INCREASING WORKLOADS, DECREASING AVAILABILITY OF PHARMACIST STAFF:

Ø     The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) estimates that at least 12,000 pharmacist positions remain unfilled due to a lack of staff, and these numbers do not take into consideration hospital pharmacist shortages. 

Ø     Between 2000 and 2005, the supply of pharmacists is expected to increase by only 4.5%, vs. an estimated 29% increase in the number of prescriptions dispensed.  Approximately 3 billion prescriptions were filled in 1999.  A 29% increase in annual prescription volume by 2005 forecasts that nearly 4 billion prescriptions will be filled each year!

Ø     Pharmacists are currently functioning at capacity.  These professionals are under stress and working in difficult and sometimes dangerous situations.  Solutions that address these concerns will likely lead to a more satisfied pharmacist staff and help reduce burnout and improve employee retention.

Ø     Certified Pharmacy Technicians are a logical and capable source of labor to help resolve these challenges.  Certified Pharmacy Technicians are an educated and skilled population of employees who have passes a rigorous, competency-based national exam.  Certified Pharmacy Technicians are prepared to assume a greater level of responsibility within the pharmacy.

Ø     Pharmacists are more comfortable sharing many of their current responsibilities with a group of employees who have proven their knowledge and skill.

 A LOGICAL DIVISION OF LABOR:

Ø     Certified Pharmacy Technicians can fill prescriptions, address insurance and formulary issues, and effectively free pharmacists from many other routine duties that must be performed to maintain normal pharmacy workflow. 

Ø     Pharmacists, when freed of these and other tasks, are better able to utilize their training and expertise to focus on patient care responsibilities such as disease state management and patient counseling.  Customer satisfaction improves when pharmacists become more accessible. 

AN ECONOMIC BENEFIT:

Ø       Pharmacists, able to depend upon their Certified Pharmacy Technicians to assume greater responsibilities, are able to focus on value-added and revenue generating services such as flu shots, blood pressure screenings, and diabetic testing.

Ø       Certified Pharmacy Technicians present a professional image to pharmacy customers.  This will increase customer confidence and a willingness to return for future service.

Ø       A skilled staff of Certified Pharmacy Technicians provides a greater degree of patient safety, translating into a reduced potential for customer initiated litigation.

SATISFIED AND PRODUCTIVE TECHNICIAN EMPLOYEES:

Ø     Certified Pharmacy Technicians have demonstrated their commitment to competency.  These employees have a proven level of knowledge and skill that allows them to function with increased efficiency, safety, and productivity.  These certified technicians provide conscientious, quality work to their employers, and exceptional service to their patients. 

Ø     Certified Pharmacy Technicians are better prepared to work and communicate with supervising pharmacists and patients.

Ø     Certified Pharmacy Technicians are proud of their achievements and are often more satisfied with their jobs.

Ø     Greater job satisfaction decreases the rate of staff turnover.

 A REGULATORY BENEFIT:

Ø     Texas now requires national certification for all of its pharmacy technicians!

Ø     A greater ratio of Certified Pharmacy Technicians to pharmacists is permitted in Arizona, Tennessee, and Oregon.

Ø     Permitted responsibilities for Certified Pharmacy Technicians have been expanded in Virginia and Kentucky.

SUMMARY

Clearly, Certified Pharmacy Technicians offer employers and pharmacists a myriad of benefits!  Patient safety, employee service, and quality of work are all enhanced by a well trained, certified staff of pharmacy technicians.  Certifying your pharmacy technicians is a valuable investment!  It just makes sense!

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