Technicians
Lauren Walters, PharmD
A recent survey conducted by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) revealed several challenges that pharmacy technicians have faced in the wake of a global pandemic. However, despite what comes with working on the front lines of a pandemic, PTCB found that 84% of pharmacy technicians report being satisfied in their role.
The survey of pharmacy technicians from around the country revealed that most pharmacy technicians believe that the work that they have done during the pandemic has significantly affected patient care in a positive way. PTCB said these results demonstrate that pharmacy technicians are eager to improve patient outcomes and help the individuals and communities that they serve.
“[Results from the survey] give us a snapshot of the state of the profession and invaluable insights into how COVID-19 has impacted technicians,” said William Schimmel, PTCB executive director and CEO.
According to the survey results, 60% of technicians reported that their workload had significantly increased since the beginning of the pandemic. For technicians to continue to want to stay in a role that is constantly increasing in responsibility and workload, Schimmel said, they must feel supported and have resources to advance their career.
“Technicians have also risen to the occasion by seeking new credentials to expand skillsets and highlight expertise,” Schimmel said.
Schimmel noted that it is imperative to understand the perspective of pharmacy technicians so that they can be provided with the tools and support that they need to help pharmacies deliver safe patient care.
Survey
In May 2022, PTCB conducted an online survey for pharmacy technicians, both certified and noncertified, across various practice settings in each U.S. state plus Guam, DC, and Puerto Rico.
This survey was done as part of PTCB’s ongoing efforts to engage and empower technicians.
The results from the 20,000 respondents indicate that while the pandemic was hard on pharmacy technicians, they were eager to learn new skills and increase the responsibilities that they were given.
As frontline health care workers, pharmacy technicians faced new challenges in administering COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, while still performing the duties that were previously expected of them to keep pharmacies running efficiently.
Looking to the future
Lack of pay incentives, few career opportunities, increasing workload, staffing shortages, general working conditions, and COVID-19 working conditions were all listed as significant factors for technicians leaving the profession.
Pharmacy operations and patient safety depend on trust and mutual respect between pharmacists and technicians, according to Schimmel. He said it is crucial for pharmacists to advocate for the need for accessible training and credentialing for technicians so that they can continue to work effectively.
The PTCB survey showed that 59% of technicians consider their role to be a long-term career.
Additionally, pharmacy technicians are 14% more likely to stay in their career if they are PTCB-certified than if they are noncertified, according to the results. Many employers now offer to pay for the training and educational expenses that come with registration and certification for technicians.
Schimmel explained that pharmacists know that technicians play a vital role in providing optimal patient care. He says providing a clear path for advancement and growth shows that pharmacists and employers recognize and support technicians and the role that they play in health care outcomes for patients. ■
