Development and implementation of an advanced pharmacy technician leadership program.

Abstract

Disclaimer: In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

Purpose: To develop administrative and leadership skills in pharmacy technicians through the implementation of a 6-month advanced technician leadership program.

Summary: Health-system pharmacy administrative and leadership (HSPAL) residency programs have been established to develop administrative and leadership skills in pharmacists for more than 60 years. Similar opportunities for pharmacy technicians do not exist despite technicians being placed in leadership positions. Our pharmacy department developed a 6-month advanced pharmacy technician leadership program utilizing the pharmacist HSPAL residency framework and adapting it to focus on pharmacy technicians. Rotations span inpatient and ambulatory leadership, with both pharmacist and technician leaders serving as preceptors. The training program has been established for over 3 years and has produced a total of 6 graduates, of whom 5 have assumed technician leadership roles within our department. The training program has built a pipeline of highly trained technician leaders and decreased the time required to fill technician supervisor openings by 80%. Program graduates have reported the most improvement in management skills, functional skills and knowledge, and communication skills.

Conclusion: Creation of an advanced, pharmacy technician-specific leadership program focusing on development of leadership and administrative skills provides short- and long-term benefits to health-system pharmacy departments.