December 10, 2020

Washington, DC – The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the nation’s leading credentialing organization for pharmacy technicians, has launched its Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) credential. Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) can earn the new advanced credential when they complete at least four of PTCB’s specialty assessment-based certificate programs, or three certificate programs plus PTCB’s Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) Certification, and have 3 years of work experience in pharmacy.

Christine Cronin, CPhT-Adv, CSPT, Senior Attending Pharmacy Technician at Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center in Danvers, MA said she was eager to be one of the first to earn the CPhT-Adv. “Obtaining this certification was important to set an example in my role where I work,” she said. “The credential is valuable for both staying current as a technician in practice and furthering the pharmacy technician profession. My employer supports and encourages this advancement.”

Pharmacy technicians are immersed in a growing variety of specialized roles across practice settings. PTCB Executive Director and CEO William Schimmel said technicians want to demonstrate their extensive knowledge in specialized areas of pharmacy and show their commitment to advancing patient care and medication safety. “The new Advanced CPhT credential is a significant achievement for pharmacy technicians who seek recognition for their training and expertise,” said Schimmel. “PTCB is resolved to support advanced career paths for pharmacy technicians. Our assessment-based certificate programs and the new CPhT-Adv credential validate technician knowledge and skills in essential specialty areas.”  

“My CPhT-Adv Certification clearly shows the level of skill I have as a pharmacy technician,” said Charlie Ann Montgomery, CPhT-Adv, Transplant Medication Access Coordinator at the University of Louisville Health Jewish Hospital’s Trager Transplant Center in Louisville, KY. “It demonstrates that pharmacy technicians are big assets to the pharmacy world. This advanced certification is opening doors for technicians in the physician’s office and in hospital and retail settings. Overall, this improves patient healthcare outcomes.”

Leanne Griffin, CPhT-Adv, Assistant Pharmacy Buyer at Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, GA, said she is proud to earn this distinction. “Between my varied work experiences and additional learning to obtain my CPhT-Adv, I’ve gained a new perspective on my job duties. Experience that involves in-depth education on a particular subject makes me better equipped to handle changes and updates in my pharmacy work environment.”

PTCB’s specialty assessment-based certificates include Technician Product Verification (TPV), Medication History, Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention, Billing and Reimbursement, and Hazardous Drug Management. Immunization Administration will be offered early in 2021.

CPhTs who earn the CPhT-Adv Certification are required to complete continuing education and renew on a regular basis to maintain an active status.

CPhTs can learn more and apply for PTCB credentials at ptcb.org/credentials.

 

---

 

Media contact: To obtain information, schedule an interview, or request a comment, contact Laura Humphrey, Senior Manager of Communications, at: mediarelations@ptcb.org