Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Alabama

The state of Alabama features roughly 1,170 hospital and retail pharmacies.  Altogether, they employ approximately 6,420 pharmaceutical technicians.  However, only about sixty percent (60%) of Alabama's pharmacy technicians are certified (licensed) by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).    Pharmacy technicians are skilled medical professionals who assist pharmacists with various prescription-related tasks.  Responsibilities of pharmacy technicians include counting, sorting, labeling, fact checking, customer service and other administrative tasks as requested by the pharmacist.  Pharmacy technicians regularly handle controlled substances.  Therefore, state-specific guidelines often apply to their on-the-job activities.

Alabama State Regulations for Pharmacy Technicians

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam is mandatory in 42 states.  This exam is designed to measure competence and does not (by itself) constitute licensing or Board certification. Board certification is not required in the state of Alabama, although licensed pharmaceutical technicians enjoy a wider range of employment opportunities and tend to earn higher incomes than uncertified pharmacists' assistants.  Needless to say, hospitals and retail pharmacies unanimously prefer Board certified technicians.  The standard practices of Alaska pharmacy technicians are primarily covered by state laws.  Written state laws pertaining to pharmacists detail topics like drug labeling, record keeping, prescription transfer and other controlled substance-related activities.  Pharmacy technicians are often responsible for checking labels for compliance with state laws.  State law dictates that all pharmacy technicians working in Alabama must be registered with the state Board of Pharmacy.  Applicants for registration must be at least 18 years old with no felony convictions.  All applications must be notarized.  Potential licensees must also pay annual registration fees and participate in at least three hours of continuing education each year.  Pharmacy technicians who change their names, addresses or places of employment must notify the Board of the change within ten days.  The Alabama Pharmacy Board provides complete and current information regarding exams, regulations and licensing for pharmacy technicians. 

Alabama Training Programs for Pharmacy Technicians Include:

Alabama residents interested in careers as pharmacy technicians often acquire skills at accredited local colleges.  Popular examples include University of Phoenix in Birmingham, Virginia College in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile and Fortis College with campuses in Dothan, Mobile and Montgomery.  Board certified pharmacy technician training is also available at select local pharmacies.  Other aspiring Alabama-based pharmacy technicians acquire skills online.  Popular accredited online colleges with certification programs for pharmacy technicians include Keiser University, National American University, Heald College, Provo College and Pioneer Pacific College, to name only a few.