Ryan Marotta, CPhT, Assistant Editor

Whether transcribing a provider’s instruction or filling a prescription, technicians are often required to convert a dosage strength or drug quantity to an entirely different unit of measurement.

While performing many of these calculations can become second nature over time, techs who need a refresher on a specific conversion can consult the following charts for guidance:

				Often simplified to “1 gr. = 65 mg”

				Often simplified to “1 g = 15 gr.”

Articles

Technicians can consult these charts for guidance on how to convert one unit of measurement to another.

A Technician's Guide to Measurement Conversions

Few technicians enter the pharmacy profession with aspirations of working as translators, but many find themselves playing that role the moment they step behind the drop-off counter.

Those who have difficulty decoding a prescriber’s directions can refer to the following guide, which lists many of the abbreviations and sig codes that are commonly found on prescriptions; however, there is currently no guide that can help techs or pharmacists decipher a prescriber’s handwriting.

Note that prescribers may omit periods where they are included below, and often capitalize a number of abbreviations that are listed in lowercase.

A Technician's Guide to Pharmacy Abbreviations

As the health care landscape continues to change, pharmacy technicians have been increasingly holding leadership roles on their pharmacy teams.

Yet the task of managing a pharmacy can prove daunting to even the most experienced tech, as many technician training programs don’t necessarily prepare their students for pharmacy management.

In a session at the 2015 American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, Linsay Davis, PharmD, CGP, and Melissa Mattice, RPh, discussed leadership in pharmacy.

Although their targeted audience was consultant pharmacists, they provided the following tips for all pharmacy workers—including technicians&mdash;who are looking for ways to better manage their team.

1. Understand the Difference Between Management and Leadership

Dr. Davis and Mattice examined the difference between leadership and management—2 distinct yet equally important responsibilities for those taking on a prominent role in their pharmacy.

The main distinction is the primarily focus: managers work towards completing tasks, but leaders are driven to organize and motivate people.

“Leadership and management are 2 very different things,” Mattice told session attendees. “Managers plan activities, control resources, and organize structure, while leaders influence others to voluntarily seek defined objectives, inspire them to do better, and work harder.”

Pharmacy workers can assume both roles, she explained, but understanding this difference can allow pharmacists and technicians to make clearer decisions on their approach to organizing the pharmacy team.

2. Identify Your Leadership Skills and Style

Dr. Davis and Mattice highlighted a number of skills essential to the effective management of a pharmacy, including the ability to work effectively with others, the technical knowledge needed to complete tasks, and the capacity to plan for the pharmacy’s long-term wellness. Yet, positive character traits are equally important in pharmacy leaders, Mattice told ASCP attendees.

“Above all, a good leader needs to have personal drive, a desire to lead, and personal integrity,” she said.

Although these skills and traits are common among many good leaders, there is still a wide spectrum of leadership styles—ranging from micromanagement to hands-off approaches&mdash;for pharmacy workers to adopt.

The speakers encouraged the audience to consider a more positive style that focuses on inclusion and interactivity. For example, participative leaders might spend more time working alongside their team, while leaders who take a consultative approach might help their team members feel valued by seeking and accepting their perspective and input.

Dr. Davis and Mattice acknowledged that leaders and managers may occasionally need to take a more direct or even firm approach to keep the pharmacy team on track; however, they warned against predominately negative leadership styles based on threats and punishments.

“Autocratic leaders who have an almost military-like style of management tend to be seen as workplace bullies,” Dr. Davis cautioned. “This usually hurts productivity and morale, and promotes absenteeism and employee turnover.”

Technicians may also consider a form of situational leadership, adapting their style to fit their team’s development level and the needs of the pharmacy.

In comparing group management to the act of herding cats, Dr. Davis and Mattice acknowledged that human behavior in groups can be unpredictable, and they advised the audience at ASCP against attempting to implement a “one-size-fits-all” solution to organizational problems.

Exacerbating these issues is the fact that a group that has experienced any sort of personnel changes can take anywhere from 6 to 8 months to fully mature and work together seamlessly, with many managers making the mistake of trying to expedite this progress.

“Rushing a group is like asking a 5 year old to act like a 25 year old,” Dr. Davis said. “It’s important for pharmacy leaders to patiently guide a team’s progress rather than attempting to force it.”

As a group develops, technician leaders should observe the way their team interacts with one another, as well as the roles that each worker plays on the team.

Dr. Davis and Mattice categorized these roles into 3 groups:

 the workers who act as planners and evaluators;

 the workers who primarily implement and complete these plans, and;

 the workers who tend to be “team players” and coordinate resources among the rest of the team.

Understanding a group’s dynamic enables a leader to play to each team member’s strengths and assign responsibilities accordingly, Mattice explained.

