Elyssa J Bredeson, Maari Loy, Lori Crandall, Amanda Meyer, Brandi Sillerud, Lisa M Richter
Implementation of a rural dual-credit pharmacy technician program with a track to pharmacy technology associate degree training was associated with improved staffing capacity, reduced overtime hours, increased professional advancement, and favorable financial impact. Early accredited training may be a scalable strategy to strengthen the pharmacy technician workforce in rural health systems.
PURPOSE: Pharmacy technicians play an expanding role in clinical support and operational services, yet workforce instability and inconsistent training standards continue to challenge the profession. A highly trained and stable pharmacy technician workforce is essential to achieving the American Society of Health-system Pharmacists (ASHP) Practice Advancement Initiative (PAI) 2030's vision of comprehensive medication management in pharmacy practice. A dual-credit high school and college pharmacy technician program with an associate degree pathway may improve entry-level competency, support professional advancement, and strengthen the pharmacy technician workforce. However, evidence evaluating secondary-level dual-credit pharmacy technician programs remains limited.
METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of a dual-credit pharmacy technician education program was implemented at a community hospital. Outcomes before implementation were compared with outcomes after program implementation.
RESULTS: Comparison of turnover rates showed a statistically significant reduction in turnover following program implementation (χ2(1) =3.89; P=0.048). Pharmacy technician staffing increased from 14.8 full-time equivalents (FTE) pre-implementation to 16.7 FTE post-implementation and an 80% reduction in overtime hours. Professional advancement of pharmacy technicians with career ladder advancement events increased from eight to 16. Estimated program-associated savings resulted in a return on investment of $111,068.
CONCLUSION: Implementation of a rural dual-credit pharmacy technician program with a track to pharmacy technology associate degree training was associated with improved staffing capacity, reduced overtime hours, increased professional advancement, and favorable financial impact. Early accredited training may be a scalable strategy to strengthen the pharmacy technician workforce in rural health systems.