Louisiana professionals will have another certification option in growing field.
LEAWOOD, Kan. (December 12, 2017) – The state of Louisiana has approved the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT®) as a certification meeting the professional requirements of this growing field. Prior to the Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy (the Board) approving the ExCPT on November 15, the state recognized only one certification program.
“NCPA is pleased with the recent decision of the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to approve more than one pharmacy technician certification examination and to accept applications from technicians who have passed the ExCPT program starting in January 2018.” said National Community Pharmacists Association CEO B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA. “Community pharmacy owners in the state will appreciate having the option of an additional approved exam and the larger pool from which they can hire qualified technicians.”
In Louisiana, certification is required for all pharmacy technicians and the ExCPT provides a national credential as a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT). With the Board’s approval of the ExCPT, those entering the pharmacy technician profession in Louisiana, for the first time, have a choice of CPhT certification programs. Through certification, pharmacy technicians demonstrate knowledge and competency in the core tasks they will be performing, which in turn enhances patient safety.
“We are so happy there is another certification option for our pharmacy technicians. It is nice to see the Board making changes that work for our communities,” said Beverly Walker, pharmacist-in charge at Wolfe’s Pharmacy in Chauvin, Louisiana.
The approval of the ExCPT certification program provides greater access to pharmacy technician jobs in Louisiana, where demand for these critical healthcare positions is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana employed more than 6,000 pharmacy technicians as of May 2016. Ensuring that there are enough qualified pharmacy technicians is essential, since the Bureau estimates that the employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow over 12 percent from 2016 to 2026. (http://bit.ly/2ejsm6U).
“When it comes to training and certification, choice is of utmost importance, and the journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician is no different. The decision the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy made to recognize NHA’s ExCPT as a viable option for technicians practicing in their state further demonstrates the importance of “choice.” said NHA’s Pharmacy Market Strategist Jeremy Sasser, BS.
“NHA recognizes there are many pathways to pharmacy training and experience leading up to certification. Having more than one option for certification naturally follows suit. Empowering both technicians and their employers to access opportunities and choose the path of training and certification that best suits their needs will help to further elevate the pharmacy technician practice across all settings,” Sasser added.
Candidates for the ExCPT are eligible after completing accredited or state recognized programs offered by schools, comprehensive training programs offered by employers, U.S. military pharmacy technician training, or substantial, supervised work experience.
Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the NHA ExCPT certification is recognized by numerous Boards of Pharmacy throughout the United States, including recent approvals by Texas, California, Arizona and Colorado. The NHA regulatory and advocacy team works with regulators, legislators, legislative representatives and healthcare professionals to advocate for access to a better future for those pursuing a frontline healthcare career such as a pharmacy technician.