Where Is Pharmacy Technician CE in Oncology?

Continuing education (CE) is a critical component in the professional development of pharmacy technicians, especially those specializing in areas such as oncology. The benefits of CE credits go beyond fulfilling certification or state registration requirements: They play a vital role in enhancing skills, improving patient care, and fostering professional growth. Employers investing in CE opportunities for pharmacy technicians gain numerous advantages, including improved workforce retention and operational efficiency, and allow for opportunities to advance technicians into specialized roles. This article explores these benefits and provides resources for further information.

Enhanced Knowledge and Skill Development

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CE credits help pharmacy technicians stay current with evolving practices, technologies, and treatment modalities. Having up-to-date knowledge is crucial in oncology, where new therapies and protocols are frequently introduced. CE programs can cover various aspects, such as the safe handling of hazardous drugs, pharmacy best practices, product preparation requirements during compounding, and treatment regimens, all essential for improving patient safety and outcomes.

Technicians educated in specialized areas such as oncology can significantly reduce medication errors, enhance communication with pharmacists and other health care professionals, and provide better patient support. For instance, courses offered by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA) focus on safety protocols and emerging treatment trends that prepare technicians for the complexities of oncology practice.^1,2

Career Advancement Opportunities

For pharmacy technicians, CE credits can serve as a path to career advancement. Oncology or another specialization can lead to additional responsibilities and leadership roles, such as lead technicians, managers, and pharmacy director positions. Employers encouraging and supporting CE opportunities can build a clear direction for their technicians’ career growth within their organization. This boosts employee job satisfaction and helps create a more skilled and reliable workforce capable of handling complex tasks.

Improved Retention and Job Satisfaction

One significant challenge health care facilities face is high turnover among pharmacy technicians. Staff turnover can disrupt workflow, increase hiring and training costs, and negatively impact patient care. Employers can improve job satisfaction by investing in CE programs, leading to higher retention rates. Employees who feel supported in their professional development are likelier to stay with an organization for the long term.

A Pharmacy Technician Certification Board study found that technicians who pursue ongoing education report greater job satisfaction and a sense of achievement in their roles.^3,4 This sense of purpose and fulfillment can motivate staff to work at the top of their license and dedicate themselves to an organization’s mission, vision, and values as they serve patients.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Pharmacy technicians who regularly engage in CE can help streamline operations within health care settings. With advanced training, technicians can take on tasks traditionally handled by pharmacists, such as compounding medications, preparing sterile products, and managing inventory. This allows pharmacists to focus on more clinical aspects of patient care, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the pharmacy team.

For instance, CE courses offered by organizations such as NCODA and the Oncology Pharmacy Network (OPN) cover best medication management and safety protocols practices, which can help technicians improve their workflow, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration within the pharmacy team.^2,5 Employers can optimize their workforce by ensuring that technicians are proficient and confident in their roles, leading to better patient care and cost savings.

Employer Benefits: Building a Skilled and Competitive Workforce

Investing in pharmacy technicians’ CE helps health care organizations build a competitive workforce. A highly trained technician team can enhance the organization’s reputation, attract top talent, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Furthermore, a skilled workforce can more readily adapt to changes in the health care landscape, such as introducing new medications, therapies, technology, or safety protocols.

Employers who actively support CE programs can differentiate themselves as leaders in professional development, which is increasingly essential in today’s competitive job market. For example, organizations offering access to courses through platforms such as Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™(PTCE), NCODA, or events hosted by ASHP, OPN, and the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) will likely retain dedicated and competent staff.^1,2,5-7

Resources for CE in Oncology for Pharmacy Technicians

CE opportunities tailored specifically to pharmacy technicians interested in oncology include as follows.^2,5-12

• PTCE: This platform provides online CE courses across various pharmacy practice areas.
• ASHP: This organization offers specialized courses, continuing education, certifications, and technician communities, such as The Pharmacy Technician Society.
• NCODA: This organization hosts conferences and provides educational resources for technicians in community oncology settings.
• Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association (OPTA): A membership community within NCODA, OPTA is the only forum for the global oncology pharmacy technician community. It focuses on providing continuing education and resources specifically for oncology pharmacy technicians.
• FLASCO: This organization provides educational events, webinars, and workshops for oncology professionals in Florida.
• OPN: This organization offers training and resources on medication safety and management in oncology settings.
• National Pharmacy Technician Association: This organization offers resources and continuing education tailored to pharmacy technicians.
• American Society of Clinical Oncology: This organization provides educational resources and courses on oncology practices for health care professionals.
• Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association: This organization offers educational resources and programs focused on hematology and oncology pharmacy.

CE is a cornerstone of professional development for pharmacy technicians, particularly those specializing in oncology. Beyond meeting certification requirements, CE fosters skill enhancement, career advancement, job satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Employers who invest in CE programs benefit from a well-trained workforce, improved retention rates, and a more competitive position in the evolving health care landscape. By prioritizing ongoing education, pharmacy technicians can stay ahead of industry advancements, contribute to enhanced patient safety, and play a crucial role in optimizing pharmacy operations. As the field of oncology continues to evolve, investing in ongoing education is a strategic decision that benefits both the organization and its employees, reinforcing the importance of CE in today’s dynamic health care environment.

REFERENCES

1. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.ashp.org

2. National Community Oncology Dispensing Association. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.ncoda.org

3. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.ptcb.org

4. PTCB releases 2022 pharmacy technician workforce survey results. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.ptcb.org/news/ptcb-releases-2022-pharmacy-technician-workforce-survey-results

5. Oncology Pharmacy Network. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://oncologypharmacynetwork.org/

6. Pharmacy Times Continuing Education. Accessed October 1, 2024.www.pharmacytimes.org

7. Florida Society of Clinical Oncology. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.flasco.org

8. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://www.ashp.org

9. OPTA certification. National Community Oncology Dispensing Association. Accessed March 14, 2025.https://www.ncoda.org/opta-certification/

10. National Pharmacy Technician Association. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://cpht.org/

11. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.asco.org/

12. Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.hoparx.org/