Alaska Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Alaska is an excellent location for pharmacy technicians interested in starting their careers. In Alaska, pharmacy technicians are paid much more than in most other areas of the United States. While the remote location of Alaska can have some challenges, it can also be a perfect fit for pharmacy technicians who love the great outdoors, enjoy exploring, and are excited to bring their expertise to small, tight-knit communities. Here, we’ll discuss the pharmacy technician requirements for Alaska and the outlook for this career path in the coming years.

2027 Best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Alaska

#1

University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK - Public 4-Year - uaa.alaska.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Pharmacy Technology

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Pharmacy Technology at University of Alaska Anchorage is a fully online, 16-credit program designed to prepare you for a career as a pharmacy technician. The curriculum covers essential topics like introduction to pharmacy, pharmacology for technicians I and II, pharmacy calculations, techniques of pharmacy practice, and the professional practice of pharmacy technicians. You'll learn to process prescriptions, understand drug interactions, and communicate effectively with patients and healthcare staff. This program is approved as a PTCB Recognized Education/Training Program, meaning you'll be ready to sit for the national PTCB examination required for licensure in Alaska. With all coursework delivered online, you can study from anywhere while gaining hands-on skills through practical coursework. Graduates are prepared for employment in pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings, with a strong foundation for further study. UAA's program emphasizes accuracy, safety, and professionalism, ensuring you meet state requirements and enter the field confident and competent.

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) accredited
• 16 total credit hours
• Prepares for PTCB examination
• Distance-delivered online format
• PTCB recognized education program
• Minimum grade C required

#2

Alaska Pacific University

Anchorage, AK - Private 4-year - alaskapacific.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Health Occupations (Pharmacy Technician)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Alaska Pacific University offers an undergraduate certificate in Health Occupations with a Pharmacy Technician concentration. The program prepares students for national certification as a pharmacy technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. In Alaska, pharmacy technicians are the only health occupation concentration requiring licensure, and this certificate meets the academic requirements for that licensure. The certificate also includes other health occupation tracks such as billing and coding, electronic health records, medical administrative assisting, community health work, and clinical medical assisting. All APU health occupation certificates lead to national certification in the selected concentration. Licensure requirements vary by state, so students should verify their own state's rules. This campus-based program is designed for those entering the health care workforce.

• 6 concentration options
• Leads to national certification
• Prepares for CPhT certification
• Pharmacy tech licensure required in Alaska
• Meets Alaska academic licensure requirements
• Licensure may vary by state
• Part of Health Occupations certificate

*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025 collection.

Alaska Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

For people considering starting a career as a pharmacy technician, it’s essential to understand the requirements for getting started in the field. There are several requirements for pharmacy technicians in Alaska, including:

• License – All pharmacy technicians are required to register with the Alaska Board of Pharmacy. They are permitted to perform non-discretionary, manipulative tasks under the supervision and direction of a licensed pharmacist. The supervising pharmacist ensures pharmacy technicians receive the necessary training to perform their jobs correctly. Pharmacy technicians must have at least 40 hours of on-the-job training before they’re allowed to prepare sterile pharmaceuticals.
• Education – Many pharmacy technicians have extensive education in pharmacy via a specialized pharmacy tech program, but this isn’t required to work as a pharmacy technician. The only educational requirement for starting the field is a GED or a high school diploma. While being a native English speaker is not a requirement, all pharmacy technicians must be able to read, write, and speak English proficiently.
• Age – In Alaska, pharmacy technicians must be at least 18.
• Background – Applicants will be asked if they have a felony conviction. While having a felony conviction does not necessarily mean exclusion from the application process, applicants with convictions that make it likely that they will not be able to perform their jobs ethically will not be offered positions within a pharmacy.

While certification is not a requirement to work as a pharmacy technician, many professionals in the field choose to test with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to become certified. After earning certification, more job opportunities may become available, and many pharmacy technicians find that they’re eligible for higher-paying jobs (or for an increase in pay at their current job).

Alaska Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook

There are many career opportunities for pharmacy technicians in Alaska in various settings. While most of Alaska is rural, there are also opportunities in hospitals in larger cities, such as Juneau and Anchorage. Many pharmacy technicians in Alaska prefer to work in smaller rural pharmacies, where they can work closely with community members, getting to know them and their medication needs.

This is a good time to get into the pharmacy tech field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field expects a 4% growth rate over the next decade, which is on par with other jobs in the United States. This means that while there will likely be several openings for pharmacy technicians, you may need a competitive advantage to get a pharmacy technician job. Earning your PTCB certification may give you a leg up against your competition.

Alaska Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs