Pharmacy Technicians are trained healthcare professionals who work under the direction of a licensed pharmacist. In hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies, they issue medications, process insurance claims, maintain inventory, label and store supplies, compound sterile preparations, and attend to customer service issues. As the medical community increasingly rely on pharmacy technicians to assist pharmacists with the distribution of healthcare products and educate patients, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment will only increase in response to advances in healthcare, the wider distribution of drugs, and the increasing healthcare needs of an aging population.
Community College of Baltimore County
The pharmacy technician program at CCBC prepares students for success on the national PTCB exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Course modules include Pharmacy Tech I and II, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, Compounding Sterile Preparations, Pharmacy Technician Externship, First Aid, CPR, HIPAA, and PTCB Exam Review. Students must attend all classes. Graduates of the program will receive a CCBC Continuing Education Certificate and be prepared to take the PTCB exam. They are also eligible to register with the Maryland board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician. The duration of the program is 12 to 15 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be computer literate and have access to the internet
- Provide documentation of full COVID vaccination
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – medical terminology for health occupations, anatomy and physiology, basic math for health care, HIPAA training, CPR for health care providers
Tuition for the program is $2,554. Fees cost an additional $1,891.
- Website: https://www.ccbcmd.edu/
- Address: 800 South Rolling Road, Baltimore, MD 21228
- Phone: 443.840.CCBC (2222)
- Email: contact@ccbcmd.edu
Fortis Institute
Students enrolled in the pharmacy technician program at Fortis learn to read, fill, and distribute prescriptions. They also gain an understanding of basic pharmaceutical calculations and common drug interactions and their side effects. The program consists of 780 clock hours, including 180 externship hours, covered in 36 instructional weeks. Students earn 46 quarter credit hours at the conclusion of the program. The topics covered in the program include computer software applications, microbiology, drug classification, drug preparation, foundations of clinical pharmacology, drug preparations, body systems, drug therapy and administration of medications, pharmacology calculations, body systems, IV solution preparation, and pharmacy technician externship. Day students meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Evening students meet Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 10:30 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or have the recognized equivalent
- Must be 17 years of age or older
- Must complete an applicant information form
- Attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE with a score of 13 or above
- Must agree to and sign the Towson Enrollment Agreement
- Must pass a criminal background check administered by the school
The program cost of $18,370 includes tuition, enrollment fee, uniforms, student kit, pharmacy technician certification, background check, drug screen, and textbooks.
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu/
- Address: 700 York Road, Towson, MD 21204
- Phone: (410) 337-5155
Gandhi Health Career Services
The pharmacy technician program at Gandhi Health Career Services includes a total of 268 contact hours. Course topics include pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, preparing and dispensing medications, identifying common drugs, medical terminology, body systems, and IV solution preparations. Students spend 72 hours in the classroom, 36 hours in the lab, including 5 hours of CPR training, and 160 hours – 4 weeks – in a clinical externship. To graduate from the program, students must attend 90% or above of the theory, attend 100% of the clinical experience, and earn a passing score of 80% or above on all assessments. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion and have the confidence to succeed on the national PTCB exam or the MBP state exam. The duration of the program is 10 weeks. Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Some of the coursework will be delivered online via Zoom.
Admission criteria:
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of $50
- Provide a copy of state issued photo ID and social security card
- Provide proof of high school diploma or GED
- Provide evidence of current CPR certification – Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
- Pay the first installment of required fees
- Provide proof of current, negative TB skin test or negative chest x-ray – must not be more than 6 months old
- Complete a physical exam from a licensed physician indicating good physical health – must not be more than 6 months old
- Provide proof of Hepatitis B vaccine or signed waiver
- Provide proof of full COVID Vaccination
- Must have personal health insurance coverage or sign a waiver form
Tuition for the program is $1,700. The textbook costs $150.
- Website: https://gandhihealthcare.com/
- Address: 404 Reisterstown, RD, Pikesville, MD 21208
- Phone: 443-352-8030
- Fax: 443-660-8030
- Email: Gandhihealthservices@gmail.com
Caroline Center
Students enrolled in the pharmacy technician program at Caroline Center will learn the role and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician, how a pharmacy works, use of reference guides, deciphering prescriptions, aseptic techniques and working under a pharmacy hood, compounding medications and sterile preparations, over-the-counter medications, legal and ethical issues related to drugs and medications, and pharmaceutical calculations. A supervised clinical experience, included in the training, give students opportunities to model pharmacy technician experience through 160 hours of practice in a retail pharmacy. Graduates are encouraged to take the national certification exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Application for entry to the pharmacy technician program at Caroline Center is considered on a first-come first served basis.
