Pharmacy Technician Day a time to celebrate and educate

Tuesday, October 19 is the day that the profession worldwide pays tribute to pharmacy technicians as it celebrates Pharmacy Technician Day. In preparation for #RxTechDay, the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians (CAPT) has asked pharmacy technicians working in non-traditional roles to tell their stories for a chance to be featured in social media postings. “CAPT thinks that the day is important not only to celebrate the hard-working people in the profession but also to spread awareness of their existence to the general public,” says Robert Solek, CAPT president. Many healthcare professionals who work in hospitals and retail settings interact with pharmacy technicians daily and know some of the roles that these healthcare professionals provide, but unfortunately he says patients often confuse the technicians with either pharmacists or clerks. "Pharmacy technicians have a very important role in pharmaceutical and patient care and CAPT would like Pharmacy Technician Day to become a day of education and celebration of the people in the profession.” For its part, the Pharmacy Technician Society of Alberta (PTSA) has a number of educational and fun activities planned. This year marks the 10th anniversary of pharmacy technician regulation in that province, and the Society urges members to “use this day to promote how our role is essential to the care of Albertans and have a bit of fun in the process.” For example, it will be hosting a virtual #RxTechDay poster competition as well as a flyer contest using the themes “Technicians Rising” and/or “10 Years of Regulation.” The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers downloadable graphics and badges as well as suggestions on ways to celebrate the day at Pharmacy Technician Day (ptcb.org). A few ideas for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to recognize these valuable members of the team: Signage in the pharmacy letting customers know who your technicians are and the key role they play in your pharmacy A gift card for a meal Paying for/subsidizing continuing education courses and/or professional association membership fees A paid vacation day for some self-care Take a moment to tell your technicians, individually, how much you appreciate them. A simple gesture goes a long way! Be sure to follow the social media posts from around the world on October 19, using the hashtag #RxTechDay. Read: Technicians rising

Pharmacy Technician Day a time to celebrate and educate

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