Employer	Headquarters	Practice Setting	Locations
Bremo Pharmacy	Richmond, VA	Independent Community	2

 

Good for Business: Employers Investing in Pharmacy Technicians

Forward-thinking employers across the country recognize the win-win-win of investing in career development for pharmacy technicians– good for patients, good for technicians, and good for business.
 
The role of pharmacy technicians has expanded significantly in recent years in response to ongoing shifts in the healthcare landscape, like patient-centered care, changes in state regulations, technological advances, shortages of healthcare professionals, and the rise of telehealth. Public health emergencies have rapidly accelerated this expansion, with 83% of pharmacy technicians in the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)’s 2022 Workplace Survey saying that their duties have expanded since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Today, pharmacy technicians increasingly perform sophisticated operational duties like supply chain and inventory management in community pharmacies and health system settings. In many states, the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians has broadened to include more advanced tasks traditionally performed by pharmacists, such as point of care testing, immunizations, sterile compounding, medication reconciliation, telehealth services, and automated dispensing systems. As pharmacy technicians perform a wider range of tasks on their pharmacy teams, they also take advantage of unprecedented leadership opportunities within their organizations and in state pharmacy associations and boards.

Smart employers know that knowledgeable, well-trained pharmacy technicians are critical in optimizing pharmacy workflow and building a strong reputation for quality care. They also know that expanding technician roles requires increasing their opportunities for career growth.

Bremo Pharmacy Elevates Patient Care Through Strategic Investment in Pharmacy Technicians

Expanding to Adapt to a Changing Healthcare Landscape

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, Bremo Pharmacy stands out as a beacon of innovation and commitment to patient care. Bremo Pharmacy, an independent pharmacy with two locations in Richmond, Virginia, has harnessed the potential of pharmacy technicians to advance patient care. Through a focus on credentialing, hiring practices, and a robust investment in technician development, Bremo Pharmacy has not only enhanced its operational efficiency but has also fostered a culture of continuous improvement.

Bremo Pharmacy encourages their technicians to pursue credentials to open opportunities for career advancement. Credentials give technicians a competitive edge in the job market and access to higher-paying positions. PTCB’s Workforce Survey found that 59% of pharmacy technicians view their job as a career, with 61% saying they earned credentials to advance their career.

 

Photo courtesy of Bremo Pharmacy

A Strategic Approach to Hiring and Onboarding

Bremo Pharmacy's hiring process is strategic, aiming to bring in technicians who align with the pharmacy's core values. The strong preference for PTCB Certification and at least one year of relevant experience streamlines the selection process. 

“When we hire new technicians, we look beyond their technical skills. We see individuals who embody our core values, ensuring a positive and collaborative team culture,” said Bremo Pharmacy CEO and Pharmacist, Catherine Cary, PharmD.

The pharmacy offers a comprehensive onboarding program that includes orientation on company history, core values, and foundational in-services. When hiring a non-technician for a pharmacy technician position, they are also enrolled in Bremo’s education/training program. Employees are then provided with a checklist of tasks, encouraging self-driven training and continuous learning.

 

“When we hire new technicians, we look beyond their technical skills. We see individuals who embody our core values, ensuring a positive and collaborative team culture.”

- Catherine Cary, PharmD, Bremo Pharmacy CEO and Pharmacist

Credentials Play a Crucial Role

Bremo Pharmacy has implemented a well-defined career path system for pharmacy technicians, acknowledging the diverse skill sets required in different areas of the pharmacy. Technicians are encouraged to specialize in compounding, medication therapy management, or inventory management, and offered targeted training and development opportunities in these areas.

 

Photos courtesy of Bremo Pharmacy

 

“Our technicians play a crucial role in our pharmacy, and we’ve structured career paths to empower them to specialize and excel in areas that contribute to our commitment to quality patient care. PTCB’s commitment to quality standards sets PTCB apart in the credentialing field,” said Cary.

The pharmacy sets PTCB's Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential as a baseline requirement and recognizes its national recognition and focus on medication safety. If a new employee is not already certified or certified by PTCB, Bremo Pharmacy requires that they earn PTCB’s CPhT credential. Should a pharmacy technician choose to earn additional credentials, Bremo Pharmacy will reimburse the employee’s expenses when the credential is required for their position.

