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Pharmacy technicians are in high demand in New Mexico, but first, you need to earn a practicing license.
Read on to find out more about how you can fulfill the requirements in this state.
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Training Requirements in New Mexico
As a first step, you need to be 18 years of age and have no criminal record.
You will be required to show proof of a high school diploma or a GED as well.
You will also have to register with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.
You can choose to register as a certified practitioner or as a non-certified one.
For the second option, you have to pay a $25 fee and obtain a license no more than a year after registering.
You will also need to attend a training program in order to get licensed.
This program should be approved by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
The accredited training schools in this state are:
- Central New Mexico Community College
- Pima Medical Institute
- Penn Foster Career School
Some of the mandatory classes include:
- Federal and state regulations for pharmacy practice
- Specific guidelines for technicians
- Ethical and professional practices
- Medical and pharmaceutical terminology
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Manufacturing, preparation, packaging, and labeling of prescriptions
- Routes of administration and dosage
- Generic and trade medication names
- Basic pharmacology comprehension
- Basic knowledge of pharmacy references
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Brookline College | 4201 Central Ave NW-Ste J, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87105 |
| Carrington College | 1001 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107-1642 |
| Central New Mexico Community College | 525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 |
| Eastern New Mexico University | 52 University Blvd, Roswell, New Mexico 88202-6000 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 4400 Cutler Avenue NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110 |
Your application should include the name of the certified pharmacy technician who supervised your training.
If you choose to register as a certified pharmacy technician, you need to pass an exam.
You also need to pay an application fee and send in an application.
How to Get Licensed in New Mexico
After you submit your application, fees, and required paperwork, you can schedule your exam.
You can take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
You can also choose to take the Examination for Certification as a Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) through the National Health Career Association (NHA).
Your license will expire after 2 years, and you need to take 20 extra education hours to renew it.
Average Salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in New Mexico
According to data released by the Projections Managing Partnership, pharmacy technician jobs in this state will see an increase of 7.5%.
This data showcases the period between 2016 and 2026.
How much will earn depends on a variety of factors,
Some of these include your education level, and if you have an associate’s degree, you can earn more than with a simple diploma.
Another factor is the region where you work, as larger cities provide increased job opportunities and higher pay.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $33,020 |
| Las Cruces | $29,851 |
| Rio Rancho | $32,915 |
| Santa Fe | $33,187 |
| Roswell | $30,799 |
| Farmington | $37,075 |
| Clovis | $31,110 |
| Hobbs | $30,297 |
| Alamogordo | $31,326 |
| Carlsbad | $30,799 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 1,520 | $43,440 | $20.88 | $54,540 | $34,890 |
| Farmington, NM | 120 | $43,570 | $20.95 | $53,560 | $34,250 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 200 | $40,840 | $19.64 | $51,010 | $32,120 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 190 | $45,040 | $21.66 | $55,100 | $36,780 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where Can You Get Hired in New Mexico
After receiving your license, you can get an entry-level position in any medical facility.
Such facilities include hospitals, pharmacy chains, and some nursing homes.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State