Pharmacy technicians support licensed pharmacists by providing education, information, and other healthcare solutions to patients. They perform the basic tasks to prepare prescription requests, such as calculating dosages, counting tablets, labeling containers and dispensing the prescription after the pharmacist reviews the order. Pharmacy technicians must adhere to a pharmacist’s directive. However, the role calls for a lot of independent work. They manage inventory, answer the telephone, maintain patient records, and perform other clerical duties. Due to the critical nature of the work pharmacy technicians perform, the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy requires individuals to register before practicing pharmacy. The requirements for training and certification also help technicians acquire the knowledge, precision, skills and competency to complete their tasks with accuracy and consciousness of public health.
Pharmacy Tech Schools in New Mexico
New Mexico Pharmacy Technician Requirements
License Requirement
Any individual who assists a pharmacist with the preparation and distribution of medication in New Mexico must first obtain the Board of Pharmacy’s approval by submitting an application for registration along with the appropriate fees. All technicians in New Mexico must obtain certification by completion of the requirements outlined by the PTCB or ICPT. However, the Board issues non-certified registrations for persons pursuing pharmacy technician training and certification. The non-certified registration is valid for one year; non-certified license holders must complete the requirements for certified registration within the allocated time or discontinue the provision of pharmacy services at state-licensed facilities.
To receive the Board’s approval for registration, applicants must submit the name of the training sponsor along with the application. The training sponsor, usually a pharmacist-in-charge, will ensure the technician receives appropriate and ongoing training and registration to execute the roles and responsibilities of the job. The training sponsor will ensure technicians learn federal and state laws that govern the practice of pharmacy, ethics, medical and pharmaceutical terminology, dosage forms, and other essential topics. The training sponsor must maintain a record of the technician’s training and education in the pharmacy and ensure all technician employees comply with state laws.
Pharmacy technicians must operate within the confines of the regulations and wear proper identification at all times while serving the public. Certified pharmacy technicians must renew their registrations biennially to continue practicing pharmacy.
Age Requirement
The New Mexico Board of Pharmacy requires applicants for registration to be 18 years or older.
Education Requirement
There are no high school or college degree requirements specified by state regulations. However, all technicians must pursue national certification to bear the CPhT designation, which requires them to possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Therefore, the Board, through the requirements for certification, expects candidates to fulfill the minimum education requirements outlined by the PTCB and ExCPT.
A pharmacist-in-charge must ensure all employees complete initial pharmacy technician training and document the contents of the in-house training as required by the Board. Pharmacy technicians must keep records of their training when changing employment.
Other Requirements
A background check is not a requirement for registration. However, the Board reserves the right to conduct criminal background checks on any applicant. Additionally, all individuals applying for registration must supply their signatures on the application after the statement attesting to no arrests, charges or investigations for a criminal offense in the state or another territory in the United States. Providing false information could lead to denial of licensure or renewal, or revocation of an issued license. The Board may also administer disciplinary actions to persons who supply false information on the application for registration.
The Pharmacy Technician Program
Content
Pharmacy technician training prepares students for employment in this growing occupation. Both formal and employer-sponsored training combines classroom instruction with practical experience to produce well-rounded graduates. Training may cover more than 400 hours of didactic, hands-on, and practical training in the pharmacy setting. After completing the training, students will have the tools they need to succeed on the PTCB or ExCPT exam.
The course content at New Mexico’s sole ASHP accredited training provider consists of 600 hours of classroom and lab instruction followed by practical training in two pharmacy settings; a retail and hospital pharmacy. The course topics include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, drug classifications, law and ethics, pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and alternative medicine. Other topics include aseptic techniques, repackaging and compounding, processing prescriptions, OTC medications, billing, stock, and computing.
Employer-sponsored training is a primary source of training for New Mexico’s pharmacy technicians. In accordance with the Board’s requirements, applicants for non-certified registration must submit a training record completed and signed by a training sponsor. The sponsor, usually the pharmacist-in-charge, must document and keep records of technician training. In-house training should cover:
- Federal and state laws and regulations
- Ethics and professional standards
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Manufacturing, packaging, labeling and storage of medications
- Pharmacology
- Trade and generic names for common drugs
- Dosage forms and routes of administration.
Upon completion of training, pharmacy technicians can take the national exam to register as Certified Pharmacy Technicians with the Board of Pharmacy.
Duration and Cost
Pharmacy technicians who acquire their training on the job do not have the burden of tuition, registration, textbooks, and other expenses associated with traditional training. The best part of employer-sponsored training is that students earn while they learn and meet the Board’s requirements for training and continuing education. The expense requirements depend on the employer; some employers will sponsor everything from the textbooks, workbook, uniform and state registration while others may require students to pay for registration and other miscellaneous costs. The duration of the training also depends on the pharmacist and could vary from 6 months to 1 year. Technicians must fulfill the Board’s requirements for training and certification within one year of their initial licensing.
