Utility of health system based pharmacy technician training programs

Abstract

Establishing a pharmacy technician training program is a direction that an organization can take to support the development of pharmacy technicians. A pharmacy technician training program allows for pharmacy technicians to be skilled to work and understand the ever-increasing complex medication use process. In addition, uniform training programs can help with the retention of skilled pharmacy technicians and expand practice. The pharmacy technician workforce needs standardization in licensure, registration, certification, education requirements, and advanced technician roles. Pharmacy technician training programs can help pave the way for a consistent and uniform pharmacy technician workforce. The Duke University Hospital perspective is one approach that has seen success in pharmacy technician training programs. The continuous transformation of health care demands that health professionals advance to meet the care delivery needs of patients. The pharmacy technician workforce is a key stakeholder in the care delivery that the profession of pharmacy provides. Establishing a pharmacy technician training program and ensuring pharmacy technicians complete this type of program provide a mechanism to ensure continuity and uniformity as health care continues to evolve.