Maryland Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Are you organized, detail-oriented, and have a passion for healthcare? Becoming a pharmacy technician in Maryland could be the ideal career path for you. Pharmacy technicians play an essential role in the healthcare field, working alongside pharmacists to dispense medications, manage inventory, and provide excellent patient care. With Maryland’s growing healthcare sector, the demand for skilled pharmacy technicians is high, offering diverse job opportunities and competitive salaries.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of obtaining your pharmacy technician license in Maryland, from meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the application process to understanding the benefits of national certification and advancing your career. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your healthcare experience, this guide will provide you with the roadmap to a fulfilling career as a pharmacy technician in the Old Line State.

Disclaimer: This post is informational in nature, as Board rules are complex and change over time. Make sure to refer to the Maryland Board of Pharmacy website (https://health.maryland.gov/pharmacy/) to verify requirements and stay up to date on official regulations for pharmacy technicians in the state.

Work Environments for Pharmacy Technicians in Maryland

As a pharmacy technician in Maryland, you’ll discover a wide array of work settings to choose from, each offering unique experiences and career growth opportunities. Some of the most common work environments in the state include:

Retail Pharmacies: Major chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have numerous locations across Maryland, providing ample opportunities for pharmacy technicians. In this fast-paced setting, you’ll interact with customers, fill prescriptions, process insurance claims, and manage inventory.
Hospital Systems: Renowned hospital systems like Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, and MedStar Health employ many pharmacy technicians. In a hospital pharmacy, you’ll work as part of a larger healthcare team, dispensing medications to inpatients and outpatients, preparing IV admixtures, and managing medication inventory. You might also specialize in areas like oncology or pediatrics.
Independent Pharmacies: Maryland has a network of independent pharmacies that offer a more personalized approach to patient care. As a pharmacy technician in this setting, you’ll have the opportunity to build relationships with patients, provide excellent customer service, and become a trusted member of the community.
Long-Term Care Facilities: Pharmacy technicians working in nursing homes or assisted living facilities like Genesis Healthcare and Lorien Health Services ensure that residents receive the correct medications and monitor their medication therapy.
Specialty Pharmacies: These pharmacies focus on specific disease states or medication types, such as oncology, compounding, or nuclear pharmacy. If you’re interested in a niche area, consider exploring opportunities at pharmacies like PharMerica or OptumRx.

No matter your interests or career goals, you’re sure to find a fulfilling and rewarding work environment as a pharmacy technician in Maryland.

Step 1: Understanding Maryland Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

Before you can apply for a pharmacy technician license in Maryland, it’s essential to understand and meet the specific requirements set by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. These requirements vary depending on whether you are currently certified by a national pharmacy technician certification program or not.

Option A: Certified Pharmacy Technician

If you are already certified by a national pharmacy technician certification program, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the requirements are relatively straightforward:

Complete the Application: Submit a signed and completed application form provided by the Board.
Provide Proof of Certification: Submit evidence of your current certification from a recognized national program.
Pay the Fee: Pay the required registration fee as outlined in COMAR 10.34.09.
Submit a Background Check Request: Request a State Criminal History Records Check through the Board.

Option B: Non-Certified Pharmacy Technician

If you’re not certified, you can still become a licensed pharmacy technician in Maryland. However, there are additional requirements:

Complete the Application: Submit a signed and completed application form provided by the Board.
Age Requirement: Be at least 17 years old.
Educational Requirements:
- Be a high school graduate or have a high school equivalency diploma (GED).
- Be enrolled and in good standing in a high school program.
- If you don’t meet the above, you can still qualify under specific circumstances (see Option C below).
Pharmacy Technician Training Program: Complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program that includes 160 hours of work experience.
Pass an Exam: Pass an examination approved by the Board.
Pay the Fee: Pay the required registration fee.
Submit a Background Check Request: Request a State Criminal History Records Check.

Option C: Special Circumstances

If you don’t meet the requirements for Option A or B, you might still qualify for a pharmacy technician license if you meet the following:

Complete the Application: Submit a signed application form.
Age Requirement: Be at least 17 years old.
Work Experience Verification: Provide written verification from your employer that you have worked continuously in a Maryland pharmacy since January 1, 2006.
Competency Verification: Obtain written verification from your supervising pharmacist confirming your competence for at least six months.
Pay the Fee: Pay the required registration fee.
Submit a Background Check Request: Request a State Criminal History Records Check.

