BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MAINE

A career as a pharmacy tech may be for you if you enjoy healthcare, are detail-oriented and want a career in which you can positively impact people’s lives. Pharmacy techs dispense prescriptions, manage inventory, prepare certain medications, and complete other administrative work to support pharmacists. Each state has its licensing requirements, and the following information will help you secure your license in Maine. [Leer en español]

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BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Pharmacy techs in Maine must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, and register with the Maine Board of Pharmacy before beginning work. After receiving your certification from the Board, you must report any changes in your workplace to the Board within 30 days of the change. The Maine Board of Pharmacy requires all applicants to undergo a criminal background check and pay a $41 application fee.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN MAINE

Pharmacy technician programs can be found at pharmacy technician schools and community colleges throughout Maine. Check that the program you select is approved by the state Board before enrolling to ensure that your studies will qualify you for licensing exams. Here are some pharmacy technician programs options in schools in Maine to consider for your education:

Southern Maine Community College

This online program confers a certificate of completion to its students. It prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam by teaching fundamental skills in pharmacology, customer service, and workplace operations. Request enrollment information on the school website.

Academy of Medical Professionals

The Academy offers a 14-week, online program. Students have one full year to complete the program from their start date and work one-on-one with an instructor to receive personalized support. Request enrollment information on the school website.

Penn Foster Career School 

Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

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CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

To work as a pharmacy technician in Maine, you must apply to the Maine state Board of Pharmacy and renew your license each year. Renewal is free if done on time; a $50 late fee applies otherwise.

You are not required to obtain national certification to work in Maine. However, receiving your national certification designates you as a Certified Pharmacy Tech, can qualify you for higher-paying jobs, and allows you to take on additional responsibilities in the workplace. Interested technicians must already have a high school diploma or GED, then register with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, and pay a fee of $129. You must then complete continuing education requirements and renew your certification every two years if you would like to maintain its active status.

CAREER OUTLOOK AND PHARMACY TECH SALARY EXPECTATIONS

Jobs for pharmacy technicians are expected to grow at an average nationwide rate of 12 percent during the 10 years to 2026, according to the Projections Managing Partnership. Growth for this field in Maine during the same period is expected to be slower, at 4.4 percent.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Maine pharmacy technician can expect an average annual salary of $36,140.

WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MAINE

Maine pharmacy technicians can find work in a range of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, chains, independent drugstores, clinics, and nursing homes, among others. Many of these facilities are open late and also on the weekends, so you should expect to work on nights and weekends as part of your normal schedule. You should also be prepared to stand for long periods and to move heavy boxes of inventory when requested. Jobs that pay the highest salaries are typically located in cities like Portland and Augusta, which have a correspondingly higher cost of living, though you should be able to find job opportunities anywhere in the state.

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FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Maine?

  1. Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
  2. Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
  3. Penn Foster Career School, Online
  4. Ashworth College, Online
  5. Rasmussen College, Online

How do you become a Maine pharmacy technician?

  1. You must be at least 18 years old
  2. You must have a high school diploma or GED
  3. Disclose criminal convictions
  4. Obtain employment as a pharmacy tech
  5. Apply to the Maine Board of Pharmacy
  6. “Advanced Pharmacy Technicians” must have Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification

How much do Maine pharmacy technicians make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Maine made an average salary of $31,690 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $22,610 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $43,850.

OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

Students may also wish to review their options in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York.