National Exams
The PTCB and ExCPT both offer national exams that lead to CPhT certification. Fortunately, for New Mexico residents, the state Pharmacy Board accepts certification from both organizations, so it’s left for technicians to determine their preferred agency.
The PTCB is a widely recognized and endorsed organization and has been around longer than the ExCPT. However, there is no evidence to suggest that one exam is better than the other.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). For many years, it was the only certifying exam available for pharmacy technicians. Candidates for the PTCE must submit their requests online along with accompanying documents to verify age and completion of high school or equivalent education. The PTCB may also require applicants to perform a criminal history check before authorizing the candidate to take the certifying exam. By the year 2020, the PTCB will require candidates to complete formal pharmacy technician training as a prerequisite to certification.
The PTCE is two hours long and contains 90 multiple-choice questions; 80 questions count towards the final score. Upon successful completion of the exam, technicians will receive a certificate and authorization to use the CPhT designation. The cost for PTCB certification is $129 for initial registration and $40 for renewal every two years.
The Examination for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) is the second option for acquiring certification as a pharmacy technician. The exam, established by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), was initially only accepted by a few states. In a few short years, more than 30 state boards recognize the exam. Individuals desiring ExCPT certification must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent education. The NHA may also conduct a criminal background check and request proof of formal pharmacy technician training or evidence of at least 12 months of pharmacy technician employment. The exam is a two-hour exam comprising of 110 multiple-choice questions. The registration fee is $125 for two years. Technicians must renew biennially at a cost of $40 to maintain certification.
Acquiring Your State License
Application
The New Mexico Board of Pharmacy regulates licensing of pharmacy technicians. According to the Board’s regulations stipulated in “regulation part 22,” no individual shall perform the duties of a pharmacy technician without proper registration from the Board. Students and newly hired individuals must register as non-certified or certified (after completing the PTCB or ICPT requirements for certification) pharmacy technicians before practicing pharmacy. Non-certified pharmacy technicians must complete the requirements for registration as Certified Pharmacy Technicians within one year of the original registration.
Pharmacy Technician Application:
New Hampshire’s Pharmacy technicians may register as a “Non-certified Pharmacy Technician” or as a “Certified Pharmacy Technician” after completing a national certification exam and Board-approved training.
- The application for initial registration is available for download online.
- The registration fee is $30 for both non-certified and certified technician applications. The check or money order should be payable to the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.
- Applicants must provide their social security on the form and a copy of a state ID.
- Non-certified technicians must complete the technician training record (included with the application) signed by the Pharmacy Technician Training Sponsor.
- Certified pharmacy technicians must include a copy of their current certification from the PTCB or ICPT.
- All applicants must sign the application attesting to no arrests, convictions or disciplinary actions. Individuals with convictions or disciplinary actions should include supporting documents with the completed application.
After receiving the completed application, fees, and required documents, the Board will process the request within 5 to 10 days. Applicants may not work as pharmacy technicians until the Board confirms approval. Non-certified pharmacy technicians must discontinue pharmacy technician duties if they fail to pass the national certification exam within the first year. All technicians must notify the Board when changing/leaving the employment of a pharmacy or clinic.
Renewal
The registration of certified pharmacy technicians expires biennially on the last day of the technician’s birth month. Non-certified technicians’ registration is not renewable. Following are the requirements for renewal in New Mexico:
- Use the online renewal portal after the Board sends the renewal notification package
- The Board requires 5 to 10 days to process renewal requests, so mail your application early. The fee for late renewal is $7.50.
- Enclose the $30 renewal fee online using a credit card or debit card
- Attach a copy of your current PTCB or ExCPT certification.
- Include your social security number and sign the form, attesting to no convictions and disciplinary actions.
- Use the Change Reporting Form to notify the Board of changes in your name, address, or employment.
Transfer
There is no reciprocity of technician registration in New Mexico. Pharmacy technicians, registered in other states must re-train in order to work as pharmacy technicians. The Technician Training Sponsor will document and provide verification of training to the Board, which must be submitted with an application for registration.
