The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is expanding its credentialing program. The organization is adding five assessment-based certificate programs for advanced technician roles, and an Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician, or CPhT-Adv, credential.
The new assessment-based certificate programs will recognize the important contributions pharmacy technicians make to advance medication safety. Candidates seeking to be a CPhT-Adv will be required to have earned at least four of the new certificates to be eligible.
William Schimmel, PTCB executive director and CEO, said technicians are seeking ways to demonstrate their advanced knowledge in specific roles and show their commitment to medication safety. "Assessment-based certificate programs are an important step for pharmacy technicians who seek recognition for their education and training, and their dedication to patient safety," Schimmel said.
The five certificate programs under development are:
- Technician Product Verification (Tech-Check-Tech);
- Medication History;
- Controlled Substance Diversion Prevention;
- Billing and Reimbursement; and
- Hazardous Drug Management.
Candidates must hold an active PTCB CPhT certification and complete a PTCB-recognized education/training program to be eligible to apply for the certificate programs. Current PTCB CPhTs who have completed at least four of the certificate programs and three years of work experience will be eligible to earn a CPhT-Adv as early as mid-2020.
PTCB is committed to ensuring its credentials adhere to the most up-to-date medication safety standards as pharmacy technicians take on more responsibilities in their pharmacy careers, according to PTCB certification council immediate-past president David Bright, associate professor in the department of pharmaceutical sciences at Ferris State University College of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Mich. "PTCB is resolute in recognizing advanced career paths for pharmacy technicians by offering the new Advanced CPhT credential built on certificate programs that validate technician capabilities and adhere to rigorous safety standards," said Bright.
"PTCB is fortunate to be working with experts who are deeply knowledgeable and highly experienced in these areas to build the new assessment-based certificate programs," PTCB senior director of certification Levi Boren said. "PTCB is committed to developing advanced certificates that combine rigorous and valid exams with completion of high quality targeted education."
CPhTs who earn the CPhT-Adv credential will be required to complete specific continuing education and renew on a regular basis to maintain its active status.