Step 2: Obtaining Pharmacy Technician Certification

While Maryland does not require pharmacy technicians to be certified for initial licensure, obtaining national certification is highly recommended and offers the most streamlined path to becoming a registered pharmacy technician in the state. Here’s why:

Simplified Application Process: If you’re certified by a national pharmacy technician certification program, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), your application process is significantly simplified. You’ll only need to submit a completed application, proof of certification, pay the fee, and request a background check.
Exemption from Additional Requirements: Certified technicians are exempt from the educational, training program, and examination requirements that non-certified applicants must fulfill. This means you can start working sooner and focus on gaining valuable on-the-job experience.
Enhanced Career Opportunities: Certification demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to the profession, making you a more desirable candidate for employers. Many pharmacies in Maryland prefer or even require their technicians to be certified.
Increased Earning Potential: Certified pharmacy technicians often command higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts.
Professional Growth: Certification opens doors to advanced roles and specializations within the field, such as becoming a validated pharmacy technician, which allows for expanded responsibilities like final product verification.

Option 1: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam

This exam is widely accepted across the United States and is considered the gold standard in pharmacy technician certification. The PTCB exam covers a comprehensive range of pharmacy technician knowledge and skills, including medications, law, patient safety and quality assurance, and more. Here are the steps to get PTCB certified:

Complete a PTCB-recognized training program
OR gain 500 hours of practical experience as a pharmacy technician
Pass the PTCB exam: Once you’ve completed the training or gained the experience, you’ll need to register for and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Option 2: National HealthCareer Association (NHA) ExCPT Exam

This exam is another nationally recognized option for pharmacy technician certification. The NHA ExCPT exam covers similar topics as the PTCB exam but with a slightly different emphasis. Here are the steps to get NHA certified:

Complete an NHA-recognized training program: Similar to PTCB, search for programs on the NHA website.
OR gain practical experience as a pharmacy technician
Pass the ExCPT exam: After completing the program or gaining experience, you’ll need to pass the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.

Step 3: Applying for Your Maryland Pharmacy Technician License

Once you’ve met the eligibility requirements and potentially obtained your national certification, it’s time to apply for your pharmacy technician license in Maryland. The application process involves the following steps:

Complete the Application Form: Download and complete the paper application form (Pharmacy Technician Registration Application) from the Maryland Board of Pharmacy website. Fill out all sections accurately and thoroughly, providing all requested information, including your personal details, employment information, and any prior licenses or registrations you hold.
Gather Required Documents: In addition to the completed application form, you’ll need to submit the following:
- Proof of Certification (If Applicable): If you’re applying as a certified pharmacy technician, provide evidence of your current certification from a nationally recognized program.
- Registration Fee: Pay the required non-refundable registration fee, which is $45.
- State Criminal History Records Check Request: Submit a request for a State Criminal History Records Check through the Board.
Submit Your Application: Mail your completed application, along with the required documents and fees, to the Maryland Board of Pharmacy at the address provided on the application form. Make sure to keep copies of all documents for your records.
Await Approval: The Board of Pharmacy will review your application and conduct a background check. If your application is approved, you will receive your pharmacy technician registration card and pocket identification card.

Remember: You cannot legally work as a pharmacy technician in Maryland until you receive your license. So, apply well in advance of your intended start date to avoid delays.

Step 4: Renewing Your Maryland Pharmacy Technician License

Your pharmacy technician registration in Maryland is valid for one year and expires on the last day of your birth month, one year after your initial registration. To maintain your license and continue working as a pharmacy technician, you must renew your registration before it expires. Here’s the renewal process:

Renewal Notice: The Board of Pharmacy will send you a renewal notice at least one month before your registration expires. This notice will include the expiration date, the deadline for submitting your renewal application, and the renewal fee amount.
Complete 20 Hours of Continuing Education: To renew your license, you must complete 20 hours of Board-approved continuing education (CE) within the two years preceding your renewal application. For your first renewal, only 10 hours of CE are required.
Complete the Renewal Application: Fill out the renewal application form provided by the Board. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
Pay the Renewal Fee: The renewal fee for pharmacy technicians is $45.
Submit Your Application: Mail your completed renewal application, along with the renewal fee and evidence of CE completion, to the Board of Pharmacy. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline specified in your renewal notice.

