If you’re looking for a pharmacy career in Alaska without high barriers to entry, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great move.
It’s a wise way to move into the pharmaceutical industry and gain experience that you can use to serve your community, move on to become a pharmacist, or even take it with you if you choose to move elsewhere someday.
If you’re interested in such a move, this guide can provide the information you need to succeed.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Alaska
Pharmacy technicians in Alaska are not required to have to complete any specific type of educational program or get formal training.
However, if this is the career you’d like to follow, you do need a high school diploma or GED, have a clean criminal background, and register for licensing through the Alaska Board of Education.
You’ll also have to wear a name tag that clearly states your role and complete at least 40 hours of training on your job.
5 Pharmacy Technician Schools in Alaska
On-campus pharmacy technician programs are limited in Alaska.
However, there are several online programs offered in Alaska to take advantage of.
This list includes some of the top programs that pharmacy technicians in Alaska have utilized.
1. University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Pharmacy Technology.
This program is a great option for aspiring pharmacy techs who are thinking of continuing to be a pharmacist.
It’s offered completely online, and it requires a minimum of 16 credits that can be completed in two semesters.
Tuition for in-state students is $234 per credit hour, totaling $3,744 before books, fees, and additional expenses.
Out-of-state students pay $800 per credit or $12,800 before books, supplies, and fees.
2. South Central Alaska Health Education Center
The South Central Alaska Health Education Center often offers a sponsored Pharmacy Technician Apprentice Program.
It’s a 39-week online program that meets live for one hour a week.
You can expect five hours of independent study and homework.
As the program is sponsored, it typically requires little to no financial resources from the students, as the point is to help build up the healthcare industry in Alaska.
3. Penn Foster
Though it’s not based in Alaska, the Penn Foster Pharmacy Technician Diploma is a popular choice for those aspiring to be a pharmacy technician in the state.
It’s a total of 66.7 Continuing Education Units that are broken down into 13 courses.
You can fast-track the program to complete it in just 11 months.
If you need more flexibility, you can take up to 17 months to finish.
The total cost of the program is $1,199, but you have three different ways to pay.
The first is in full, which saves you $300 so that you pay only $899.
The second is to save $100 by paying $1 down at enrollment and $59 per month until it’s paid off.
The first and second options require you to pay through your bank, credit card, or PayPal account.
The third option is to pay $59 a month for the full cost.
You’ll need to pay $39 at enrollment and will have to send your monthly payments through the mail.
4. Rasmussen University
Another great online option that Alaskan students take advantage of is the Pharmacy Technician certificate program through Rasmussen University.
It requires a total of 38 credits, which include online learning and field experience, which you can complete in as little as nine
months.
If you choose to complete it in nine months, you’ll pay $269 per credit hour.
If you’d like to take a slower approach, it costs $319 per credit hour for part-time schedules.
This makes the tuition come to anywhere between $10,222 and $12,122.
You’ll have access to several aid programs to help cover costs.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Alaska – Summary Table
Top 4 Schools in Alaska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage | 3211 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508 |
| South Central Alaska Health Education Center | 3200 Providence Dr AB-030, Anchorage, AK 99508 |
| Penn Foster | 14300 N Northsight Blvd #125, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 |
| Rasmussen University | 385 Douglas Ave Suite #1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Alaska
As a pharmacy technician in Alaska, you can typically expect an annual salary range between $37,620 and $46,552. The average comes in at $41,720.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in Alaska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $41,400 |
| Juneau | $41,100 |
| Fairbanks | $41,300 |
| Sitka | $40,500 |
| Ketchikan | $40,500 |
| Kenai | $40,900 |
| Kodiak | $40,900 |
| Bethel | $40,900 |
| Wasilla | $40,900 |
| Barrow | $40,700 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 470 | $47,110 | $22.65 | $60,100 | $37,850 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 80 | $48,190 | $23.17 | $61,540 | $37,410 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Alaska pharmacy technician license valid?
You have to renew your license by June 30th of each even-numbered year.
As this must currently be done through the mail, it’s important that you do it early.
How old do you have to be?
You are required to be at least 18 and have completed either high school or a GED program.
If Alaska doesn’t require an educational program, why should I complete one?
While choosing to complete a program is up to you, it can certainly be beneficial.
For starters, it provides a great deal of knowledge that can give you a headstart in your career.
Another thing is that it’s typically easier to get hired – and potentially at a higher income – if you’ve completed schooling.
Do I need national certification?
No, Alaska does not require national certification.
However, many pharmacy technicians choose to get it, as this can lead to higher-paying jobs.
