What's New at PTCB

New PTCB-Sponsored Study

Results from a recent PTCB-sponsored survey find that lead pharmacists perceive pharmacy technician certification as an essential component in reducing medication errors, ensuring patient safety, and increasing positive health outcomes. The results, unveiled at the American Pharmacists Association (APHA) Annual Meeting by researcher Shane Desselle, RPh, PhD, FAPhA, Associate Dean for Tulsa Programs, Chair, and Professor of the Department of Pharmacy: Clinical and Administrative Sciences at University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, were gathered from a random sample of over 3,250 pharmacists serving in a variety of practice settings from six states.

"These data show that the majority of pharmacists — in fact, over 80 percent of those surveyed, agree that pharmacy technician certification is associated with a reduction in medication errors," said Melissa Murer Corrigan, R.Ph., Executive Director and CEO of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). "This survey provides the data to support something we have known for years but not been able to quantify: Well-trained and PTCB-certified pharmacy technicians make a positive impact on patient care." The survey, which was administered by Drs. Shane Desselle and Michael Schmitt, both of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, showed that pharmacists recognize the value of certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) as part of the pharmacy team, with 83 percent agreeing that working with CPhTs allowed the pharmacists to spend more time on direct patient care. As the population ages, and medication regimens become more complex, direct patient care plays an increasing role in medication safety.

Join the conversation! Follow PTCB on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter

CPhTs, pharmacists, and educators — follow PTCB on your favorite social networking sites Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Connect with fellow technicians, share your views on the certification process, and stay informed on what's going on with PTCB. These resources are a great way to connect directly with those dedicated to technician certification and patient safety. Follow us or become a member or a fan today!

PTCB is Going Green!

Beginning in August, PTCB will move to an online application process for technicians applying for pharmacy technician certification and recertification. Switching to paperless applications will not only save valuable time and resources, but will provide users with a more streamlined application process minimizing the time between when an application is submitted and when an applicant can take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Additionally, switching to paperless applications will allow users to apply securely online, 24/7; log on to accounts at any time to modify information, save changes, and submit at a later date; minimize application errors with system checkers to ensure applications meet system requirements prior to submitting; receive email confirmation as soon as an application is received; and avoid postal mishaps and aggravation. PTCB is doing its part to reduce waste and make the application process quick and efficient for all technicians. We ask that you pass this information on to technicians planning to recertify or take the PTCE in the next few months.