Pharmacy Technician Certificate

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate program is designed to prepare students for careers as pharmacy technicians in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other pharmacy-related agencies with courses that will prepare them for entry into an associate degree program and later into the pharmacist-level program. Students receive classroom, laboratory and practical experience covering all aspects of the pharmacy certification board. Graduates will be eligible to challenge the certification examination of the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The New Mexico State Board of Pharmacy requires certification from either one of these certification boards for state licensure. All required courses - prerequisites and core courses - must be completed with a C or better.

1. Cities with highest percentage of jobs relative to population: Albuquerque and Farmington. (Fast Facts for Pharmacy Technician in New Mexico, Dec. 11, 2012).
    
2. The projected growth for pharmacy technician is 32% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the aver age (14%) for all occupations. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
    
3. The number of jobs in the U.S. in 2010 was 334,400.
    
4. Pharmacy technicians are required to be state licensed by the Boards and Commissions of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.

Career and Educational Advancement Opportunities
Pharmacy technician programs in New Mexico have a high placement rate for graduates. Jobs are available in hospitals, retail, and specialty pharmacies.