Baltimore To See Above Average Job Growth For Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians are typically utilized in clinics, hospitals, and mail order and retail pharmacies to ensure efficiency and customer service goals while managing operating costs. Their numbers are consistently growing due to the general aging of the population and its increasing reliance on prescription medication, medical advances, which promote the use of medication, and increased availability of medications through insurance plans via the Affordable Care Act.
The duties of pharmacy technicians vary somewhat by employer, but are always under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Duties usually include providing prompt service to customer through the following: Assist pharmacist in filling prescriptions by accepting customer information on new and refill medications as permitted by state law; performing related functions such as counting, measuring and labeling as permitted by state law; assist pharmacist in maintaining appropriate inventory, assist in keeping the department clean and in order, stock shelves, order supplies; accept payments, answer questions, answer telephone inquiries, obtain refill authorizations as permitted by state law.
The State of Maryland regulates pharmacy technicians through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. All pharmacy technicians and/or students are required to first have a background check and fingerprinting completed through Criminal Justice Information System.
There is then a registration process through the DHMH, which conveys certification. This requires completion of a board approved training program along with 160 hours of work experience and passage of the pharmacy technician certification examination. Board approved training programs are provided by several of the larger retail pharmacies as well as some local trade schools. The listing appears at DHMH: approved pharmacy technician programs. There is also a continuing education requirement of 10 hours within the two-year period immediately preceding the first renewal application and 20 hours thereafter.
Due to the nature of this position, where clients may be inpatient having just come from a doctor, or otherwise not well, patience and flexibility are needed. Also, many pharmacies and clinics are open to meet customer need and so schedules may vary and require accommodation. Most jobs are full-time. The average salary for a pharmacy technician in Baltimore with one to two years experience is $32,705 with the lowest at $26,631 and the highest at $39,607. The highest paying jobs are in outpatient care centers and with the federal government. Lowest salaries are those with retail pharmacies.
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.