Admission criteria:
- Must be a Baltimore City resident
- Be at least 20 years or older
- Must be drug and alcohol-free as evidenced from a negative drug screen
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete the TABE Locator reading and math test
- Attend an interview with a representative from Caroline Center
- Must undergo a background check
Tuition is $4,000 per person. However, due to donations and funding, students pay only $250 to complete the pharmacy technician program.
- Website: https://caroline-center.org/
- Address: 900 Somerset Street, Baltimore MD 21202
- Phone: (410)563-1303
- Email: carolinecenter@caroline-center.org
Stein Academy
The Pharmacy Tech program at Stein Academy features 260 hours of classroom lectures, hands-on lab, and clinical externship in an approved pharmacy. Students cover essential topics during 100 lecture hours in the classroom followed by the state-mandated 160-hour externship. The duration of the program is 11 weeks plus 160 hours of state required externship.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 17 years or older by the first day of class
- Must provide proof of successfully completing high school (proof of current enrollment in high school or written proof of pharmacy work are also acceptable)
- Must have a valid social security number
- Submit proof of negative TB test
- Submit a physical exam report from a physician indicating good physical health
- Submit a drug test report (not older than 6 months)
- Provide proof of health insurance coverage
- Must have access to a computer and internet
- Provide records of up-to-date immunizations
- Must have current CPR certification – BLS for Healthcare Providers
Tuition and lab fees cost $2,625. Students must also pay a non-refundable registration fee of $50. Additional costs include uniform, books, and clinical supplies and equipment.
- Website: https://www.steinacademy.com/
- Address: 3610 Milford Mill Road, 3rd Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
- Phone: 410-922-4910
- Fax: 410-922-4911
- E-mail: info@steinacademy.com
All-State Career
The pharmacy technician diploma program at All-State Career prepares students for entry-level employment as a pharmacy technician in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and clinics. The curriculum consists of 760 hours of instruction – 600 hours in the classroom and 160 hours of clinical externship. Course topics include drug preparation, microbiology, foundations of clinical pharmacology, microbiology, drug preparation, IV Solution preparation, body systems, drug classification, pharmacology calculations, and computer software applications. Graduates will be prepared to take the PTCB exam. The duration of the program, for both day and evening schedules, is 36 weeks, including 6 weeks for the clinical externship.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Attend an information session
- Complete and pass the Wonderlic SLE with a score of 13 or above
- Must be 17 years of age or older at the start of the program
- Attend an interview with an admission representative
- Pay the enrollment fee of $150 and complete the tuition payment requirements
- Must agree to and sign the All-State Career Enrollment Agreement
- Must submit to a background check
The program cost of $17,464 includes tuition, enrollment fee, uniforms, certification cost, background check, and textbooks.
- Website: https://www.allstatecareer.edu/
- Address: 2200 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Phone: 410-631-2742
Baltimore City Community College
The pharmacy technician program, offered by the Continuing Education Department at BCCC has the approval of the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. The training comprises of 272 hours of instruction in the classroom and clinical setting to equip participants with the key skills to improve their employment prospects. CPR, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy technician theory, and pharmacy technician clinical are the main course modules. Students who successfully complete the program may take the optional PTCB national exam.
Admission criteria:
- Must possess a high school diploma or GED
- Obtain a negative TB skin test or clear chest x-ray
- Must take and pass a math and reading assessment with a passing score
- Obtain clearance on a background check and drug screen.
Tuition for the program is $1,400 plus expenses for books and supplies.