Key Points to Remember:

Renewal Deadline: Your registration expires on the last day of your birth month, one year after initial registration.
Continuing Education: You must complete 20 hours of Board-approved CE (10 hours for the first renewal).
Renewal Fee: The fee for renewing your pharmacy technician registration is $45.
Grace Period: There is no grace period for license renewal. Ensure you submit your application and fee on time to avoid any interruptions in your employment.

By staying on top of your renewal requirements and continuing education obligations, you can ensure a seamless continuation of your career as a pharmacy technician in Maryland.

Additional Tips for Success

Obtaining your pharmacy technician license in Maryland is an achievement, but it’s just the beginning of your professional journey. To truly excel in this field, consider these additional tips:

Become a Validated Pharmacy Technician: In Maryland, validated pharmacy technicians can take on additional responsibilities, such as final product verification of certain medications. This can lead to career advancement and greater job satisfaction. To become validated, you must have at least one year of experience as a registered technician in Maryland and obtain an active product verification certificate from a Board-approved national certification program.
Pursue Specialization: Consider specializing in a specific area of pharmacy, such as oncology, compounding, or long-term care. Specialization can make you a valuable asset to employers and open up new career paths.
Network with Pharmacy Professionals: Connect with other pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in Maryland through professional organizations like the Maryland Pharmacists Association (MPhA). Networking can provide valuable support, mentorship, and job opportunities.
Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for pharmacy technicians. Clearly communicate with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and safe medication dispensing.
Stay Abreast of Regulations: Maryland pharmacy regulations can change, so it’s important to stay informed about any updates or new requirements. Regularly check the Board of Pharmacy website and subscribe to relevant newsletters or publications.
Embrace Technology: Pharmacy technology is constantly evolving. Familiarize yourself with electronic health records (EHRs), automated dispensing systems, and other tools used in modern pharmacies.
Prioritize Accuracy and Safety: Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in patient safety. Always double-check your work, follow procedures meticulously, and prioritize accuracy to prevent medication errors.
Seek Continuing Education Opportunities: Even though 20 hours of CE are required for renewal, go above and beyond the minimum requirements. Attend conferences, webinars, or workshops to expand your knowledge and skills.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance your career as a pharmacy technician in Maryland, opening doors to new opportunities and ensuring a rewarding and successful professional journey.

Conclusion

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Maryland opens doors to a fulfilling career in healthcare. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the requirements and embark on a rewarding journey. Remember, obtaining your license is just the beginning. Embrace lifelong learning, pursue certifications, and network with other professionals to continuously grow and excel in this field.

FAQs

Q: Is certification required to get a Maryland pharmacy technician license?

A: No, certification is not mandatory for initial licensure as a pharmacy technician in Maryland. However, it’s highly recommended as it streamlines the application process, exempts you from additional requirements, and offers numerous career benefits.

Q: What are the benefits of becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Maryland?

A: Certified pharmacy technicians have a simplified application process, are exempt from certain requirements like completing a training program and passing an exam, and are often preferred by employers. Certification can also lead to increased earning potential and opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a validated pharmacy technician.

Q: What is a validated pharmacy technician in Maryland?

A: A validated pharmacy technician is a registered pharmacy technician with additional qualifications who can perform final product verification of certain medications under specific conditions. This role involves increased responsibility and requires at least one year of experience as a registered technician in Maryland and an active product verification certificate from a Board-approved national certification program.

Q: What is the average Maryland Pharmacy Technician salary?

A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a pharmacy technician in Maryland was $42,110 for the over 8,000 pharmacy technician in employed in the state as of May 2023.

Q: What are the continuing education requirements for pharmacy technicians in Maryland?

A: Pharmacy technicians in Maryland are required to complete 20 hours of Board-approved continuing education (CE) every two years. For your first renewal, only 10 hours of CE are required.