Recently, Bremo Pharmacy purchased the file of another independent pharmacy that was closing, and in the process hired five of their pharmacy technicians. While this pharmacy offered similar services, the culture was very different from Bremo’s core values. Also, some of the technicians did not have PTCB Certification and/or had knowledge deficiencies. They were hired under the condition that they take Bremo’s education/training course and become PTCB-Certified within a period of time. 

“It quickly became apparent what a huge difference it makes on individuals who are in a culture of learning and growth, versus those who were not. Some of the new technicians rose to the challenge, while others did not. It has been rewarding to see the learning and growth our team went through during this challenging time,” said Cary.

 

“Our technicians play a crucial role in our pharmacy, and we’ve structured career paths to empower them to specialize and excel in areas that contribute to our commitment to quality patient care. PTCB’s commitment to quality standards sets PTCB apart in the credentialing field.”

- Catherine Cary, PharmD, Bremo Pharmacy CEO and Pharmacist

Photo courtesy of Bremo Pharmacy

Investing in Technicians Builds an Efficient Team

Recognizing the pivotal role of pharmacy technicians in efficient service delivery, Bremo Pharmacy has implemented a career pathway, providing technicians with clear directions for growth.

“Strong technicians allow us to run an efficient service-based pharmacy. If our technicians are doing all the tasks they are allowed to do, our pharmacists are then able to perform at the top of their license. We also know that it’s important for people to feel challenged. We identify the potential of our technicians and foster their talents into new roles that will keep them inspired,” said Cary.

Investment initiatives include leadership retreats and participation in programs like the Leadership Growth Formula, created by Terri Norvell and Kelley Babcock. The introduction of a technician supervisor role also showcases a commitment to nurturing leadership within the team. In addition, experienced technicians may teach the simulation modules in Bremo Pharmacy’s education/training program; teaching has allowed these technicians to share their knowledge and help technician trainees learn how to be their best. Technicians are also leading initiatives in their weight loss clinic, medication therapy management, inventory management, medication synchronization, compounding, and more.

One of Bremo’s experienced pharmacy technicians, Meredy Ayers, CPhT-Adv, earned an Immunization Administration Certificate and was able to participate in off-site clinics with a pharmacist. Meredy serves on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Pharmacy Association, and has worked at Bremo since 2014.

“Being a part of the work at off-site clinics was particularly helpful to our pharmacy because in the past two pharmacists would have to attend, and we were short on pharmacists at the time. Being out in the community is a fantastic way for us to connect to patients,” said Bremo Pharmacy Development Specialist, Meredy Ayers, CPhT-Adv.

 

“Strong technicians allow us to run an efficient service-based pharmacy. If our technicians are doing all the tasks they are allowed to do, our pharmacists are then able to perform at the top of their license. We also know that it’s important for people to feel challenged. We identify the potential of our technicians and foster their talents into new roles that will keep them inspired.”

- Catherine Cary, PharmD, Bremo Pharmacy CEO and Pharmacist

 

Photo courtesy of Bremo Pharmacy

 

Utilizing technicians to perform immunization administration, as well as biometric screenings, also provides a cost savings in salaries. By investing in technicians, Bremo Pharmacy is not only fostering morale but also building a team that can adapt and lead in a dynamic healthcare environment.

The successful integration of technicians from an acquired pharmacy, the development of new roles such as technician supervisor, and the positive response to career pathways exemplify the positive outcomes of the pharmacy's commitment to technician development. 

"Our investment in technician development is an investment in the success of our pharmacy. Our commitment to investing in our technicians has not only enhanced our operational efficiency but has also contributed to a positive workplace culture, fostering growth and adaptability,” said Cary.

By creating a culture that values continuous learning and growth, Bremo Pharmacy is positioning itself as a leader in patient care. This is a testament to the positive impact of investing in the professional development of pharmacy technicians, contributing not only to the success of the pharmacy but also to the overall quality of patient care.

 

"Our investment in technician development is an investment in the success of our pharmacy. Our commitment to investing in our technicians has not only enhanced our operational efficiency but has also contributed to a positive workplace culture, fostering growth and adaptability.”

- Catherine Cary, PharmD, Bremo Pharmacy CEO and Pharmacist

 

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