PTCB Grants Funding to Develop a Nationwide Pharmacy Technician Mentorship Program
PTCB Grants Funding to Develop a Nationwide Pharmacy Technician Mentorship Program
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) has recently allocated a research grant aimed at exploring the establishment of a nationwide mentorship program for Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs). This endeavor is part of PTCB’s broader mission to enhance the pharmacy technician profession and empower individuals within the field.
The Research Team and Methodology
The research initiative will be spearheaded by a team consisting of Shane P. Desselle, RPh, PhD, FAPhA from Touro University California, and Kimberly C. McKeirnan, PharmD, a PhD candidate at Washington State University. Their approach will employ mixed-methods, combining qualitative insights from key informant interviews with quantitative data collected through surveys. This dual approach is designed to gather comprehensive data from various stakeholders involved in pharmacy practice.
Significance of Mentorship in Pharmacy
As highlighted by William Schimmel, Executive Director and CEO of PTCB, mentorship plays a crucial role in fostering job satisfaction, career progression, and overall engagement within a profession. He emphasized that this research represents a significant preliminary step toward determining the practicality of a formalized national mentorship program. Such a program could potentially address issues related to burnout and turnover in the pharmacy technician workforce, thereby enhancing the professional identity and status of CPhTs across the United States.
Key Components of the Research
The research is set to investigate several key components:
- - Favorability and Support: Understanding the general support for a mentorship program and identifying available resources for both mentors and mentees.
- - Training Needs: Determining the training requirements necessary for effective mentorship and ensuring both mentors and mentees receive adequate preparation.
- - Commitment Expectations: Clarifying the expected time commitments from participants and the perceived benefits that a mentorship program could deliver.
Timeline and Future Expectations
The findings from this extensive research phase are anticipated to be shared in July 2026 during the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC) Conference, which will be hosted in San Antonio, Texas. This milestone will offer a platform to disseminate insights and propose actionable steps based on the research findings.
About the PTCB
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) holds the distinction of being the first and most trusted nonprofit organization dedicated to credentialing pharmacy technicians in the nation. Founded on the principle that pharmacy technicians are integral to enhancing medication safety and patient care, PTCB has established standards of excellence through its recognized credentials, including the PTCB certification for CPhTs. The commitment of PTCB to furthering the development of pharmacy technicians underscores its role as a vital player in the healthcare landscape.
In conclusion, the PTCB's initiative not only aims to enhance the professional environment for pharmacy technicians but also serves as a model of proactive engagement that can influence various sectors within healthcare. By fostering mentorship, the profession can expect to see positive changes in morale, retention, and professional development across the board.
Topics Health）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.