As part of our ongoing commitment to support allied health educators and employers, we at the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) are excited to share our latest 2024 Industry Outlook Report. This report is more than just a collection of statistics; it's a compass that guides you through the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.

The pharmacy technician shortage is a significant challenge facing the healthcare industry. It is putting a strain on pharmacists, pharmacy operations and patient care delivery.

National Pharm Tech Day is October 18  and it’s a perfect day to recognize a nd honor the hard work each pharmacy technician provides . But we know technicians work hard every day, so why not celebrate their dedication year - round? With so many new responsibilities and higher demand across the profession, it’s more important than ever to recognize   your technicians. Sincere appreciation goes a long way in increasing job satisfaction in a field where burnout has been high.

Here are a few ideas to recognize your pharmacy technicians.

1. Host an awards ceremony

Take some time over the lunch hour or host a special evening social hour to honor your technicians. Consider opportunities to award your technicians in fun and meaningful ways. Certificates like ‘Most Positive,’ ‘Hardest Worker,’ and ‘Most Detail Oriented’ can show your technicians you’re paying attention to their work. Looking for something super simple? Check out our certificate template here.

In this episode, Jeremy and Jessica talk with Paul Sabatini, M.Ed, CPhT, FCSHP.  Paul has worked in the pharmacy profession for 30 years.  Most recently, he was recognized by the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) and NHA as the recipient of the 2020 Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award.

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone but especially for healthcare workers on the front lines. Due to this, it’s important, now more than ever, that pharmacy technicians practice at the very top of their license. While boards of pharmacy have traditionally limited pharmacy technician practice from performing such tasks like final product verification, administering immunizations to patients, or performing CLIA-waived point of care testing, more and more states are undergoing the process of reviewing, discussing, and in some cases, changing their rules to permit properly trained technicians to perform these and other tasks.

To further seize on this trend, NHA has spearheaded an initiative to bring together representatives from some of the biggest pharmacy organizations in the industry.  The initiative, The Coalition for the Advancement of Pharmacy Technician Practice, aims to work together to stay up to date with current state boards of pharmacy that are discussing this very important topic and to engage other state boards of pharmacy to consider broadening pharmacy technician scope of practice.

By bringing together retail pharmacy  giants like Albertsons Companies, Walmart, Kroger and Walgreens, along with state pharmacy associations, pharmacy academicians, and organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council, the coalition’s collective voice and singular mission is to further expedite the spread of states allowing pharmacy technicians to do more.  This support from the industry will be key to continuing to elevate the pharmacy profession across the nation.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a pharmacy technician in Canada? We've got you covered. Don’t miss this information packed episode that provides insights into pharmacy practices outside of the US.