A 600-hour-on-the-job training program for hospital pharmacy technicians is described. Qualified applicants who successfully pass a written examination are admitted to the program. Trainees receive both didactic and practical experience in all service areas of the pharmacy department. Opportunity for advancement through a technician specialist training program is available. Eighty percent of all applicant accepted into the program graduated, and 39% are currently employed by the pharmacy department with an average of 42 months work experience each. It is recommended that national guidelines are established for hospital-based pharmacy technician training program.