming a  Pharmacy Technician in
Alaska

Alaska requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the state board of pharmacy.
  • The Alaska pharmacy technician application can be found on the State Board of Pharmacy's website: Here
  • There is a $25 licensing fee associated with the application. A credit/debit card can be used to pay this fee. Credit card information can be included with the application form.
  • Pharmacy technician licenses are issued for a two-year term and must be renewed.  They expire on June 30th of even-numbered years.
  • To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English.
  • Alaska Board of Pharmacy officially categorizes pharmacy technicians into two tiers: Standard pharmacy technicians and technicians with national certifications. The two tiers are vastly different. See below.

Tiers of Pharmacy Technicians in Alaska

A PTCB certification is not required to practice as a pharmacy technician in Alaska.  However, you should be aware that the Alaska Board of Pharmacy has an official two-tier classification system for pharmacy technicians: pharmacy technicians without a PTCB certification, and pharmacy technicians with a PTCB certification.

The two tiers are very different, with certified pharmacy technicians having a lot more privileges. Because of this, certified technicians are much more valuable and are strongly preferred by employers. Many Alaskan pharmacies only hire PTCB certified technicians. 

Pharmacy Technicians

Can perform any activity included in the definition of pharmacy practice. These activities include data entry and prescription filling.

Pharmacy Technicians with a PTCB Certification

Certified technicians can perform all of the activities that pharmacy technicians can do.  However, under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, these technicians can also perform many other types of activities. These include:
  • Perform a final check of many prescriptions
  • Administer vaccines
  • Transfer non-controlled prescriptions to and from other pharmacies
  • Obtain prescription clarifications from a prescriber

Full descriptions of the two types of technicians can be found in sections [12 AAC 52.230] and [12 AAC 52.235] of Alaska Pharmacy Statutes and Regulations.
(See page 20 of the document).

A PTCB certification is highly valued by Alaskan pharmacies

By being able to complete a larger variety of complex tasks, you are more valuable to pharmacy managers.

Get hired quicker

PTCB certified pharmacy technicians are picked first for the most desirable pharmacy positions.

Get a higher wage

Certified technicians get paid more because they can offer more help to their pharmacists.

PTCB Certification Requirements

To become a certified pharmacy technician you must meet the following criteria
Click here for a full set of guidelines from the PTCB.

Residency

Reside in the United States of America or its territories.

Certification program or equivalent work experience

Complete an approved training program (like the 1st Pass CPhT Course) or have 500 hours of equivalent work experience. See below.

Compliance

You must comply with all PTCB policies and disclose all criminal and state Board of Pharmacy license actions.

Pass the PTCE

Obtain a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Certification Exam
Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify to sit for the PTCB certification exam, you must complete one of the following:

Pathway 1:

Complete a PTCB Approved Pharmacy Technician Course (such as 1st Pass CPhT).
This is the preferred method.

Pathway 2:

Complete 500 hours work experience as a pharmacy technician.
PTCB classifies this as an alternative method for individuals not in a position to attend a course.

The Preferred Method:
A PTCB Approved Training Program

There are several reasons why Pathway 1 is the preferred method
  • Work experience alone will not teach you enough to pass the PTCB certification exam. You will still have to study. 
  • Certified technicians are offered significantly higher starting wages. Working 500+ hours without being certified can cost you thousands of dollars.
  • Pharmacies that offer better work environments are more selective in their hiring. Being certified gives you access to more desirable jobs.
  • Certified technicians are given priority when scheduling shifts. 
  • As a CPhT, you will get more respect from your peers and patients.
Overview

Benefits of our training program

There are many advantages to our 1st Pass CPhT training program.  Here are just a few. Visit the course page to learn more.

Expertly designed curriculum

Our curriculum was designed by board certified clinical pharmacists and pharmacy managers. Pass the PTCE and learn the skills employers are seeking. See the 1st Pass CPhT Course Page to find out more about the 1st Pass Advantage.

Accelerated learning experience

Accelerated but self-paced. Motivated students who have time to devote to studying can finish the course in as little as three weeks. You can be on your way to a new career in less than a month.

Affordably priced

Technology and determination allowed us to make this course accessible to everyone looking to start a new healthcare career.

Our Course