Ohio Institutional Pharmacy Technicians' Demographics and Attitudes toward National Voluntary Pharmacy Technician Certification: An Exploratory Analysis

Abstract

Objective:

To collect demographic information from pharmacy technicians working in Ohio hospitals and to determine their attitudes toward national voluntary pharmacy technician certification.

Methods:

A survey was developed and sent to directors at 58 hospitals in Ohio for distribution to an exploratory sample of 735 technicians.

Results:

The response rate was 19.9%. Men comprised the majority of certified technicians and had been in their current job fewer years than the women surveyed. Technicians' attitudes toward certification differed depending on certification status. More certified technicians than uncertified technicians agreed with the beneficial aspects of certification. All technicians agreed that certification is not a substitute for on-the-job training and that certified technicians will not replace pharmacists. Technicians unsure of certification questioned its impact on improving qualifications, skills, likelihood of being hired, and opportunities for promotion.

Conclusions:

The use of technical personnel in pharmacies likely will increase because of pressures from the healthcare system to control costs. Future research should continue to document the characteristics of technicians and the benefits and costs of certification to technicians, employers, and pharmacists.