Contact the Department:
New Mexico Board of Pharmacy Offices
5200 Oakland NE Suite A
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113
Phone: (505) 222-9830
Fax: (505) 222-9845
Pharmacy Technician Training Programs New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Central New Mexico Community College
525 Buena Vista SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(864) 848-2981
Medical Towers Pharmacy
500 Walter St NE Ste 202
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505)727-2900
Heart Hospital Of New Mexico
504 Elm St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505)724-2025
Lovelace Rebabilitaion Pharmacy
505 Elm St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505)727-4756
Specialty Hospital Pharmacy
235 Elm St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505)767-6415
Kindred Hospital Pharmacy
700 High St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505)242-4444
Highland Pharmacy
717 Encino Pl NE Ste 1
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505)243-3777
Duran Central Pharmacy
1815 Central Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505)247-4141
University Of NM Hosp OP Phcy
1209 University Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505)272-2308
University Of NM Cancer Center
1201 Camino De Salud NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505)925-0123
UNM Children’s Psych Hosp Phcy
1001 Yale Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505)272-0223
Walgreens Pharmacy #3997
2105 Central Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505)242-2713
Walgreens Pharmacy #9336
2011 12th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505)247-2353
Univ Of NM Student Health Phcy
Msc 063870
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505)277-6307
Univ Of NM Mental Health Phcy
2600 Marble Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505)272-2867
Pharmerica Pharmacy #7074
2720 Broadbent Pkwy NE Ste A
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(800)237-6257
USPHS Indian Hospital Pharmacy
801 Vassar Dr NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505)248-4027
Walgreens Pharmacy #1279
2950 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505)262-1745
K Mart Pharmacy #4400
4208 Central Ave SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505)836-6511
Model Pharmacy
3636 Monte Vista Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505)255-8686
Walgreens Pharmacy #4649
3501 Lomas Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505)255-8908
Medicine Chest Pharmacy
1123 Candelaria Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505)344-2335
Smith’s Food & Pharmacy #496
3701 Constitution Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505)256-9443
Smith’s Food & Pharmacy #571
1601 Arenal Rd SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505)877-4542
UNM Addiction & Sub Abuse Prog
2450 Alamo Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505)925-2405
K Mart Pharmacy #4136
2100 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505)265-3549
Victor’s Regent Pharmacy
1643 Isleta Blvd SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505)877-1620
Walgreens Pharmacy #11958
3632 Menaul Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505)217-2551
Walmart Pharmacy #850
2701 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505)881-8496
Walgreens Pharmacy #7351
4700 4th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505)344-1390
Walmart Pharmacy #5675
1101 Menaul Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505)292-9944
Cardinal Health
4376 Alexander Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505)830-9071
Walgreens Pharmacy #11959
5201 Central Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505)217-9907
Smith’s Food & Pharmacy #498
111 Coors Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
(505)836-5322
Walgreens Infusion Services
4374 Alexander Blvd NE Ste A
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505)872-5000
Walgreens Pharmacy #4047
101 Coors Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
(505)831-3147
Savon Pharmacy #922
6600 Central Ave SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
(505)831-4641
Walmart Pharmacy #2924
2550 Coors Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
(505)352-1880
Walmart Pharmacy #831
301 San Mateo Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505)262-1915
Phil’s Pharmacy
5510 Lomas Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505)265-6868
Express Scripts
4500 Alexander Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505)345-8080
Lovelace Carlisle Pharmacy
3901 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505)727-5905
Smith’s Food & Pharmacy #446
6001 Lomas Blvd NE Ste A
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505)266-7433
Turquoise Lodge
5901 Zuni Rd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505)841-8978
Costco Pharmacy #116
1420 N Renaissance Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505)342-7148
Lovelace Gibson Pharmacy
5400 Gibson Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505)727-8000
CVS Pharmacy #8981
7900 Central Ave SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
(505)833-7598
Walgreens Pharmacy #1533
3401 Isleta Blvd SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505)877-3130
Savon Pharmacy #917
1625 Rio Bravo Blvd SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505)877-2240
Smith’s Food & Pharmacy #423
6125 4th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505)344-3509
Walgreens Pharmacy #5997
2625 San Pedro Dr NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505)883-5760
Artesia, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Walmart Pharmacy #3427
604 N 26th St
Artesia, NM 88210
(575)746-6137
