Pharmacy Technician Competencies, Certifications, and Settings Overview

What is the objective of the lecture on competencies for pharmacy technicians?

To describe the competencies needed for technicians to be successful in various pharmacy settings.

What are nondiscretionary duties in pharmacy settings?

Tasks that technicians perform which do not require professional judgment and must be checked by a pharmacist.

What is the significance of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Model Curriculum?

It relates to pharmacy technician training programs and certification.

What are the differences between certification, licensure, and registration for pharmacy technicians?

Certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates a technician's competency, licensure is a mandatory process regulated by the state, and registration is a record of a technician's qualifications.

What are the benefits of obtaining technician certification?

Certification can enhance job prospects, validate skills, and may lead to higher pay.

What is the process to become a nationally certified pharmacy technician?

Candidates must pass a national certification examination, such as those offered by the PTCB or NHA.

What are the requirements for maintaining national certification as a pharmacy technician?

Technicians must complete continuing education credits and renew their certification periodically.

How do the PTCB national exam and NHA national exam differ?

The specific content, structure, and passing criteria of the exams differ, reflecting different organizational standards.

What advanced positions and specialty certifications are available for pharmacy technicians?

Advanced positions may include roles such as pharmacy manager or clinical technician, and specialty certifications may cover areas like compounding or medication therapy management.

What professional associations can pharmacy technicians join?

Pharmacy technicians can join associations such as the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA).

Why is professionalism important in the workplace for pharmacy technicians?

Professionalism fosters trust, enhances teamwork, and improves patient care.

What role does networking play in the job search for pharmacy technicians?

Networking can provide job leads, mentorship opportunities, and professional connections that enhance career prospects.

What types of pharmacies employ technicians?

Technicians are employed in inpatient, outpatient, and closed-door pharmacies.

What are the minimum requirements for pharmacy technicians in most states?

Requirements typically include a high school diploma, completion of a pharmacy technician training program, and passing a certification exam.

What is the role of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)?

The NABP oversees state Boards of Pharmacy and ensures compliance with pharmacy practice standards.

What responsibilities do state Boards of Pharmacy (BOP) have?

BOPs register technicians and pharmacists, handle consumer complaints, and update pharmacy practice regulations.

What is the 'Tech-check-tech' program?

A program that allows a certified pharmacy technician to check another technician's order filling instead of requiring a pharmacist's check.

What is a Professional Judgment task in pharmacy?

Any task that requires a pharmacist's approval or interpretation, such as counseling patients or interpreting scientific studies.

What is the importance of continuing education (CE) for pharmacy technicians?

Continuing education is essential for maintaining certification and staying updated on industry practices.

How are job descriptions and educational requirements for pharmacy technicians changing?

They are evolving to include increased responsibilities, higher education, and more legal obligations.

What is the impact of state-specific regulations on pharmacy technicians?

Each state has different qualifications and job descriptions for pharmacy technicians, as determined by its Board of Pharmacy.

What are the primary roles of pharmacy technicians in inpatient pharmacies?

They prepare intravenous (IV) medications, fill and deliver medications through automated systems, stock nursing units, repackage medications for unit dose carts, and help maintain pharmacy information technology.

What is a 'stat' order in inpatient pharmacies?

A 'stat' order is an emergency medication order that must be delivered within 15 minutes or less to the area requesting it.

What is unit dose packaging in pharmacy?

Unit dose is an amount of drug pre-packaged for a single dose, typically including heat-sealed strip packages, blister packs, and adhesive sealed bottles, but not amber prescription vials.

What challenges do pharmacy technicians face in community (outpatient) pharmacies?

They have daily, front-line interaction with patients, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to handle stress.

What are some responsibilities of pharmacy technicians in community pharmacies?

They perform data entry, access patient information, bill insurance companies, and prepare medications and medical devices for customer pickup or delivery.

What distinguishes closed door pharmacies from other types of pharmacies?

Closed door pharmacies are not open to the public and deliver medications to long-term care facilities, processing medications for patients on a weekly or monthly basis.

What is the significance of mail-order pharmacies and E-pharmacies?

They are growing in number as the population ages, providing more medications for commonly acquired illnesses specific to older people.

Are job qualifications for pharmacy technicians standardized across all states?

No, there are no standardized qualifications or job descriptions for pharmacy technicians that apply in all 50 states; each state's Board of Pharmacy determines the standards.

What are the responsibilities of State Boards of Pharmacy?

They register technicians and licensed pharmacists, provide consumers a way to report problems, and review/update rules and regulations pertaining to pharmacy practice.

What program allows a certified pharmacy technician to check an order filled by another technician?

The program that allows this is not specified in the notes, but it typically involves a verification process for accuracy and safety in medication dispensing.

What are the four levels of pharmacy technicians?

1. Pharmacy technician: No specialized training required. 2. Licensed pharmacy technician: Agency provides permission to practice. 3. Registered pharmacy technician: Registered with the state BOP. 4. Certified pharmacy technician: Earned national recognition by a testing agency.

What is the goal of a pharmacy technician?

To achieve 100% accuracy.

What are the benefits of national certification for pharmacy technicians?

1. Demonstrates knowledge and skills. 2. Often preferred by employers. 3. Frequently leads to higher pay rates. 4. Provides better job security and more opportunities.

What are the five types of verification for becoming a certified pharmacy technician?

1. Registration. 2. Licensing. 3. Certification. 4. Associate of science degree in pharmacy technology. 5. Certificate in pharmacy technology.

What are the requirements for the PTCB Certification (PTCE)?

