Pharmacy technician development: Insight into training, preparedness, and career-path perceptions

Although opportunities for pharmacy technicians may be expanding, an increasing number of technicians have transitioned out of their roles. It is important to consider what could be done within education and training to promote the retention of pharmacy technicians.

The purpose of this study was to survey pharmacy technicians in the state of Ohio to identify key components of professional development.

A survey was distributed through REDCap to 24,444 pharmacy technicians with active pharmacy technician licenses in the state of Ohio. Inclusion criteria required survey respondents to be at least 18 years old and currently working as a pharmacy technician.

A total of 1386 surveys were fully completed (approximately 6% response rate). Professional development opportunities provided by employers varied across most practice sites, but continuing education was the most reported opportunity. Attending conferences, taking specialized training courses, and tuition reimbursement were less common. The top 3 barriers to professional development participation included additional cost, time, and perceived value. Guidance and mentorship from peers, achieving national certification, and formal on-the-job training were the most helpful in job preparation and training. The main reasons to achieve certification included increased pay, development opportunity, or employer requirement. When considering preparation for new roles, 57% of pharmacy technicians felt prepared or very prepared for the job after 90 days. As technicians continued throughout their careers, the training transitioned from formal hands-on training to self-guided training.

Pharmacy technicians have a desire to remain in their roles, but participation in professional development opportunities was lacking owing to availability of options and barriers. Pharmacy practice sites interested in retaining technicians should invest in offering and encouraging pharmacy technicians to participate in development opportunities. To continue to develop pharmacy technicians, ongoing education and training tied to increased compensation may improve retention and foster an improved learning environment.