How To Become a Pharmacy Technician in Alabama

Steps To Become a Pharmacy Technician in Alabama:

1. Meet age and education requirements
2. Complete the application process.
3. Undergo a background check.
4. Complete training.
5. Obtain certification.
6. Maintain continuing education.

Alabama State Registration Requirements

• Age and Education: Must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Application: Complete the application process, including a $60 application fee, $40 background check fee, and $4 service fee.
• Background Check: Subject to a criminal background check.
• Training: Complete a Board-approved training program within six months of registration.
• Certification: Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam.
• Continuing Education: Complete 6 hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal period, including 2 live hours.

Training

In Alabama, aspiring pharmacy technicians must complete a Board-approved training program. These programs typically cover essential topics such as:

• Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Understanding the legal and ethical responsibilities in pharmacy practice.
• Pharmacology: Learning about various drugs, their uses, and their effects on the human body.
• Pharmaceutical Calculations: Mastering the math required for dosage calculations and medication preparation.
• Pharmacy Operations: Training on the daily operations within a pharmacy, including inventory management and customer service.
• Hands-On Practice: Gaining practical experience through internships or on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Successful completion of this training is required within six months of registration. For specific program details, prospective students should consult local community colleges, vocational schools, or online education platforms that offer accredited pharmacy technician training programs.

Certification

In Alabama, pharmacy technicians must obtain certification to ensure they meet the standards and qualifications required for the role. The certification process involves:

• Completion of a Board-Approved Training Program: All pharmacy technicians registered on or after January 1, 2020, must complete a Board-approved training program within six months of their registration. This training must cover essential topics and skills necessary for the pharmacy technician role.
• Passing a Board-Recognized Certification Exam:
  • Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam: This exam assesses the knowledge and skills required for pharmacy technicians. To be eligible, candidates must complete a PTCB-recognized training program or gain 500 hours of practical experience.
  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Exam: Similar to the PTCB exam, the NHA exam evaluates the competencies necessary for effective pharmacy practice. Candidates must complete an NHA-recognized training program or gain practical experience.

Both certification pathways are recognized by the Alabama Board of Pharmacy and are crucial for ensuring that pharmacy technicians are well-prepared to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Continuing Education

To maintain their registration, pharmacy technicians in Alabama must complete continuing education (CE) requirements to ensure they stay current with industry standards and practices. The requirements are as follows:

• Total Hours: Technicians must complete six (6) hours of CE every two years.
• Live Hours: Of these six hours, two (2) must be obtained through live presentations, which can be either in-person or virtual but not pre-recorded.
• Renewal Period: The CE requirements must be met within the two-year renewal period, which ends on odd-numbered years​