With so many great choices for pharmacy tech training in New Mexico, it can be relatively easy to find the right school if you focus on location and accreditation. Pharmacy technicians are in a fast growing NM healthcare career and we will show all the steps needed to get in to it below!
Locate the Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in New Mexico Today
How to become a pharmacy technician in New Mexico
Pharmacy technicians in New Mexico have to register with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. You have the choice of registering with the state board as a non-certified pharmacy technician or a certified pharmacy technician. Candidates that register as non-certified do have to earn their CPHT certification within 1 year of their registration date. You will also have to pass adequate training, apply and pay the $25 application fee. You will need to be trained in the following areas that we list below:
• Know the state and federal regulations for pharmacies
• Know all guidelines for pharmacy technicians
• Knowledge of ethical/professional practice
• Knowledge of medical/pharmaceutical terminology
• Ability to do pharmaceutical calculations
• Be able to Manufacture, prepare, package and label prescriptions
• Know what routes of administration and dosages are
• Knowledge of the generic/trade medication names
• Have a basic understanding of pharmacology
• Have a basic understanding of pharmaceutical references
After you are trained in these area, you will have have your trainer or sponsor verify your training with the state board pf pharmacy. Registering as a certified pharmacist technician requires that you also need to complete an application and also pay the $25 application fee.
Step 1: Determine Whether you Would Like to Become Certified
Since you can register for your working license as a certified or non-certified pharmacy tech in new Mexico, choosing if you are getting your certification should be your first step. You can do on the job training and then get your certification within a year or you can attend formal training and then get your certification.
Step 2: Enroll in Classes Approved by New Mexico Pharmacy Board
Below is the complete list of pharmacy technician schools in the state of New Mexico.
Accredited Pharmacy Tech Schools in New Mexico
Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque – Pharmacy Tech Certificate Training
4400 Cutler Avenue NE Albuquerque NM 87110 505-881-1234
Central New Mexico Community College – Pharmacy Tech Certificate Training
525 Buena Vista SE Albuquerque NM 87106 505-224-3000
Carrington College-Albuquerque – Pharmacy Tech Certificate Training
1001 Menaul Blvd. N.E. Albuquerque NM 87107-1642 505-254-7777
Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus – Pharmacy Tech Certificate Training
52 University Blvd Roswell NM 88202-6000 575-624-7000
Brookline College-Albuquerque – Pharmacy Tech Certificate Training
4201 Central Ave NW-Ste J Albuquerque NM 87105 505-880-2877
Step 3: Complete Your Approved Training
Whether you get approved on the job training or you attend a formal training program in New Mexico, making sure you complete the training is vital to your success. Your training completion must be verified to register in the state of New Mexico as a pharmacy technician.
Step 4: Pass Either the PTCE or ExCPT Certification Tests
New Mexico uses both PTCE and ExCPT certification examinations. Both tests award the CPHT Pharmacy Technician Certification. The PTCE is from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the ExCPT is from the National Healthcare Association. After passing the exam, contact the New Mexico Pharmacy Board and register as a certified pharmacy technician.
Here is a detailed breakdown of both exams at the link here.
How Much Do Pharmacy Techs Make in New Mexico?
Pharmacy technician pay in New Mexico is broken down in the data table below (all data is from bls,gov).
| Location | Pay Type | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Hourly | $10.27 | $14.86 | $21.98 |
| Yearly | $21,370 | $30,920 | $45,710 | |
| New Mexico | Hourly | $10.99 | $15.14 | $20.04 |
| Yearly | $22,850 | $31,490 | $41,670 | |
| Santa Fe, NM | Hourly | $12.15 | $16.46 | $19.80 |
| Yearly | $25,260 | $34,230 | $41,180 | |
| Farmington, NM | Hourly | $11.14 | $15.64 | $22.49 |
| Yearly | $23,160 | $32,530 | $46,790 | |
| Albuquerque, NM | Hourly | $11.01 | $15.17 | $19.84 |
| Yearly | $22,890 | $31,540 | $41,270 | |
| Southwestern New Mexico | Hourly | $10.17 | $15.12 | $18.62 |
| Yearly | $21,150 | $31,440 | $38,720 | |
| Eastern New Mexico | Hourly | $10.93 | $14.72 | $18.80 |
| Yearly | $22,730 | $30,620 | $39,100 | |
| North and West Central New Mexico | Hourly | $11.84 | $14.70 | $21.37 |
| Yearly | $24,620 | $30,580 | $44,450 | |
| Las Cruces, NM | Hourly | $10.21 | $13.69 | $18.79 |
| Yearly | $21,240 | $28,470 | $39,080 |