Step By Step Guide To Become A Pharmacy Technician In New Mexico 2025
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians in New Mexico perform essential roles in pharmacy settings, which include assisting pharmacists with medication dispensing, managing inventory, and providing customer service. Familiarize yourself with these duties to ensure this career aligns with your skills and interests.
Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements
To become a pharmacy technician in New Mexico, you must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. These criteria ensure you have the foundational education needed for further training and professional work.
Step 3: Enroll in a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
New Mexico requires pharmacy technicians to complete a recognized training program. This could be a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program that offers coursework in pharmacology, pharmacy law, ethics, and technology. The program may last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on its complexity and structure.
Step 4: Register with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy
Before working, you must register as a pharmacy technician with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. Visit the official website to obtain the application form. Submit the completed application along with a $50 registration fee. Processing can take a few weeks, so plan accordingly.
Step 5: Complete On-the-Job Training
New Mexico mandates that pharmacy technicians complete on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This training must cover state-specific practices and safety protocols to ensure a comprehensive understanding of industry standards.
Step 6: Pass a National Certification Exam
After completing training, aspiring pharmacy technicians must pass a national certification exam. The two recognized exams are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Fees for these exams range from $115 to $129.
Step 7: Maintain Certification and Registration
Once certified, technicians must renew their certification every two years. This involves completing continuing education (CE) requirements, which currently stand at 20 hours of CE, including one hour of pharmacy law. Keep documentation and renewal fees updated with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.
Step 8: Explore Employment Opportunities
Pharmacy technicians can work in various environments, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Leverage job portals, networking, and career services to identify job openings across New Mexico.
Step 9: Advance Your Career
Consider pursuing additional certifications or training opportunities to specialize in areas like sterile compounding, chemotherapy preparation, or pharmacy management. Continuous professional development can enhance career prospects and lead to higher salaries.