Pharmacy Technician Educators' Attitudes toward Education and Training Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians

Abstract

Objective: To poll members of the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC) to determine their attitudes toward the level of education and training necessary for pharmacy technicians to perform current and expanded duties. Methods: A convenience survey was developed and sent to 130 PTEC member training programs. PTEC members include directors of college, vocational, and on-the-job training programs. Results: Thirty-seven PTEC members responded, yielding a response rate of 28.5%. Responses reflected the opinions of directors of pharmacy technician programs from 19 states. All respondents agreed that the length of training for pharmacy technicians should be standardized. They also agreed that minimum competencies should be established for pharmacy technicians and that examination should be required to obtain certification or licensure that would then enable the technician to be employed in the field. Conclusions: The use of pharmacy technicians will likely increase, as will the duties pharmacy technicians perform. Expansion of the role of pharmacy technicians, however, must be in tandem with standardizing training and establishment of competencies for pharmacy technicians. Increased responsibilities should be commensurate with increased education and national examination should be required to determine competency.