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Maybe you want to work as a pharmacy technician in Maryland, and in that case, you will need to train first.
It is not hard to build a solid career in the field in this state, so read on for the steps you need to take.
Article Table of Contents
Training Requirements
In order to get a license in Maryland, you need to enroll in a training school first.
The program must be accredited by the state Board, and you should also be at least 17 years of age.
You must have proof of a high-school diploma or a GED, and take a background check.
There are many schools you can train at, that offer diplomas but also associate’s degrees.
Getting a diploma is faster, however, higher education can help you get a better job after obtaining your license.
In order to apply for a license, you need to show proof of 160 hours of practical experience in the field.
Some of the schools that provide pharmacy tech programs in Maryland are:
- Allegany College of Maryland: This school includes a program with an internship lasting for 180 hours as well as theory classes.
- Frederick Community College: This institution provides all the training you need to pass the Board licensing exam.
- Howard Community College: The school offers a 300-hour program with 160 practical training hours and 140 hours of class.
- Penn Foster Career School: If you are looking for an online program, this school has a pharmacy technician Board-approved course.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Allegany College of Maryland | 12401 Willowbrook Rd SE, Cumberland, Maryland 21502-2596 |
| College of Southern Maryland | 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, Maryland 20646-0910 |
| Hagerstown Community College | 11400 Robinwood Dr, Hagerstown, Maryland 21742-6514 |
How to Get Licensed in Maryland
You will need to send in an application to the Pharmacy Certification Board.
After submitting the needed papers, you need to take the National Pharmacy Certification Exam (PTCE).
You will also have to pass the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) offered by the National Health Career Association.
After 2 years, your license will expire at which point you will need to renew it.
Average Salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in Maryland
Once you obtain a practicing license, you may wonder about job prospects.
It has been reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that jobs in the industry will increase by 12% by 2026.
Salaries vary based on the city, the facility employing you, as well as how much education you have.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | $36,102 |
| Columbia | $36,043 |
| Germantown | $37,792 |
| Silver Spring | $38,866 |
| Waldorf | $38,761 |
| Ellicott City | $36,079 |
| Frederick | $37,585 |
| Glen Burnie | $36,102 |
| Gaithersburg | $38,761 |
| Rockville | $38,819 |
Regional Salary in Maryland
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 3,700 | $40,050 | $19.26 | $50,500 | $31,230 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 100 | $38,280 | $18.4 | $50,150 | $30,330 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | 170 | $35,220 | $16.93 | $44,250 | $29,040 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 360 | $37,590 | $18.07 | $47,390 | $29,380 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 490 | $36,150 | $17.38 | $45,910 | $29,180 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where You Can Get hired as a Pharmacy Technician in Maryland
As industry jobs are becoming more popular, you can easily get hired in any medical facility.
These include hospitals, doctor’s offices, drugstores, or even nursing homes.
It is important to keep in mind that you may need to work long hours and even on the weekends.
As most facilities are open late, you may need to take on night shifts and perform some duties previously taken by pharmacists.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State