Maine Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

The Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation requires registration for all pharmacy technicians. In addition, all technicians new to the field (never been licensed) must complete a training program managed by his or her potential employer (this applies to pharmacies), The National Pharmacy Technician Training Program, or an accredited college. These are the minimum requirements set forth by the Office—not by employers.

Many top companies prefer to hire applicants with a diploma or a degree, experience, and national certification. Recognized certification exams include the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) (PTCE) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) (ExCPT). Fortunately, Maine is home to several schools that offer top-tier diploma programs, and even an associate degree program that can prepare you for a career as a pharmacy technician and satisfy Board requirements.

The top school for aspiring pharmacy technicians—Southern Maine Community College in South Portland (SMCC), offers a two-year associate degree in science that, according to the school, “will prepare pharmacy technicians for employment in either an institutional or retail pharmacy setting. The pharmacy technician program will prepare the student for the national certification exam and offer a means to explore different career alternatives and interests within the practice of pharmacy.” SMCC’s program is the only program of its kind in Maine.

Maine Schools with Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:

Other schools for pharmacy technicians include:

Northeast Technical Institute – Bangor, Scarborough

InterCoast College – Kittery, Portland

*York County Community College – Wells

*York County Community College (YCCC) has a pharmacy technician training program, but scheduling fluctuates. Inquire within if you decide YCCC is the best option for you.