Historic Achievement at PTEC Conference: First Educators Awarded CPTEd Credential

Historic Achievement in Pharmacy Education

The Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC) held a landmark conference this month in Columbus, Ohio, where they celebrated the first-ever recipients of the Certified Pharmacy Technician Educator™ (CPTEd™) credential. This prestigious honor not only recognizes the dedication of these educators but also aims to elevate the standards of pharmacy technician education across the nation. The conference was attended by nearly 200 professionals, underscoring the significant interest and value placed on pharmacy education today.

The CPTEd Certification was launched by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) in March 2025 and is designed specifically for those who instruct, educate, and train pharmacy technicians. This credential represents a new benchmark within the field, marking a commitment to excellence and the essential roles educators play in shaping future pharmacy professionals.

William Schimmel, the CEO and Executive Director of PTCB, expressed pride in honoring the first cohort of CPTEd-certified educators. He emphasized the critical nature of their contributions as pharmacy technicians increasingly take on more vital roles in the healthcare system. These pioneer educators have undergone rigorous assessments to obtain their certifications, showcasing their commitment and expertise in pharmacy technician training.

Rigorous Certification Process

To earn the CPTEd credential, candidates must meet strict eligibility requirements. These include holding a certification as a pharmacy technician or a pharmacy degree and having at least three years of relevant educational experience. Additionally, they must successfully pass both a written exam and a multiple-choice assessment tailored to ensure they possess the necessary instructional skills and comprehensive industry knowledge to effectively prepare pharmacy technicians for their roles in patient care.

Mark Brunton, a CPTEd-certified educator and Dean of Faculty Development at Northwest Career College, shared his sentiments about receiving the credential: "Being among the first to earn the CPTEd is incredibly validating. This credential sets a much-needed national standard for pharmacy technician educators, giving us the recognition we deserve while assuring employers and students that they are dealing with top-tier, certified instructors.”

Conference Overview

The recognition event for these pioneering educators was a key highlight of the PTEC conference, providing a vibrant platform for discussions on professional development that reflect the evolving landscape of pharmacy education. Various sessions and workshops were conducted, focusing on modern practices, challenges, and opportunities within the realm of pharmacy technician education. This year's event drew significant participation from educators nationwide, emphasizing the collective drive to enhance the quality of education and prepare pharmacy technicians to meet the healthcare industry's demands effectively.

About PTCB and PTEC

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is the nation’s premier nonprofit pharmacy technician credentialing organization, established under the principle that pharmacy technicians are crucial in fostering medication and patient safety. PTCB has created a universal standard of excellence for professionals in the field, offering widely recognized credentials such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). In contrast, the PTEC serves as a vital organization committed to fostering the education and professional development of pharmacy technician instructors. Through their initiatives, including annual conferences and advocacy efforts, they aim to enhance education in pharmacy practice, ensuring that pharmacy technicians are adequately equipped to meet the dynamic requirements of the healthcare environment today.

In this pivotal moment for pharmacy education, the CPTEd credential not only sets a significant milestone for educators but also reinforces the role and importance of pharmacy technicians in delivering high-quality healthcare services across the nation.