Certification of pharmacy technicians is becoming a requirement for employment. Employers are seeking competent, well-trained technicians who meet the competencies that are outlined by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). All individuals working in the capacity as a pharmacy technician must be registered with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy.

PTCB Competencies

• Communicate clearly orally and in writing.
• Assist the pharmacist in the monitoring of drug therapy.
• Use computers to perform pharmacy functions. 
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
• Use pharmaceutical and medical term abbreviations and symbols appropriately.
• Demonstrate ethical conduct in all activities related to the delivery of pharmacy services.

Completion of the accredited 33-credit hour Pharmacy Technician certificate program results in eligibility to sit for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Examination.

Career Opportunities

The increasing clinical emphasis of pharmacists' responsibilities, the increasing pharmacy workload due to the aging population, and the increased need to control health care costs make the employment outlook for well-trained pharmacy technicians very good.

Pharmacy technicians are employed in hospital pharmacies, community pharmacies, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and mail-order prescription pharmacies. In addition, some pharmacy technicians are employed in non-traditional settings by medical insurance offices, drug wholesale and pharmaceutical companies, and in education.