1. High school diploma or equivalent. 2. Full disclosure of all criminal and BOP registration/licensing actions. 3. Compliance with PTCB certification policies. 4. Passing score on PTCE.

What are the requirements for the NHA certification (ExCPT)?

1. Must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma/GED. 2. Must pass the Examination for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

What is the format of the PTCE exam?

2 hours long with 90 multiple choice questions, recognized by all 50 states.

What is the format of the ExCPT exam?

2 hours long with 110 multiple choice questions, recognized by 18 states.

What is required to maintain national certification with NHA/ExCPT?

Renew every 2 years with a 90-day grace period, complete 20 hours of CE including one hour in pharmacy law and one hour in medication patient safety.

What is required to maintain national certification with PTCB/PTCE?

Renew every 2 years with no grace period, complete 20 hours of CE including one hour in pharmacy law and one hour in medication patient safety.

What initials can a pharmacy technician use after passing the national certification exam?

CPhT, indicating they are Certified Pharmacy Technicians.

What is the significance of the letter 'P' in continuing education courses?

It indicates that the CE course is designated for pharmacists.

What does the letter 'T' signify in continuing education courses?

It indicates that the CE course is for technicians.

What does the number '03' next to a CE course name indicate?

The course presentation includes law.

What does the number '05' next to a CE course name indicate?

The course presentation includes patient safety.

Where can pharmacy technicians obtain continuing education?

1. Free or low-cost courses from pharmacy organizations. 2. Online journals/webinars. 3. Traditional seminars.

What are some websites for continuing education for pharmacy technicians?

1. U.S. Pharmacist. 2. PharmCon Free CE. 3. National Pharmacy Technician Association. 4. Power Pak. 5. PTCB directory of free CE opportunities.

What is the purpose of specialty certifications for pharmacy technicians?

To prepare technicians for various roles that support pharmacists and enhance their skills and marketability.

What organization offers specialty certification programs for pharmacy technicians?

The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA).

What pharmacy technician credential is preferred by employers and required in some states?

National Certification

Which technician certification credential is accepted in all 50 states?

PTCB

What types of specialty certifications are available to pharmacy technicians?

Sterile Products IV certification, Compounding certification, Chemotherapy certification.

What educational training can lead to nontraditional jobs for pharmacy technicians?

An AS or BS degree in computer science.

Name three nontraditional job sites for pharmacy technicians.

Federal Government, VA Hospitals, Prisons.

What are some nontraditional pharmacy technician jobs?

Business management operator, computer support technician, software writer, poison control call center operator, nuclear pharmacy technician, director or instructor, corporate pharmacy analyst, technician coordinator, home infusion.

What incentive programs do some employers offer pharmacy technicians?

Programs to return to school and become a pharmacist, often covering part or all of tuition.

In which pharmacy setting would a technician most often interact with patient caregivers?

Institutional.

In which pharmacy setting does a technician frequently handle phone interactions, refills, and insurance questions?

Community.

In which pharmacy setting would a technician prepare patient medications in unit dose blister cards?

Home health/closed door pharmacies.

What pharmacy setting utilizes automated delivery systems checked and filled by technicians?

Institutional.

In which pharmacy setting are nursing units stocked by technicians?

Institutional.

Which pharmacy setting requires technicians to communicate directly with patients?

Community.

What is one incentive that may be offered to pharmacy students upon graduation?

Paying part or all of tuition with the agreement to work a certain number of years for the organization.

Name three professional associations relevant to pharmacy technicians.

American Pharmacists Association (APhA), American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA).

What resources do pharmacy professional organizations provide to their members?

Free CE courses, conferences, seminars, and access to journals, notes, and books.

What are some key components of professionalism in the workplace for pharmacy technicians?

Proper clothing, good writing and communication skills, positive attitude, teamwork, honesty, punctuality, and adaptability.

What should a pharmacy technician include in their job search preparation?

Prepare a resume at least one page long, create and maintain social media sites, practice interview skills, stay positive, use online resources, and always be professional.

How can obtaining an undergraduate degree benefit a pharmacy technician?

It can provide proper educational training leading to jobs such as writing software, providing technological support, or writing curricula and articles on technician training.

What is the importance of teamwork in professionalism for pharmacy technicians?

Teamwork is essential for collaboration and effective functioning in the workplace.

What role does punctuality play in the professionalism of pharmacy technicians?

Punctuality demonstrates reliability and respect for others' time.

What is a measure of professionalism in the workplace?

Attitude, level of competence, and interpersonal skills.

What is the purpose of networking through professional organizations for pharmacy technicians?

To advance in the profession and connect with peers.

What types of continuing education resources are commonly offered by pharmacy associations?

Free CE courses, conferences, and seminars.

Why is a positive attitude important for pharmacy technicians?

It contributes to a professional work environment and enhances teamwork.

What is one way to maintain professionalism during a job search?

Always be professional in interactions and communications.

What types of skills are emphasized for pharmacy technicians in the workplace?

Strong writing and communication skills.

What is the significance of adaptability in a pharmacy technician's professionalism?

It allows technicians to effectively respond to changing situations and challenges.

What should pharmacy technicians do to prepare for interviews?

Practice interview skills.

What is the expected dress code for pharmacy technicians in a professional setting?

Appropriate clothing, shoes, and hairstyle.

What is the role of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)?

To ensure the quality of pharmacy education programs.

What organization was founded in 1999 specifically for pharmacy technicians?

National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA).

What is one benefit of joining a professional pharmacy association?

Access to valuable resources and networking opportunities.

How can pharmacy technicians use online resources in their job search?

To find job listings, prepare resumes, and practice interview skills.