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Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in healthcare systems worldwide, assisting pharmacists in dispensing medication, managing inventory, and ensuring patient safety. However, the level of professional development, career advancement opportunities, and industry recognition varies across countries. In this blog, we explore how Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia support the career growth of pharmacy technicians, comparing educational pathways, certification requirements, continuing professional development (CPD), and job prospects in each country. Canada: A Structured Yet Evolving Profession Education and Certification In Canada, ...
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in healthcare systems worldwide. They ensure patients receive their medications accurately and efficiently, support pharmacists in managing workflows, and contribute to patient safety. Despite their essential contributions, the profession often struggles with a lack of recognition, low wages, and limited career advancement opportunities. Advocacy by pharmacy technicians themselves can be a powerful tool to address these challenges and elevate the profession. This blog will explore actionable steps pharmacy technicians can take to advocate for their profession, promote awareness of their role, and inspire meaningful ...
Maintaining your certification as a Pharmacy Technician is not just a requirement but a vital aspect of staying up-to-date in the dynamic field of pharmacy. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to renew your credentials, understanding the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) process is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps involved in earning and managing your CEUs, along with valuable resources to support your success. What Are CEUs? Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are credits earned by completing approved educational activities. For pharmacy technicians, CEUs ensure you remain knowledgeable about the latest ...
In the healthcare industry, particularly in the pharmacy sector, staffing plays a critical role in determining the quality of service and the efficiency of operations. In recent years, pharmacies have faced significant challenges related to understaffing, often driven by budget constraints, a high turnover rate, and an increasing demand for pharmacy services. However, while understaffing may seem like a cost-saving measure, it can actually lead to a range of issues that ultimately harm the pharmacy’s performance, increase costs, and reduce patient care quality. In this blog, we will explore the cost of understaffing in the pharmacy, why investing in pharmacy ...
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) play a significant role in the pharmaceutical industry, acting as intermediaries between insurance companies, drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and patients. While PBMs were initially created to help manage drug benefits and lower costs for patients, over the years, their practices have become controversial, with many questioning their impact on healthcare affordability and access. In recent years, PBM reform has become a hot topic politically and within the healthcare industry. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups are all pushing for change, but the path forward is complex. This blog explores the current ...
As we ring in the New Year, it's the perfect time for pharmacy technicians to reflect on the past year and set new professional and personal goals for the year ahead. Whether you're looking to advance your career, gain new certifications, or improve your work-life balance, goal-setting is a powerful way to stay motivated and focused. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to set achievable goals for success in 2025. From enhancing your skills to exploring new career opportunities, the New Year offers endless possibilities to make meaningful progress in your career as a pharmacy technician. Get a FREE Resume Review! Why ...
📢Medicare's new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs starting in 2025 is a major step toward affordable healthcare for all. A win for patients and access to life-saving medications! 💊 What do you think? CNN- Medicare beneficiaries who take a lot of pricey medications will get a big break in 2025. That’s when the $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs for drugs bought at the pharmacy or through mail order takes effect. The limit is one of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act’s most consequential provisions to lower prescription drug prices for Medicare enrollees. The law also instituted a $35 monthly cap on insulin prescriptions, ...
Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in the healthcare system, assisting pharmacists with tasks such as medication preparation, dispensing, and patient care. Their work can be carried out in various settings, with hospitals and retail pharmacies being two of the most prominent environments for pharmacy technicians. Each setting has its own set of opportunities, challenges, and rewards. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between working as a pharmacy technician in a hospital versus a retail pharmacy, discussing the pros, cons, and career opportunities available in each setting. Connect with Pharm Techs Globally via TechConnect The Role ...
Pharmacy technicians have long been recognized as indispensable in retail and hospital pharmacy settings. From dispensing medications to managing inventory, their roles have been central to ensuring smooth pharmacy operations. However, the evolving healthcare landscape and expanding opportunities for specialization have opened doors for pharmacy technicians to explore non-traditional career paths beyond the counter. These alternative roles allow pharmacy technicians to leverage their skills and expertise in new and exciting ways. Whether it’s working in pharmaceutical research, technology, or regulatory compliance, the possibilities are vast. In this blog, ...
Your resume is often your first impression with potential employers, and as a pharmacy technician, it needs to reflect your skills, experience, and professionalism. However, even the most qualified candidates can make mistakes that may cost them the chance at their dream job. In this blog, we’ll explore the top mistakes pharmacy technicians make on their resumes and how to fix them to create a standout application. Additionally, we'll guide you to our free resume critique service at Pharm Techs Only!, where you can receive personalized feedback to perfect your resume. 1. Lack of Tailoring to the Job The Mistake : Many pharmacy technicians send the ...
