A Vital Role in the Profession of Pharmacy Pharmacy Technician A Vital Role in the Profession of Pharmacy © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

What is a Pharmacy Technician? “An individual who, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in pharmacy activities that do not require the professional judgment of a pharmacist.” © Paradigm Publishing, Inc. PTCB. www.ptcb.org. January 5, 2009.

Duties of a Pharmacy Technician Serve patients/pharmacy customers Interpret prescriptions Enter data and prepare prescription labels Count, pour, and package prescription preparations* Compound pharmaceutical preparations* Transfer prescriptions* Manage inventory Assist with pharmacy administration * Dependant upon State Regulations © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician Certification Registration Education Licensure Pharmacists Vs. Pharmacy Technicians © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

© Paradigm Publishing, Inc. Certification Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Washington, DC Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) St. Charles, MO Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

© Paradigm Publishing, Inc. Registration Many states require registration as a means to track who is working where and to track personnel to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public States may or may not require certification as a requirement to register with the Board © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

© Paradigm Publishing, Inc. Education Non-accredited programs ASHP-accredited programs Only accrediting body for pharmacy technician training programs Comprehensive classroom, laboratory, and practical education Recognized in California, Florida, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, and other states © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

© Paradigm Publishing, Inc. Education Programs Degrees Available Non-Degree Programs (Certification Review Courses) Certificate Programs Associate Degree Programs Programs offered at: Community Colleges Technical Schools Career Schools © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

© Paradigm Publishing, Inc. Education Materials What do instructors look for? Alignment with ASHP standards Attractive and accurate illustrations Materials that demonstrate how knowledge is applied in the real world Level appropriate presentation Materials written by knowledgeable experts Support materials © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

© Paradigm Publishing, Inc. Education Materials What do students look for? Easy to read Up-to-date information Clear instructions Attractive illustrations Demonstrates how knowledge is applied in the real world © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

Job Market for Pharmacy Technicians As the population ages and the pharmacist shortage increases, the need for a well-qualified pharmacy technician workforce is critical. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities are expected to increase faster than average through 2016. © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

Future Trends for Pharmacy Technicians What will technicians be doing on the job? Opportunities beyond pharmacy practice Tech-check-Tech Further integration of technology Clinical functions Required education Pending federal and state legislation © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

© Paradigm Publishing, Inc. Questions © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.