Survey of Certified Pharmacy Technicians in the United States: A Quality-of-Worklife Study

Abstract

To describe a nationwide random sample of Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) by various demographic and work-related characteristics, identify various worklife attitudes, and determine whether these attitudes differed by practice setting and personal characteristics of the respondents. Cross-sectional descriptive design. A random sample of 3,200 CPhTs provided by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Survey mailed in January 2004. Responses to previously validated instruments measuring quality-of-worklife attitudes, rankings of factors as probable causes of medication preparation errors, and topics for continuing education (CE) programming. The typical respondent was a white woman, 39 years of age, who was earning dollar 12.87 per hour. CPhTs exhibited modest levels of job satisfaction and career commitment and relatively low career turnover intention. They perceived modestly high levels of support from supervisors and coworkers, but less support from their employers. Quality-of-worklife attitudes were associated significantly with practice setting, rate of pay, and age, but not with gender and racial/ethnic background. In view of CPhTs' continuingly important role in the delivery of pharmacy care, employers of CPhTs may want to consider rewarding experienced CPhTs who have demonstrated competency and loyalty to the organization. Career ladders for CPhTs may be a viable option.