With the current trend among employers going towards just hiring men and women who have a pharmacy tech certification, going to accredited pharmacy tech school in Maine is looking like the right move for your future. We will discuss all the details about getting on the path to certification, choosing the right CPHT school in Maine and more below.
The Best Choices for Pharmacy Technician Training in Maine
The 4 Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Maine
Maine pharmacy technicians do not have to be certified to work in the field but, pharmacy technicians in Maine have to have their HA diploma/GED, be 18 years old and also register with the Maine Board of Pharmacy before they are eligible for employment. All applicants will also have to pass a background check and pay a $41 application fee. The four steps to become a pharmacy technician in Maine are listed below.
Step 1: Determine whether you would like to get certified
Like we said above, certification is not required to be able to get a pharmacy tech job in Maine. It will help you stand out more in the growing healthcare field in Maine and make you more money though. Make the choice for certification or not before you pick your accredited training program.
Step 2: Sign-up for Pharm Tech Classes Approved by Maine Pharmacy Board
If you choose from programs that are currently approved by the Maine Pharmacy Board you will be guaranteed success for your opportunity to be a working pharmacy technician in Maine.
Southern Maine Community College has an online program that is amazing for aspiring pharmacy techs in Maine. See our extensive guide to online pharmacy tech training for more info about online training.
Academy of Medical Professionals – Pharmacy Tech Certificate Program – A 14-week program that will guide you to passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam as well as receiving a Certificate of Completion that you will need to show to the Maine Pharmacy Board for you license to work in Maine.
Step 3: Take and Graduate From the Maine Accredited Pharmacy Tech Program
To have an opportunity to register for your license to work as a pharmacy technician in Maine you have to show proof of completing an accredited training in the state that is approved by the Maine Pharmacy Board.
Step 4: Pass The National CPHT Certification Exam
Maine uses the certification exam from the PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and it is called PTCE Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. It costs $129 to register for and you will need to show proof of training completion as well.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the test.
What is the Pharmacy Technician Salary Outlook in Maine?
Pharmacy tech salary in Maine varies somewhat from the national average, as is shown in the data table below that uses bls.gov data.
Location | Pay Type | Low | Median | High |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States | Hourly | $10.27 | $14.86 | $21.98 |
Yearly | $21,370 | $30,920 | $45,710 | |
Maine | Hourly | $10.34 | $14.08 | $19.37 |
Yearly | $21,520 | $29,290 | $40,280 | |
Portsmouth, NH-ME | Hourly | $10.26 | $15.31 | $18.96 |
Yearly | $21,350 | $31,850 | $39,440 | |
Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME | Hourly | $10.80 | $15.00 | $20.89 |
Yearly | $22,470 | $31,200 | $43,460 | |
Southwest Maine | Hourly | $10.26 | $14.07 | $19.43 |
Yearly | $21,340 | $29,270 | $40,410 | |
Bangor, ME | Hourly | $10.41 | $13.58 | $18.45 |
Yearly | $21,650 | $28,250 | $38,380 | |
Northeast Maine | Hourly | $10.06 | $12.95 | $17.89 |
Yearly | $20,910 | $26,930 | $37,200 | |
Lewiston-Auburn, ME | Hourly | $9.81 | $11.96 | $18.29 |
Yearly | $20,400 | $24,870 | $38,040 |