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Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence in Pharmacy

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is thrilled to announce a significant achievement as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. With great pride, the PTCB reveals that it now has over 300,000 active Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs). This milestone represents not only a growing number of professionals but also highlights the organization’s commitment to enhancing patient safety through exemplary practices in pharmacy technician credentialing.

Since its establishment in 1995, PTCB has been at the forefront of fostering standards of excellence within the pharmacy community. Over the years, it has certified more than 840,000 pharmacy technicians, with today’s active CPhTs demonstrating the profound impact PTCB has had on both the profession and the safety of patient care.

A Look Back at PTCB's Journey

The journey began when PTCB administered its first Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam to 7,473 technicians. Fast forward to today, PTCB has expanded its offerings and resources, empowering pharmacy technicians throughout their careers. Notably, the introduction of the Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) credential has been a groundbreaking development, recognizing those experienced technicians who take on expanded roles within their teams.

William Schimmel, PTCB’s CEO and Executive Director, expressed pride in the organization’s achievements, stating, "The 300,000 active CPhTs demonstrate the dedication and expertise of pharmacy technicians across the country. We are proud to support them in their careers and look forward to continued growth in the profession."

Impact and Workforce Trends

The PTCB has established a notable presence in the pharmacy landscape over the past three decades, contributing to shaping state regulations and advancing the pharmacy technician profession. According to a 2022 Workforce Survey by PTCB, certified pharmacy technicians tend to have longer careers compared to their non-certified counterparts, which is an essential factor as the healthcare sector faces increasing workforce shortages.

From its inception, PTCB has thrived on collaboration, initially founded by leading pharmacy associations. Over the years, these partnerships have been further strengthened through relationships with employers and other pharmacy organizations, leading to a robust support system for pharmacy technicians.

Looking Ahead

As the PTCB embarks on the next chapter, it remains dedicated to advancing the pharmacy technician profession. Schimmel emphasized, “PTCB is committed to advancing the pharmacy technician profession and ensuring that patients receive safe and effective care.”

As we celebrate the 30 years since the founding of PTCB, it is a time to also look toward the future, continuing to promote innovations that enhance the role of pharmacy technicians in healthcare.

For more information about PTCB and the initiatives in place, interested individuals can visit ptcb.org. This website provides valuable insights into certification, resources for pharmacy technicians, and details on the ongoing efforts to ensure patient safety in pharmacy practice.

In conclusion, the PTCB not only commemorates its achievements but also aims to strengthen its position in pharmacy education and practice, reflecting its core mission to provide support to pharmacy technicians and their vital role in healthcare delivery.