Atlantic General Hospital Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician Receives Statewide Recognition

On February 19, 2023, the Maryland Pharmacists Association named Atlantic General Hospital’s Kelly Kline, CPhT-Adv, the 2023 Maryland Pharmacy Technician of the Year.

Kline earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, she worked at an inpatient hospital pharmacy in Pennsylvania for 20 years as a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT), until she and her husband moved to Willards, Md.

In 2017, Kline began her career at Atlantic General Hospital. In 2022, she earned her advanced certified pharmacy technician (CPhT-Adv) credential, making her among 0.16% of all certified pharmacy technicians in the United States with the advanced status. She holds national certificates from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board in medication histories, vaccination administration, hazardous medications management and regulatory compliance. In addition, Kline received her technician product verification certification from the National Pharmacy Technician Association and her controlled substance diversion prevention certification from the Board of Pharmacy Technician Specialties.

Along with her wide range of pharmacological duties throughout the hospital and health system, Kline has maintained the role of buyer for the past two years. Buyers, who are responsible for procuring medications and supplies for the hospital and supporting health system practices, play an integral role in daily operations. During her time as buyer, Kline has been instrumental in developing, implementing and maintaining Atlantic General Hospital’s inventory management system and drug dispensing devices.

Kline is board certified in supply chain and inventory management, a certification that is only held by 550 others nationwide. Her expertise in the field was exemplified when, in 2022, she significantly reduced pharmacy inventory dollars, eliminating unnecessary costs to the organization.

As a result of her career-long accomplishments, Kline serves on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board advisory committee, and is a member of the Maryland Pharmacists Association, Maryland Society of Health System Pharmacy, National Pharmacy Purchasing Association, National Pharmacy Technician Association, and the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians.

“Kelly is genuinely curious,” says Atlantic General Hospital Director of Pharmacy James McGinnis. “She continuously demonstrates an unwavering commitment to advancing medication safety, and serves as role model for other Certified Technicians to have the curiosity and drive to further their professional career and benefit the patients they serve.”