As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, so does the role of pharmacy technicians. One of the most exciting—and complex—areas in this evolution is the increasing use of medical cannabis as a treatment option. Pharmacy technicians are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in this new frontier. From ensuring compliance with complex regulations to supporting patient education, their contributions are vital in the safe and effective use of cannabis-based therapies. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of pharmacy technicians in the medical cannabis space, the legal and ethical challenges they face, and the steps they can take to stay compliant while ...
Pharmacy technicians play an integral role in healthcare, bridging the gap between pharmacists and patients. While many view the position as a generalist role, the pharmacy industry offers numerous niche specializations that allow technicians to delve deeper into specialized fields. These roles not only enhance career satisfaction but also pave the way for advanced professional opportunities. Let’s explore some of these fascinating pharmacy technician specializations, including compounding, nuclear pharmacy, and medical research. Why Specialize as a Pharmacy Technician? Specializing as a pharmacy technician offers several benefits, including: Increased ...
The opioid crisis has been a public health emergency for years, impacting countless individuals and communities worldwide. Pharmacy technicians, as integral members of the healthcare team, have a unique and valuable role in helping curb this epidemic. While pharmacists often handle clinical decisions and patient counseling, pharmacy technicians are increasingly becoming frontline support in opioid abuse prevention and patient assistance. Their positions within pharmacies provide them with access to crucial information, enabling them to identify signs of misuse, assist in patient education, and promote safer practices. This blog explores the key ways pharmacy ...
Pharmacy technicians are essential healthcare professionals, often working behind the scenes in pharmacies, hospitals, and other medical facilities to ensure that patients receive accurate, timely medications. Despite their critical role, pharmacy technicians face numerous challenges, from minimal pay and limited recognition to harsh working conditions. Yet, many of these dedicated individuals remain passionate about their profession and genuinely care for the patients they serve. This blog explores the unique challenges pharmacy technicians encounter and why, despite it all, they stay motivated and strive for growth. The Importance of Pharmacy Technicians ...
In recent years, traveling roles have grown in popularity across a range of healthcare professions, and pharmacy technicians are no exception. Working as a traveling or per diem pharmacy technician can be an exciting and lucrative opportunity, allowing techs to explore new locations, diversify their work experiences, and potentially earn higher pay. However, this type of work also comes with unique challenges, from adapting to new workplaces frequently to handling a variable schedule. This guide explores the pros and cons of working as a traveling pharmacy technician, giving you an inside look at the pay, lifestyle, and types of assignments you can expect if ...
Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat, with the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizing it as one of the top ten public health problems worldwide. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are primary drivers of resistance, where bacteria adapt and survive in the presence of antibiotics that once killed them. This phenomenon leads to longer hospital stays, increased medical costs, and a higher risk of death. While pharmacists and prescribers are often at the forefront of addressing antibiotic resistance, pharmacy technicians also play a crucial role in promoting proper antibiotic use and educating patients. In this blog, we will explore ...
In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of pharmacies. These skilled professionals are essential to the healthcare industry, performing tasks that range from managing inventory and processing prescriptions to assisting pharmacists in compounding medications and counseling patients. Despite their vital contributions, many pharmacy technicians often begin their careers with limited training, which can impact productivity, accuracy, and patient safety. Investing in pharmacy technician training is not just a beneficial choice for the technicians themselves, but a strategic ...
In a world where access to healthcare is often limited by geography, politics, or economics, the importance of humanitarian aid in global health cannot be overstated. Pharmacy technicians, with their expertise in medication management and patient care, are uniquely positioned to make a difference in underserved communities. Through various international programs, pharmacy technicians can contribute to improving access to essential medicines and pharmaceutical care in regions where healthcare services are scarce. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of pharmacy technicians in global humanitarian efforts and highlight some key programs offering opportunities ...
In an increasingly globalized world, pharmacy technicians are finding themselves in workplaces that reflect the diversity of the populations they serve. As healthcare professionals, they must navigate different cultural beliefs, values, languages, and healthcare practices. Cultural sensitivity, also known as cultural competence, is now a critical skill for pharmacy technicians, enabling them to provide personalized, effective care to patients from all walks of life. This blog explores the significance of cultural competence in pharmacy practice and provides insights into how pharmacy technicians can develop and apply this essential skill in diverse environments. ...
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), the intermediaries between pharmacies, insurers, and drug manufacturers, have long been in the spotlight for their role in shaping the U.S. pharmaceutical market. However, recent legal conflicts have intensified scrutiny on the practices of these powerful entities, particularly CVS Caremark, Express Scripts (owned by Cigna), and Optum Rx (owned by UnitedHealth Group). In September 2024, the ongoing tensions between PBMs and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a peak, with lawsuits flying in both directions. Express Scripts vs. FTC: The Initial Legal Strike The current saga began in July 2024 when the FTC released an ...