Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in medication safety, workflow efficiency, and patient experience. As pharmacy practice becomes more complex, education and credentialing are no longer optional, they are essential to patient care. National certification ensures technicians have standardized knowledge in medication safety, pharmacy law, and quality assurance, all of which directly impact patient outcomes. When technicians are well trained, pharmacies operate more safely, efficiently, and consistently.
Research strongly supports this connection. A Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) study found that certified pharmacy technicians (CPhT) demonstrate lower medication error rates and higher organizational commitment compared to non-certified technicians (PTCB, 2020). Medication safety remains a national concern, with the Institute of Medicine estimating that at least 1.5 million people are harmed by medication errors each year in the United States (Institute of Medicine, 2007).
Credentialing also improves workflow and patient access to care. When pharmacy technicians are properly educated and credentialed, pharmacists are able to spend more time on direct patient care services such as counseling, immunizations, and medication therapy management. This team-based approach improves operational efficiency, reduces dispensing delays, and enhances patient satisfaction (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, n.d.).
Finally, credentialing improves pharmacy technician satisfaction, and engaged professionals deliver better care. Research shows that technician engagement and professional development are associated with improved performance, retention, and quality outcomes (Desselle et al., 2023). Education builds confidence, professional identity, and leadership within the technician role. At RxTechExam, we believe that when pharmacy technicians are educated, credentialed, and empowered, patients ultimately receive safer, higher-quality care.
Wishing you continued success,
Dr. Abel Guevara III, CPhT-Adv
Referenced Articles:
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. (n.d.). Practice advancement initiative (PAI).
- Desselle, S. P., Hohmeier, K. C., & Moulton, J. R. (2023). Pharmacy technician workforce engagement, well-being, and performance outcomes: A narrative review. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 19(4), 563–571.
- Institute of Medicine. (2007). Preventing medication errors. National Academies Press.
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. (2020). Advancing medication safety: The role of pharmacy technicians.