The 2020 and future allied health program graduates—medical assistants, phlebotomy technicians, patient care technicians, and others—find themselves in an unfathomable position as they prepare to enter the healthcare workforce during the COVID-19 crisis.

Since its inception, online learning—also known as “distance learning” or “eLearning”—has steadily grown in popularity, and before COVID-19 shifted most classrooms online, one out of every three learners were participating in at least one online course. Many learners have appreciated their convenience: a computer or smartphone is all learners need to get started.

Engaging students in online learning is challenging, even for tech-savvy teachers. If you’re struggling to get your allied health students to stop nodding off in your digital classroom, you’re not alone. Allied health instructors nationwide are on the hunt for innovative online teaching tools to help their students feel more involved in their lessons.

In this COVID-19 era, the headlines are increasingly filled with stories that describe the challenges faced by healthcare workers on the front lines. While working to optimize patient care, healthcare organizations are also focused on how they can take care of their employees, too. By tapping into guidance from organizations like the CDC, you can encourage self-care for healthcare workers who are selflessly serving patients in their communities during this pandemic.

Across the United States, pharmacies face increasing demands and challenging profit margins. A recent survey of 643 independent pharmacy owners found that 58% are likely to close their doors in the next year or two if business doesn’t improve.

In this episode of OnScript with NHA, Jeremy Sasser and Jessica Langley talk with Rick Richey, master instructor for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and host of the NASM CPT Podcast. As the prevalence of professional burnout has been on the rise for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, Rick shares some research on how regular exercise can help alleviate stress and anxiety, and conversely, burnout. One of the biggest hurdles for most people is just getting started with a routine, so Rick provides some insight into overcoming this, and other barriers, as well as how employers can remove barriers and promote and support overall employee wellness. Finally, Rick shares some great exercises that incorporate both muscle contraction and relaxation that can be easily done throughout the day without the need for any gym equipment.

In this episode of OnScript with NHA, Jeremy Sasser and Jessica Langley speak to Dr. Ken Thai. Dr. Thai is the current president of the California Pharmacist’s Association (CPhA), and CEO of 986 Pharmacy in California. As the largest state pharmacy association in the US, CPhA is committed to advocating for the entire pharmacy profession, not just pharmacists. Host the annual Western Pharmacy Exchange (WPE) conference, CPhA has partnered with NHA to provide education sessions tailored to the pharmacy technician workforce.

We often receive questions about exam scoring — how exams are scored, how passing scores are determined and what various scoring terms mean.

NHA’s national pharmacy technician advisory board members are industry leaders that represent all facets of the pharmacy workforce. This episode of OnScript with NHA shares insights from within both the retail and health system pharmacy environments related to the expanded scope of practice. Co-hosts Jeremy Sasser and Jessica Langley discuss with these industry leaders key trends impacting the profession, such as professional development and career laddering opportunities. The discussion highlights the importance of elevating the roles of both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in tandem for the purpose of taking better care of patients.  All members of the team need to have shared goals associated with improving health outcomes, improving practice safety and medication use process in order to help the team work more effectively.

As we continue to witness a shift in healthcare towards team-based models, there's an opportunity to improve operational efficiency and patient care by providing medical assistants with greater opportunities to grow their careers. Medical assistants can play central roles in team-based models, especially when they are able to practice at the top of their credential. 

Margarita Fedorova, CPhT, joins host Jeremy Sasser and co-host Jessica Langley on the latest episode of OnScript with NHA to discuss the innovative pharmacy technician residency program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, the first program of its kind nationally.

Recently named Pharmacy Employer of the Year at the Western Pharmacy Exchange (WPE), Margarita serves as manager of pharmacy services for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she has led numerous initiatives that push the boundaries of pharmacy technician practice and improve operational efficiency. She is responsible for coordinating the hospital’s tech-check-tech program, and has led the redesign of the technician practice models, supported a “meds to beds” program, and co-led the development and implementation of the pharmacy technician residency program.

Read the full transcript