PTCB Announces New Certificate Programs

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) has launched 2 specialty areas of Assessment-Based Certificate Programs: Technician Product Verification (TPV) and Medication History. The organization announced the new programs on Tuesday, the national Pharmacy Technician Day.

Each program recognizes the advanced knowledge seen in specific pharmacy roles and are a part of PTCB’s expansion of credential offerings. PTCB plans to release 3 more certificate programs and an Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) credential by late 2020.

The TPV Certificate rewards technicians who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the final check of medications dispensed by pharmacists or automated systems. This includes confirming the accuracy of the product name, strength, and quantity, along with the integrity of packaging, expiration date, and other characteristics. Candidates for the PTCB TPV exam must be PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) who have completed either a PTCB-Recognized TPV Education/Training Program or a state board of pharmacy-approved validation program.

The Medication History Certificate Program assesses a technician’s knowledge of medication history procedures, medical terminology, error types, and patient safety strategies. Technicians completing this program can demonstrate proper conduct of an accurate, in-depth review of patient histories and identify potential errors. A CPhT must complete a PTCB-Recognized Medication History Education/Training Program along with 6 months of relevant work experience to be eligible to take PTCB’s Medication History Exam.

Reference

PTCB launches certificate programs in technician product verification and medication history for pharmacy technicians in advanced roles [news release]. Washington, D.C.; PTCB website: October 15, 2019. https://www.ptcb.org/news/ptcb-launches-certificate-programs-in-medication-history-and-technician-product-verification-for-pharmacy-technicians-in-advanced-roles. Accessed October 15, 2019.