Breaking new ground as a pharmacy technician manager

Krista Faulkenham is proof of the rapidly evolving role of pharmacy technicians. Last October, she made history as the first pharmacy technician manager in Canada and, quite possibly, in the world, when she assumed that position at Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy in Bridgewater, N.S., where she has worked since 2020.In a recent podcast hosted by the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS), Faulkenham said her new position felt “pretty darn exciting." With the pharmacy profession’s transition under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) in the province, pharmacy techs now have a defined scope of practice and are eligible to serve as pharmacy managers.“Like pharmacists, pharmacy technicians no longer need to be supervised or overseen by another pharmacy professional in order to practice the activities that they have been educated, trained, and certified competent to undertake,” noted a Professional Notice from the Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator (NSPR). “Like pharmacists, pharmacy technicians are eligible to serve as pharmacy managers.”A pharmacist must still be present when the pharmacy is open to the public, and pharmacists remain responsible for ensuring the clinical appropriateness of all prescriptions, drug administrations and testing.A graduate of the Nova Scotia Community College in 2010, Faulkenham became registered that same year, then worked at two community pharmacies farther from her home before securing a manager's position in her hometown in 2025. At Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy, she is part of a team of 11 that includes three technicians, two full-time pharmacists, one part-time pharmacist, the part-time pharmacist-owner (Pam Kennedy), two full-time assistants, one part-time assistant and one full-time clinic administrator. As preparation for a managerial role, Faulkenham took PANS’ Thrive Manager Support Program over nine months. Coordinated by the late Glenn Rodrigues, the program was designed to support pharmacy managers across Nova Scotia in developing their team and practice environments to realize their potential. Areas of focus included human resources, pharmacy services budgeting, workflow optimization, operational planning, and much more. “I was the only technician in that program, with the thought that the College was going to approve technicians to become managers,” she says. In the wake of the recent tragic death of Rodrigues, Allison Bodnar, PANS CEO, says PANS is “rethinking the program and we will relaunch later this year.”Faulkenham also worked with Kennedy during the transition period, planning monthly staff meetings, helping interview for new staff, conducting one-on-one interviews with staff, and helping with staff performance reviews, which Kennedy noted has been a “huge support.” She and Faulkenham meet just about every day when both are in the pharmacy—Faulkenham works four days a week—to ensure both agree with any decisions being made. “We’re very intentional on making that time to work together, to make sure that the pharmacy is successful and that Krista feels well supported going into this position,” said Kennedy in the podcast.The enterprising Faulkenham, who was named PANS Pharmacy Technician of the Year in 2024, was also the first technician to be integrated into the community pharmacy primary care clinics, where she spends about a day and a half each week supporting the pharmacists with point-of-care testing, best possible medication histories, medical reviews, and vaccines. “Engaging in patient interactions outside of the regular technical checks definitely brings joy to the job, which you can also see is definitely appreciated when interacting with the patients,” she said, while Kennedy noted that extra support of having Krista really has been "a game changer.”Faulkenham cited team collaboration as one of the most important challenges for technician managers to face. “Having teams join in the process and not just telling them what’s expected, I feel you’ll get better results.”She has accomplished just that, in Kennedy’s eyes. “The pharmacists respect Krista and are all very supportive and extremely excited to have her in that position," noted Kennedy.Whether a technician or a pharmacist, “at the end of the day, you really are looking at employees who possess the skillset to be successful in this type of position—being dedicated, hardworking, respected by the team, to name a few of the qualities,” noted Kennedy. “It’s just remembering that a lot of technicians possess those exact same skills. So consider those when looking at putting somebody new in a management position,” she urged.And for those technicians who may aspire to become a pharmacy manager, Faulkenham had this advice: “Reach out to your employer or HR; even if someone already holds that manager title, they may be waiting for someone to step in and take it over so they can excel in other areas of pharmacy. The pharmacist profession is in high demand. True leadership isn't waiting for perfect timing; it's creating readiness and motion. That’s what separates those who survive and those who elevate it.”

Breaking new ground as a pharmacy technician manager

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