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Pharmacy technicians in Alabama usually get trained on the job and they don’t need a special diploma to enter the field.
However, they are required to be registered with the Alabama Board of Pharmacy.
These technicians work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, and their duties include:
- Answering phone calls
- Entering patient information and prescriptions into specialized programs
- Mixing and counting out medication
- Labeling prescriptions
Article Table of Contents
Job Requirements
The minimum requirements to be hired on such a position, are:
- Minimum 17 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Wear a name tag
- Getting registered with the Board
The Board registration costs $60 and requires:
- Proof of identity
- A recent passport-type photo
- Notarized application form
- A clean criminal record
The Board registration has to be renewed every 2 years, on odd-numbered years, and some see this Board registration as being licensed.
Those who want or hope to have a career in the field or more employment options can undergo a post-secondary training program.
Education
Those who want to work as a pharmacist for a long time, have a better salary and more possibilities in this field, can consider enrolling in one of the programs offered by the schools below.
The training at these schools will last generally for less than 2 years, with some programs lasting even up to 2 semesters or 9 months.
The programs lasting 2 years will usually award an Associates’s degree.
There are some basic requirements to be accepted in these programs, though:
- Proof for Hepatitis B immunization
- Passing a drug screening
- Passing a physical examination
- Passing a background check
- Provide proof of insurance
The background check costs $40.
It is possible for different schools to have different requirements in relation to admission into their programs.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Fortis College | 200 Vulcan Way, Dothan, Alabama 36303 |
| Fortis College | 3590 Pleasant Valley Rd, Mobile, Alabama 36609 |
| Fortis College | 3736 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, Alabama 36109 |
| George C Wallace State Community College | 801 Main St NW, Hanceville, Alabama 35077-2000 |
| Remington College | 828 Downtowner Loop W, Mobile, Alabama 36609 |
| Wallace State Community College | 801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL 35077 |
Getting Certified
As mentioned, there’s no need to become certified in Alabama, for individuals who want to work as pharmacy techs, as long as they register with the Board as described earlier.
To get a certification, individuals need to pass the ExCPT Pharmacy Exam, and they’ll become Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs).
This exam costs $129.
There is also another exam future pharmacy techs in Alabama can attempt passing, the PTCB (PTCE).
It’s recommended to enroll in the Pharmacy Technician Certification Program, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA), before sitting for the exam.
CPhTs need to continue their education every year, by completing 3 hours, out of which at least one needs interaction with an instructor.
These hours need to be approved by either the Alabama Board of Pharmacy (ABOP) or by the ACPE-T (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education-Technician).
Salary
As mentioned, how much a pharmacist tech will earn, depends on their education and experience.
The national average salary for these technicians is $35,055 per year, making it slightly higher than the median salary in Alabama for this occupation.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $33,190 |
| Montgomery | $31,437 |
| Huntsville | $33,161 |
| Mobile | $32,449 |
| Tuscaloosa | $32,865 |
| Dothan | $31,016 |
| Auburn | $31,425 |
| Decatur | $32,148 |
| Madison | $33,161 |
| Florence | $30,229 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 200 | $34,570 | $16.62 | $43,820 | $27,040 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 280 | $37,110 | $17.84 | $47,210 | $30,120 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 2,460 | $37,020 | $17.8 | $46,420 | $29,060 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 310 | $37,730 | $18.14 | $45,780 | $29,890 |
| Decatur, AL | 230 | $37,470 | $18.01 | $46,930 | $28,420 |
| Dothan, AL | 260 | $35,970 | $17.29 | $45,220 | $28,340 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 260 | $35,380 | $17.01 | $45,330 | $28,010 |
| Gadsden, AL | 180 | $35,060 | $16.85 | $45,020 | $27,360 |
| Huntsville, AL | 870 | $39,050 | $18.77 | $49,290 | $30,340 |
| Mobile, AL | 540 | $37,480 | $18.02 | $47,330 | $29,430 |
| Montgomery, AL | 710 | $38,900 | $18.7 | $48,670 | $30,960 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 420 | $37,430 | $18 | $47,210 | $28,770 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Extra Info
It’s good to know that technicians who will change their residence need to inform the Board on this change.
The notification has to be done within 10 days and requires filling out a special form.
The certificate of the pharmacy technician has to be displayed in the pharmacy at all times.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State