HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MARYLAND
If you want to start a rewarding career in the healthcare field in Maryland, consider becoming a pharmacy technician. Also known as a pharmacy tech or compounding technician, this important role allows you to work under the direction of a licensed pharmacist, performing many tasks relating to the preparation of medication. [Leer en español]
Some of the tasks you’ll do include counting, mixing, labeling, and recording prescriptions. Careers in the healthcare field in Maryland are always in high demand, and pharmacy technicians are no exception.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
To become a pharmacy technician in Maryland, you’ll need to be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, or be currently enrolled in high school with good academic standing. You’ll need to agree to have a criminal background check.
Training is offered in a variety of settings and must include at least 160 hours of hands-on experience to register with the state as a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technician programs must be approved by the Board.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS IN MARYLAND
In Maryland, you’ll be able to choose between several approved schools to obtain training to become a pharmacy technician. The following are a few examples of pharmacy technician programs and pharmacy technician schools in the state:
Allegany College of Maryland
This one-semester program includes classroom training as well as 180 hours of hands-on training in a retail or institutional pharmacy. The campus is located in Cumberland, MD, and prepares you to start your journey as a pharmacy technician.
Frederick Community College
Located in Frederick, MD, this program offers the training required to prepare you to take the National Pharmacy Certification Exam (PTCE) with the Pharmacy Certification Board as well as the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) with the National Health Career Association.
Howard Community College
This 300-hour course includes 140 hours of theory training and 160 externship hours. Located in Columbia, MD, this program offers everything you need to learn to be a pharmacy technician and can be completed in five to six months.
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM AND LICENSING IN MARYLAND
The state of Maryland recognizes national certification. To register as a pharmacy technician in Maryland, you’ll need to provide evidence of certification by a national certification program. If you’re not yet a certified pharmacy technician, you’ll need to show you’ve completed a Board-approved training program that includes 160 hours of work experience and evidence of passing a Board-approved exam. The pharmacy technician certification board offers the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
Once you’ve completed your training and passed one of these two exams, you must apply to register with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. The national certification exam and the application fee are both separate from the training program and school fees.
Once you’ve registered with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy, your certification is valid for three years. You must renew your registration before it expires to keep working as a pharmacy technician in the state.
CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth in the pharmacy tech field of 12 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average for all occupations. An aging population and higher rates of chronic diseases will lead to increased demand for prescription meds.
Nationally, the median annual wage was $32,700 as of 2018, which means approximately half of all pharmacy technicians earned more than that and half earned less. The annual mean salary for Maryland pharmacy technicians is $31,930, and the hourly mean is $15.35 per hour.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECH IN MARYLAND
There are many different environments where you’ll be able to work as a pharmacy tech in Maryland. Options of places where your skills will be in demand include hospitals, retail drug stores, pharmacies, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. You may be working days, nights or weekends since most healthcare facilities and some pharmacies are open long hours or around the clock.
The trend is for pharmacists to take on new responsibilities such as giving flu shots, which means pharmacy techs may need to take over some of the work formerly done by pharmacists. The job outlook for pharmacy techs appears to be very strong throughout the state of Maryland.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Maryland?
- All-State Career, Baltimore
- Fortis Institute, Towson, and Landover
- College of Southern Maryland, La Plata
- Hagerstown Community College, Hagerstown
- Hagerstown Community College, Hagerstown
- Penn Foster Career School, Online
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Maryland?
- You must be at least 17 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED, or be enrolled in high school
- Pass a criminal record check
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Complete 10 hours of continuing education in the first two years of licensure, and 20 hours thereafter
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Maryland?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Maryland made an average of $33,880 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $23,250 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $48,290.
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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of Maryland may also wish to review their options in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia.