Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in New Mexico

Pharmacy Technician
An aging population along with rise in chronic diseases and mental illness, the demand for prescription drugs is on the rise. With a population of 2.09 million, New Mexico has 2,660 pharmacy technicians working in various clinical settings. A pharmacy technician in New Mexico earns an average annual income of $37,690. The BLS projects a job growth rate of 8.43% through a period of 2020 to 2030. There are 4 schools in the state that provide pharmacy technician training. It is vital you choose the best from this small choice to get the best educational path. We have ranked the Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in New Mexico based on our methodology, considering factors such as student faculty ratio, graduation rate and quality of education. Learn more about the top schools, state requirements and job prospects for a pharmacy technician in New Mexico, on this page.

2 Best ASHP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in New Mexico for 2024

(Following is a list of schools offering the best pharmacy technician programs in New Mexico)

#1. Pima Medical Institute - Albuquerque

The Albuquerque campus of Pima Medical Institute was established in 1985 and it offers a 36-week day and 41-week evening certificate program in Pharmacy Technology. Here you will be taking classes in pharmacology, pharmacy math, pharmacy laboratory skills and fundamentals of chemistry. You will also undergo on the job training to gain real world experience. Upon completion of this program you can work as a pharmacy technician, pharmacy clerk or an IV certified pharmacy technician in a retail drug store, hospital pharmacy, mail order pharmacy or a medical clinic.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program type: Certificate
Program Length: 36 Weeks (Day Program), 41 Weeks (Evening Program)

#2. Central New Mexico Community College - Albuquerque

Founded in 1964 Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) located in Albuquerque, New Mexico is the largest institution offering post-secondary educational programs in the state of New Mexico. CNM runs with a goal to provide students with skills necessary for success in the world of work. CNM offers a certificate program for student aspiring to become pharmacy technicians in the state of New Mexico. The program includes lectures, work in the laboratory and on-site job training to gain real world experience. The laboratory experience includes a 63-hour content-specific block of instruction dealing with the preparation of sterile intravenous products. Upon graduation you will find employment in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies or in pharmacies at other health care settings.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Type: Certificate


What are the Requirements to Work as a Pharmacy Technician in New Mexico?

You must register with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy in order to work as a pharmacy technician in NM. The state necessitates certification within one year of registration. Alternatively, if you are not certified you can complete your pharmacy technician training from a Board approved school.

Registration/Licensure Required Yes
Training Required Optional
Certification Required Yes
Pharmacy Technician to Pharmacist ratioN/A
Continuing Education Required Yes
Certification Maintenance RequiredYes
(source: ptcb.org)

Education: In Mexico training is not a requirement as such. However if you are not certified within a year of registration, you must complete your training from a Board approved school. Training must consist 220 hours of supervised work under a pharmacist. NM has 4 schools offering the pharmacy technician program. Prefer to graduate from an ASHP accredited school. You can opt for either a Certificate/Diploma or an Associate. The intensity, duration and cost of the programs differ, so pick one that matches your career aspirations. Additionally check if the college offers financial aid and fill in the FAFSA for financial assistance.

Certification: Certification is a requirement in the state. You must pass the certification exam within a year of your registration. PTCB and ExCPT are the approved certification in the state. There are currently 2,678 PTCB certified pharmacy technicians in NM.

Licensure: Apply to the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy with a fee of $30 for a licensure.


Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in New Mexico

Pharmacy technicians in New Mexico have been in demand, considering the increasing dependence o prescription drugs. As a pharmacy tech in New Mexico, you can expect to earn an average annual wage of $37,690. The BLS projects an employment growth of 8.43%. CVS Health Retail, WALGREENS, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Memorial Medical Center, Albertsons Companies, UNM Hospitals, Atria Senior Living, Los Alamos Medical Center , Comprehensive Pharmacy Services, Lovelace Medical Center, Mountain View Regional, PharMerica, Christus Health , MountainView Regional Medical Center and American Speciality Pharmacy are the prominent pharmacy technician employers in the state.

Pharmacy Technicians Currently Working in NM 10 Year Job GrowthAnnual Vacancies Average Starting Salary Average Annual Salary
20202030% Growth
2,6602,6102,8308.43%210$28,980$37,690


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