Steps to become a pharmacy technician in Maine
- Meet educational requirements. Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Register with the Maine Board of Pharmacy. Submit an application, show proof of employment, pass a background check, and pay a $41 fee.
- Obtain certification (optional). Consider earning a national certification like PTCB or ExCPT to boost job prospects.
- Renew your registration annually. Pharmacy technician licenses must be renewed each year by December 31.
- Complete continuing education (if certified). If nationally certified, complete 20 hours of CE every two years to maintain certification.
State Requirements
- Age and Education: Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Registration: Pharmacy technicians must register with the Maine Board of Pharmacy. The application process involves submitting personal details, including employment at a licensed Maine pharmacy.
- Criminal Background Check: A criminal history records check is required as part of the registration process.
- License Verification: If previously licensed in another state, the applicant must provide license verification, which includes the initial issue date, expiration date, and any disciplinary action history.
- Application Fee: The initial application fee is $41, which includes the license fee and a criminal record check.
- National Certification: Although not always required, it is recommended to earn national certification, such as from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This may be required by certain employers
- Employment Requirement: Applicants must already be employed in a Maine pharmacy at the time of application to complete the licensure process.
- License Renewal: Pharmacy technician licenses must be renewed annually by December 31. Employment certification at a Maine pharmacy is required during renewal.
Education and Training
In Maine, formal training for pharmacy technicians is not explicitly mandated by the state; however, completing a training program is highly recommended and may be required by employers.
These programs help prepare candidates for the role, which includes assisting pharmacists in tasks like prescription preparation, inventory management, and interacting with patients. Many employers prefer or require pharmacy technicians to obtain certification through programs such as those offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Typical pharmacy technician training programs cover a wide range of topics, including pharmaceutical calculations, medical and pharmaceutical terminology, anatomy, pharmacy law, and ethics.
Hands-on experience is often incorporated, either through virtual labs or externships, allowing students to apply what they have learned in real-world settings. Programs also prepare students to pass certification exams, a key step for advancing in the field.
Certification
In Maine, certification is not legally required to work as a pharmacy technician, but it is often highly recommended or required by employers. Gaining certification can significantly enhance job prospects, improve earning potential, and provide a stronger foundation in pharmaceutical knowledge.
Many employers prefer certified technicians as it demonstrates a standardized level of competency and commitment to the profession.
The most recognized certifications for pharmacy technicians are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Both certifications are accredited and respected across the industry. These exams assess knowledge in areas like medication safety, pharmacy law, and order processing.
Licensing/Registration
In Maine, registration with the state Board of Pharmacy is mandatory for all pharmacy technicians. The registration process ensures that technicians meet the state’s requirements and are employed in a licensed Maine pharmacy.
To register, pharmacy technicians must complete an application, which includes providing personal details, proof of employment, and undergoing a criminal background check. A non-refundable fee of $41 is required, which covers both the license fee and the background check.
Licenses for pharmacy technicians in Maine are valid for one year and must be renewed annually by December 31. During the renewal process, technicians must verify that they are still employed by a Maine pharmacy. Failure to renew on time results in the license becoming inactive, and working without an active license could lead to penalties. If a license lapses, technicians may need to follow a reinstatement process, which typically includes submitting additional paperwork and paying any outstanding fees.
For technicians moving to Maine from another state, license reciprocity is not automatic, but they can apply for registration by providing license verification from their previous state of practice.
This includes details such as the original issue date and any disciplinary history. Ensuring that all required documents are submitted promptly will help avoid delays in obtaining an active license in Maine.
Continuing Education
Сontinuing education (CE) is not mandated by the state for pharmacy technicians. However, if you hold a national certification, such as from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), continuing education is required to maintain your certification.
This ensures that pharmacy technicians stay updated with the latest advancements in medication safety, pharmacy law, and other important topics in the field.
For the PTCB, certified pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. These hours must include at least one hour of education in pharmacy law and one hour in patient safety. Similarly, the ExCPT certification offered by the NHA also requires 20 hours of continuing education every two years, with a focus on areas relevant to pharmacy practice.
Resources
Maine Board of Pharmacy
www.maine.gov
Office: Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, 35 State House Station. Augusta, ME 04333
Telephone: 207-624-8603 Fax: 207-624-8637
Professional Association for Maine Pharmacy Techs:
The Maine Society of Health-System Pharmacists
www.meshp.org