Artesia General Hospital Phcy
702 N 13th St
Artesia, NM 88210
(575)748-3333
Lowell’s Pharmacy
612 N 13th St Ste A
Artesia, NM 88210
(575)746-6681
K Mart Pharmacy #9267
2307 W Main St
Artesia, NM 88210
(575)746-2791
Brown Drugs
322 W Washington Ave
Artesia, NM 88210
(575)746-3591
Bernalillo, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Santa Ana Health Clinic Phcy
2 Dove Rd
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505)867-2497
Pharmacy Plus
407 W Highway 550
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505)867-2336
Walmart Pharmacy #3731
460 Highway 528
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505)771-4877
Walgreens Pharmacy #2026
100 E Highway 550
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505)867-6071
Edgewood, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Smith’s Food & Pharmacy #424
2 State Road 344 Ste B
Edgewood, NM 87015
(505)286-9040
Walmart Pharmacy #4201
66 State Road 344
Edgewood, NM 87015
(505)286-3053
Walgreens Pharmacy #7881
5 Walker Rd
Edgewood, NM 87015
(505)281-0950
Espanola, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Fairview Pharmacy
734 N Riverside Dr Ste B
Espanola, NM 87532
(505)753-2209
Walgreens Pharmacy #5157
1115 N Riverside Dr
Espanola, NM 87532
(505)753-7005
Walmart Pharmacy #2656
1610 N Riverside Dr
Espanola, NM 87532
(505)747-0427
Santa Clara Indian Health Ctr
1 State 30Rd
Espanola, NM 87532
(505)753-9421
EL Centro Family Health
2010 Industrial Park Rd
Espanola, NM 87532
(505)753-7395
Espanola Hospital Pharmacy
1010 Spruce St
Espanola, NM 87532
(505)367-0255
Las Vegas, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Las Vegas Medical Center Phcy
3695 Hot Springs Blvd
Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505)454-2453
Walmart Pharmacy #1380
2609 7th St
Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505)425-5269
Walgreens Pharmacy #2425
620 Mills Ave
Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505)425-3317
Plaza Drugs
178 Bridge St
Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505)425-5221
Alta Vista Regional Hosp Phcy
104 Legion Dr
Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505)426-3755
Del Norte Pharmacy
602 University Ave
Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505)425-6241
Los Alamos, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Smith’s Food & Pharmacy #497
535 Central Ave
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505)662-4778
Los Alamos Medical Center Phcy
3917 West Rd Ste 105
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505)661-9560
Rio Rancho, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Sav-On Pharmacy #923
7800 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
(505)771-8411
Walgreens Pharmacy #5732
7850 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
(505)771-2777
Roswell, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Medicine Shop
1010 S Main St Ste 1
Roswell, NM 88203
(575)623-3900
Primm Drugs
711 N Union Ave
Roswell, NM 88201
(575)622-6571
Savon/Albertsons Pharmacy #990
1110 S Main St
Roswell, NM 88203
(575)622-7039
Walgreens Pharmacy #1941
1200 S Main St
Roswell, NM 88203
(575)624-1439
Kelley Pharmacy
111 W Hobbs St
Roswell, NM 88203
(575)622-6000
K Mart Pharmacy #7017
1705 S Main St
Roswell, NM 88203
(575)623-9001
Eastern New Mexico Med Ctr Phcy
405 W Country Club Rd
Roswell, NM 88201
(575)624-8756
Walmart Pharmacy #611
4500 N Main St
Roswell, NM 88201
(575)622-3812
New Mexico Rehab Center Phcy
72 Gail Harris St
Roswell, NM 88203
(575)347-3400
Santa Fe, NM Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:
Albertsons Pharmacy #927
600 N Guadalupe St
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505)982-4806
Walgreens Pharmacy #2900
1096 S Saint Francis Dr
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)982-9811
CVS Pharmacy #9263
511 W Cordova Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)983-5546
Pharmaca Integrated Pharmacy
530 W Cordova Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)820-1517
Christus St Vincent Med Ctr Phc
455 Saint Michaels Dr
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)983-3361
Lovelace Saint Michaels Phcy
465 Saint Michaels Dr Ste 112
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)995-2446
Santa Fe Indian Hospital Phcy
1700 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)988-9821
Smith’s Food & Pharmacy #491
2110 S Pacheco St
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)473-5563
K Mart Pharmacy #3301
1712 Saint Michaels Dr
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)471-7823
Walgreens Pharmacy #6346
525 W Zia Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)820-2196
Smith’s Food & Pharmacy #461
2308 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)471-7874
Savon Pharmacy #987
3001 S Saint Francis Dr
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505)992-8638
New Mexico Health Dept Pharmacy
1301 Siler Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505)476-8350
Medicap Pharmacy #86
2801 Rodeo Rd Ste A1
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505)471-6177
Walmart Pharmacy #829
3251 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505)473-4261
Savon Pharmacy #986
3542 Zafarano Dr
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505)471-2914
Sam’s Club Pharmacy #6408
4201 Rodeo Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505)471-0152
Walmart Pharmacy #3423
5701 Herrera Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505)424-9166
Walgreens Pharmacy #12005
5721 Airport Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505)216-1492
Medicap Pharmacy #153
7 Avenida Vista Grande Ste B8
Santa Fe, NM 87508
(505)466-8008
Nambe Drugs
70 Cities of Gold Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87506
(505)455-2256