- Website: https://www.bccc.edu/bccc
- Address: 710 E. Lombard St. Baltimore, Maryland 21202
- Phone: 410-986-3207
- Email: Healthcare@Bccc.edu
Elizabeth Seton High School
The pharmacy technician program at Elizabeth Seton is accredited by the Maryland State Board of Pharmacy. The college preparatory program involves learning the in the classroom as well as clinical training. Through collaboration with Notre Dame University, pharmacy technician students are able to learn the latest skills at the Pharmacy Labs in Notre Dame. The program’s qualified instructor presents the program in such a way to help students develop an interest in the healthcare profession, gain a basic understanding of drugs and the workings of the healthcare system, become better informed about the importance of drug therapy in controlling diseases, and understand the financial and emotional rewards of a career in health. Students will complete 160 hours of work experience as externs with community-based and hospital pharmacies. Graduates can apply for the PTCE to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
- Must be enrolled in high school
- Complete the prerequisite course with a passing grade
The training is free for high school students.
- Website: https://www.setonhs.org/
- Address: 5715 Emerson St, Bladensburg, MD, 20710
- Phone: (301) 864-4532
- Fax: (301) 864-8946
Towson University
The online pharmacy technician course offered by Towson University covers the skills and knowledge adults need to secure entry-level employment in various pharmacies. The curriculum includes a total of 400 clock hours. The training includes a 100-hour virtual externship and a 100+ hour externship at a local pharmacy. Areas of study include foundations and roles, reference materials, hospital pharmacy, terminology, community pharmacy, introduction to law, federal regulations, controlled substances, math skills review, dosage calculations, parenteral doses, geriatric patients, pediatric patients, misused and abused drugs, body systems, billing and collections, inventory control, insurance, communications, and computers. Students can complete the requirements at their own pace within the 12-month access winddown. Graduates will be prepared to pass the national certification exam. Open enrollment lets students register and begin the program at any time.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a computer and access to the internet
Tuition for the program is $2,599. It includes all instructional materials, access to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) practice tests, and a voucher for the certification exam.
- Website: https://www.towson.edu/
- Address: 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252
- Phone: 410-704-2000
Baltimore Allied Health Training Center
The pharmacy technician program offered by Baltimore Allied Health Training Center is offered online only. The 100% online program will cover topics such as foundations and roles, reference materials, hospital pharmacy, terminology, community pharmacy, introduction to law, federal regulations, controlled substances, math skills review, dosage calculations, parenteral doses, geriatric patients, pediatric patients, misused and abused drugs, body systems, billing and collections, inventory control, insurance, communications, and computers. At the conclusion of the online studies, students will participate in an internship at Walgreens Pharmacy. Assignments and quizzes will be completed weekly. Tutoring is available for those who require it. Graduates will be prepared to take the National PTCB Exam. Enrollment is open and continuous for students’ convenience.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have own computer with Microsoft Word in order to complete assignments
Tuition is $1500.00. A payment plan is available for all students.
- Website: http://www.bahtc2.com/index.html
- Address: 90 Painters Mill Road, Suite 134 Owings Mills, MD
- Phone: (443) 522.9396
- Email: Maurice@bahtc.com
Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.
Goodwill Industries offers a pharmacy technician program in partnership with CVS Health and Baltimore City Community College. The comprehensive program covers all the prerequisites for taking the Maryland Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The training includes CPR certification, pharmacy terminology, pharmacy calculations, inventory control, billing and insurance, the role of the pharmacy technician, and community pharmacy operations. Students will participate in a 160-hour pharmacy technician externship upon completion of the classroom theory. The duration of the program is 18 weeks. The externship will be conducted at CVS Health. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Must not have any criminal convictions
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be able to pass a medical screening
- Must be able to pass educational assessment at 10th grade level
- Must have current COVID-19 vaccination
The training is free for eligible persons.
- Website: https://www.goodwillches.org/
- Address: 222 East Redwood Street Baltimore, MD 21202
- Phone: (410) 837-1800
- Email: pharmtech@goodwillches.org
Carroll Community College
The Pharmacy Technician Workforce Training Certificate prepares adults for work in clinics, retail locations, hospitals and sometimes in physician’s offices. Theory and practical training will help them develop knowledge and skills to assist the pharmacist in the preparation and packaging of prescription drugs. The training includes a virtual component in a computer lab followed by hands-on training in a mock pharmacy. The curriculum covers approximately 105 hours. Graduates are prepared to take the national PTCB or ExCPT exam. The duration of the program is 3 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or GED – required for pharmacy technician certification
The program cost of $1,500 does not include the cost of prerequisites, textbooks, and supplies.
- Website: https://www.carrollcc.edu/Home/
- Address: 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157
- Phone: 410-386-8000
- Toll-Free: 1-888-221-9748