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Department of Pharmacy

Pharmacy Technician Profession

Why become a pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy technicians are the cornerstone of a pharmacy's clinical and operational roles. Pharmacy technicians are currently in high demand, and this demand is expected to continue. As pharmacies expand patient care services, the role and need for pharmacy technicians will also grow. The employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assisting with tasks that do not require professional judgment.

Job prospects are excellent for Pharmacy Technicians, particularly those with formal training and those with experience in hospital settings.

Summary Facts: Pharmacy Technician
2020 Median Pay $35,100 per year
$16.87 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education  High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation  None
On-the-Job Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2019 422,300
Job Outlook, 2019-29 4% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2019-29 15,200

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Pharmacy Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm (visited June 13th, 2021).

How to become a pharmacy technician?

See the below table for the requirement to obtain state pharmacy technician registration.

 Location Requirements
District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy

Prerequisite Qualification:

  • 17 years of age
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Complete a board approved pharmacy technician training program
    • Note: students must register with DC Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee within 30 days after beginning an employer-based pharmacy technician training program

Application process:

  • Complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting is required
  • Registration fee: $50
Florida Board of Pharmacy

Prerequisite Qualification:

  • 17 years of age
  • Complete a board approved pharmacy technician training program

Application process:

  • Application form include background check/criminal history questionnaire
  • Registration fee: $105
Maryland Board of Pharmacy

Prerequisite Qualification: 

  • 17 years of age
  • High School Diploma or GED or be enrolled in High School 
  • Complete a Board approved training program (if not nationally certified) 

Application process:

  • Complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting is required 
  • Registration fee: $45 (application) + $38 (background check + fingerprinting)

In addition to state registration, many employers may require pharmacy technicians to obtain national certification.

  • Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) develops, maintains, and administers a nationally accredited certification program, known as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Being nationally certified grant recognition to an individual who has attained the necessary level of knowledge, skill, and/or experience across pharmacy settings.
  • Initial certification requires an individual to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (cost is $129 dollars).
  • Renewal is done every 2 years, requires the completion of a minimum of 20 hours of CE during the 2 year recertification period.
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