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Pharmacy Times

March 2024
Volume90
Issue 3

Continuing Education Programming Focuses on Specialty Pharmacy Skills

Just as the pharmacy field is expanding its horizons, CE programs are offering new topics and learning strategies.

As pharmacy explores new frontiers of patient interaction, pharmacy education stands as a pillar for next-level training in ensuring that patient treatment proceeds in a meaningful and safe manner. Training and continuing education (CE) programs continue to evolve, offering new subject areas and novel learning methods for pharmacists and technicians.

Young female pharmacist checking inventory of medicines in pharmacy using digital tablet wearing labcoat standing behind counter | Image Credit: StratfordProductions - stock.adobe.com

Image Credit: StratfordProductions - stock.adobe.com

One new educational tool is ProspeRx, an online platform specializing in advanced training and education for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians relating to specialty pharmacy services. Currently approved by the Florida and Michigan pharmacy boards, ProspeRx aims to expand its accreditation to become a CE provider in all states. To date, the company has launched 2 advanced courses, both of which are outlined below.

COMPREHENSIVE COURSE FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS IN SPECIALTY PHARMACY (CTSRX)

CTSRx is an advanced course for pharmacy technicians, addressing the knowledge gap in processing specialty pharmacy medications. It is designed to enhance skills and open doors to rewarding careers in specialty pharmacy and is a 20-hour CE credit course approved for pharmacy technicians in Florida and Michigan.

The need for CTSRx arose from a significant gap in the education of pharmacy technicians, particularly those transitioning from retail and independent pharmacy backgrounds. This knowledge gap resulted in challenges when handling specialty medications, affecting patient care and escalating health care costs. Some critical gaps addressed in this course include those concerning clinical patient care, proper billing, medication management, co-pay assistance, and administrative competence and compliance.

The course empowers technicians to deliver superior service, bridging the education gap and elevating the standard of patient care across pharmacy practices. The benefits of CTSRx include enhanced overall pharmacy knowledge and clinical expertise, compliance with administrative complexities and industry standards, greater confidence in interactions with health care providers and third-party entities, heightened awareness of the broader health care model, and growth opportunities.

About The Author

Ned Milenkovich, PharmD, JD, is chair of the health care law practice at Much Shelist, PC and former vice chairman of the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy. He can be reached at nmilenkovich@muchlaw.com.

SPECIALTY AND PATIENT CARE IN RETAIL PHARMACY

The Specialty and Patient Care in Retail Pharmacy course caters to both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. This course tackles daily challenges in retail and outpatient pharmacies, boosts confidence in handling specialty pharmacy medications, and elevates career satisfaction. The 4-hour CE credit course is approved for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Florida and Michigan.

ProspeRx identified a need for a more condensed course tailored specifically for retail pharmacy (including independent pharmacy) staff dealing with specialty pharmacy medications. One of the obvious reasons is that most specialty prescriptions start their journey at retail and independent pharmacies. Recognizing this gap, the company developed a course that encompasses critical aspects such as recognizing specialty drugs, accurate billing, care coordination, co-pay assistance, and more to better equip retail staff in assisting their patients.

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