Pharmacy Technician Schools in Maine

Pharmacy technicians don’t just make it easier for pharmacists to do their jobs by handling some clinical tasks on their behalf; they also serve as a liaison between the pharmacy and customers.

In Maine, the requirements to enter this profession are quite straightforward. Professionals also enjoy career opportunities, competitive salaries, a strong peer-support network, and more.

Individuals who would like to launch a career as a pharmacy technician in the state can do so by following the guide below. Here, they will become familiar with all the considerations for education preparation, training, certification, licensing, and more.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Maine

Below is a step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacy technician in Maine.

Step 1: High School & Basic Requirements

To obtain licensure, certification, and admission to top programs, aspiring pharmacy technicians in Maine need a high school diploma. They also need to meet other basic requirements, such as completing a background check, being at least 18 years old, and having the required vaccinations.

Step 2: Enrolling in an Approved Program

Technical colleges and institutions in Maine offer pharmacy technician programs with different educational approaches. For instance, some are designed specifically for certification preparation, while others prioritize interactive training with campus-based sessions.

It is also possible to distinguish pharmacy technician programs based on their academic awards. Some of the best programs offer certificates that can be completed in a year, while others lead to associate degrees that take 18 months to 2 years.

Step 3: Clinical Experience

Pharmacy technicians learn crucial theoretical concepts during their training, and leading institutions also provide laboratory training. However, candidates still need to spend some time in a real work environment to gain clinical experience.

This is where internships and externships come in. Graduates of online programs are also encouraged to participate in an externship upon program completion.

Step 4: Job Placement

Licensing and certification require proper education before candidates can secure employment as pharmacy technicians in Maine. They can work in various capacities across a range of environments, including retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, and more.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a sterile processing technician in Maine

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Maine, pharmacy technicians must register with the Maine Board of Pharmacy before they can begin their careers. To do so, they will have to meet a few requirements.

One of these is to have a high school diploma or GED. Candidates must also be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check.

They can complete their application by submitting the official form and paying up to $62 for the license and background check.

Regarding certification, candidates have multiple options, including the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

The other option is the credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Maine

The following programs are among the best training destinations for future pharmacy technicians in Maine.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Maine by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of a pharmacy technician in Maine can be up to $56,748 if they are in the top 10%. The same professionals can earn an annual average salary of $32,389 if they are in the bottom 10%.

The disparity is usually due to factors such as experience, professional credentials, employment status, and more. Overall, most pharmacy technicians in the state earn a median salary of $42,872 according to Indeed.

Location is also a very crucial factor. The most prominent locations with the highest averages are York($72,423), Scarborough ($49,275), and Portland ($43,227).