Pharmacy Technician Day, celebrated this year on October 15, is a time to honor the dedicated professionals who play a vital role in our health care system. Pharmacy technicians ensure the smooth and safe operation of pharmacies and provide critical support to pharmacists and patients alike. Organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) celebrate these professionals every day and highlight the employers who invest in their growth and success. These employers understand that by supporting their technicians, they are enhancing patient care and building a stronger, more resilient health care system.
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BREMO PHARMACY: A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT
Bremo Pharmacy, an independent pharmacy in Richmond, Virginia, has a long history of investing in its pharmacy technicians. For more than 40 years, Bremo has recognized that well-trained and certified technicians are crucial to providing high-quality care. The leadership at Bremo also encourages and supports its staff earning credentials. Should a pharmacy technician choose to earn additional credentials, Bremo Pharmacy will reimburse the employee’s expenses when the credential is required for their position. This commitment ensures that the technicians are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, enabling them to take on expanded roles within the pharmacy.
About PTCB
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is the nation’s first, most trusted, and only nonprofit pharmacy technician credentialing organization. For more information, please visit ptcb.org.
Bremo’s focus on education and professional development creates a culture of continuous improvement. Technicians are encouraged to pursue learning opportunities, and experienced staff members often take on mentorship roles, guiding new technicians along their career paths. Bremo’s investment in its team enhances patient care and fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment in which technicians feel valued and empowered.
BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH PHARMACY: ELEVATING THE ROLE OF TECHNICIANS
Beth Israel Lahey Health Pharmacy (BILH), a leading health care provider in Massachusetts, understands the evolving role of pharmacy technicians in modern health care. BILH has implemented a robust career ladder program that allows technicians to advance into specialized roles such as medication history and lead technicians. This program is designed to recognize and reward technicians’ expertise, providing technicians with opportunities to grow and take on more responsibilities.
BILH also emphasizes the importance of certification and supports its technicians in achieving and maintaining certification. By investing in professional development, BILH ensures its technicians are well prepared to meet the demands of an increasingly complex health care environment.
THRIFTY WHITE PHARMACY: A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY AND CERTIFICATION
Thrifty White Pharmacy, a regional chain with a strong presence in the Midwest, is dedicated to serving its communities by empowering its pharmacy technicians. Thrifty White has made certification a cornerstone of its technician development program. This focus on certification ensures the technicians are knowledgeable, skilled, and able to provide patients with the highest level of care.
There are rewarding opportunities for career progression at Thrifty White. Whether one is just starting as a pharmacy clerk, embarking on the journey to registration and certification, or an experienced certified pharmacy technician managing other technicians, Thrifty White prioritizes paid on-the-job training and education at every level. For instance, pharmacy technicians in training receive access to PTCB’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) study materials at no cost, and their first attempt at the exam is covered. As technicians progress and pursue advanced credentials, Thrifty White supports their career paths with incremental pay increases and the opportunity to move into supervisory and corporate director roles.
NOVANT HEALTH: INTEGRATING TECHNICIANS INTO THE HEALTH CARE TEAM
Novant Health, a leading health care provider in the southeastern US, has made a significant commitment to integrating pharmacy technicians into its health care teams. Recognizing technicians’ critical role in patient care, Novant Health has developed programs that allow technicians to work closely with pharmacists, nurses, and other health care professionals. This collaborative approach ensures technicians fully engage in the patient care process.
Novant currently employs more than 300 pharmacy technicians, 95% of whom are certified through PTCB. In 2020, Novant overhauled its technician professional development program and created a system-wide career ladder. Technicians can progress from entry level up to level 4 technician with the support of the health system. Novant reimburses technicians once they pass the PTCE, incentivizing them to move up the career ladder and earn additional credentials with subsequent salary increases. Technicians are staying longer and have greater job satisfaction, as seen in a 73% decrease in turnover from May 2020 to June 2022, according to Michael Paquette, PharmD, senior director of pharmacy at Novant.
CONCLUSION
Pharmacy Technician Day is an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of pharmacy technicians. However, this recognition should extend beyond a single day. Employers such as Bremo Pharmacy, BILH, Thrifty White Pharmacy, and Novant Health are leading the way in investing in their pharmacy technicians, creating environments where these professionals can thrive.
As we celebrate Pharmacy Technician Day, we encourage all employers to follow the examples set by these leaders and invest in the future of their pharmacy technicians. By doing so, we can ensure that pharmacy technicians continue to play a vital role in delivering exceptional patient care.
