Evaluating the impact of a pharmacy technician training program within a college of pharmacy

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Ensuring pharmacy technicians are adequately trained and prepared to enter the workforce is an important first step in addressing technician staff shortages. How pharmacy technician learners perceive their experiences after completion of a training program remains unknown. This study evaluated participant outcomes and self-efficacy ratings for common technician competencies after completion of a pharmacy technician training program. Methods Between December 2021 and March 2023, we distributed a survey to participants who successfully completed the program approximately 3 months after their estimated completion date. The survey assessed 6 domains: enrollment and academic progression, utilization of educational resources, self-perceived proficiency on core competencies of a pharmacy technician, employment information, program recommendations, and student demographics. Results Thirty-six participants completed the survey, corresponding to a 60% response rate. Participants were attracted to the pharmacy technician program due to its affiliation with a college of pharmacy, online format, and affordability. Half of respondents were actively employed as pharmacy technicians, and the self-reported certification exam passage rate slightly exceeded national averages (78% vs 70% to 71%). Participants’ self-efficacy ratings for pharmacy technician competencies were high (mean rating of 4.12 out of 5). Overwhelmingly, 97% of participants agreed that the program prepared them well for becoming a pharmacy technician. Conclusion A pharmacy technician training program housed within a college of pharmacy presents one potential solution in addressing pharmacy technician workforce shortages. Participants positively viewed their training experience, with high self-efficacy ratings for pharmacy technician competencies. Moreover, national certification exam results were slightly better than national averages.