If you're looking to increase your pharmacy technician salary in Maryland, there are several strategies you can consider to achieve this goal. By following these tips, you can enhance your chances of earning a better salary in this field.

Obtain Certification through PTCB or ExCPT: Becoming a certified pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) can lead to higher pay. Many employers in Maryland prefer or require certification for pharmacy technician positions, so investing in this credential can boost your earning potential.

Pursue Further Education and Training: Continuing your education by pursuing an associate degree or specialized training programs in pharmacy technology can make you a more competitive candidate and potentially lead to higher pay. Institutions like the Community College of Baltimore County and the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy offer relevant programs for aspiring pharmacy technicians.

Gain Experience in Different Settings: Working in various pharmacy settings, such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, or long-term care facilities, can broaden your skills and make you more valuable to employers. With diverse experience, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary based on your expertise and versatility.

Network with Professionals in the Field: Building relationships with other pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals in Maryland can provide valuable insights into industry trends, job opportunities, and salary expectations. Networking can also help you discover potential career advancement opportunities that offer better pay.

Research Salary Trends in Maryland: Stay informed about the current salary trends for pharmacy technicians in Maryland by using resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics or professional organizations like the Maryland Pharmacists Association. Understanding the average salary range for pharmacy technicians in your area can help you negotiate a higher salary during job interviews or performance evaluations.

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED

The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician in Maryland is to obtain your high school diploma or GED. This is a prerequisite for most pharmacy technician training programs. It is also required by many employers.

High school courses in math, science, and health can provide a strong foundation for your pharmacy technician training.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Next, you will need to complete a pharmacy technician training program. These programs typically take less than a year to complete. They cover topics such as medical terminology, pharmacy law and ethics, and pharmacy calculations.

There are several institutions in Maryland that offer pharmacy technician training programs. These include the College of Southern Maryland and the University of Maryland. In addition to traditional colleges, there are also online options available. For example, Stepful offers affordable online certification training for pharmacy technicians.

>> Read More: How Much Do Pharmacy Technician School & Certification Cost?
Obtain Certification and Registration

Once you have completed your training, you will need to obtain certification and register as a pharmacy technician in Maryland. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offer the two most recognized certifications.

>> Read More: Pharmacy Technician Certification Options (PTCB, NHA, CPhT, & More)

In Maryland, you must also register with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. This process includes passing a criminal background check and paying a registration fee.

In conclusion, while the process of becoming a pharmacy technician in Maryland requires time and dedication, it can lead to a rewarding career in the healthcare field. By obtaining your high school diploma or GED, completing a pharmacy technician training program, and obtaining certification and registration, you can start your career as a pharmacy technician in Maryland.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 47,400 job openings each year, primarily due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

In Maryland, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were approximately 4,300 pharmacy technicians employed in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area. The state's employment concentration for this occupation is 3.298 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 1.09, indicating a slightly higher concentration of pharmacy technician jobs compared to the national average.