Motivating a team is essential to pharmacy management, but many leaders cling to inaccurate or outdated ideas about motivation, according to Mattice.

“There are a number of common myths about motivation that leaders still rely on, such as the idea that motivated workers are more productive, or that workers are best motivated by money,” she said. “Most of these are simply untrue.”

Dr. Davis explained that most workers are instead primarily motivated by 1 of 3 things:

 these workers pursue and attain goals, seek and take credit for their actions, and look for specific feedback.

 these workers seek better relationships with their co-workers, desire the freedom to make friends, and attempt to maintain a sense of community among their team.

 these workers are driven by a desire to influence people and situations, and they wish to make an impact on their organization.

The speakers encouraged the audience to find out what motivates each staff member and use that to their team’s advantage. For example, affiliation-motivated technicians might work better when complimented for attitude and cooperation, while power-motivated technicians could feel empowered to work harder if they are told how well they represent their workplace.

“A manager must identify their employees’ individual drives and channel their behavior towards task performance,” Mattice said. “When properly motivated, your team will work far more effectively.”

Just as workers are often motivated by different things, they also understand and relay information in a number of different ways, which can frequently lead to miscommunication among the team.

Dr. Davis highlighted many obstacles that hinder effective communication, including personal barriers such as emotional and value differences, physical barriers such as noise and special distance, and semantic barriers such as jargon and cultural differences. She advised the audience to pinpoint the areas where communication between team members breaks down in the pharmacy, and to identify how each worker prefers to communicate.

“When you understand the unique work attitudes of each employee, you can learn how to speak to them in ‘their language’ and communicate to their individual needs,” Dr. Davis explained.

As pharmacies inevitably encounter challenges, it is important for team leaders to set goals for overcoming these obstacles.

“Goal-setting is a motivational process to create a discrepancy between current and expected performance,” Dr. Davis said. “It also establishes a standard by which to measure performance, since individuals who achieve goals tend to set higher goals for the future.”

However, goal-setting can be a challenge in itself; individuals tend to work harder when a goal is more difficult, but a goal that seems unfeasible will demotivate and demoralize workers.

“If you set a goal and the goal is unattainable, how motivated will your team be to partake in the process going forward?” Mattice asked rhetorically.

The speakers advised pharmacy leaders to set goals that fulfill the following 5 criteria: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART).

It is important for pharmacy leaders to provide their workers with timely and specific feedback in order to help them improve their performance.

The speakers cautioned that all feedback should be respectful and encouraging, as overly negative or poorly phrased feedback can often feel like a personal attack to a worker.

“There should be a good balance of positive and constructive feedback, with more emphasize on the positive,” Mattice stated. “The more negative feedback should be constructive, pointing the way to new goals and potential areas of improvement, while the positive feedback should empower workers and let them know what they’re doing right.”

Mattice added that feedback should be a dialogue rather than a lecture, with workers given the opportunity both to respond to critiques and provide feedback to their leaders.

“It is essential that feedback be an ongoing, 2-way conversation,” she said. “You have to be willing to participate in feedback to improve your abilities as a leader and manager.”

Ultimately, Dr. Davis and Mattice encouraged the audience to look to their own experiences with effective managers for ideas on how to proceed as a pharmacy leader.

“Who most inspired you as a leader or manager in your organization? What was it about these individuals that motivated you to be a better worker?” Dr. Davis asked. “We don’t have to completely emulate those who came before us, but if we put ourselves in our workers’ shoes and consider how we would like to be led, it can help us to shape our own leadership styles.”

8 Pharmacy Management Tips for Technician Leaders

Pharmacists across the nation expressed their gratitude for pharmacy technicians in recognition of National Pharmacy Technician Day on October 20.

The occasion did not go unrecognized on social media, with pharmacists and pharmacies tweeting messages like:

		Great to see recognition for work done by technicians and their increased role in supporting pharmacists.

		Thanks to all our awesome techs! #RXTechDay We appreciate all you do!

		Happy Pharmacy Technician Day! I couldn't survive in the pharmacy without you! @NACDS @UnmcCop @PharmacyTimes

A number of technicians chose to show off their tech pride by simply sharing their stories. In exclusive interviews with Pharmacy Times, the following technicians explained why their profession should be celebrated. Their experiences highlight the varied yet essential roles that technicians play on the pharmacy team.

“I have been a pharmacy technician for just over 40 years, and every single day, I have had the opportunity to help others and inspire my staff. I have worked for the same health care system my entire career, and I have always championed for technician education and certification in our organization.

“One of the things I am particularly proud of is my position on the Healthcare Advisory Board for 2 local community colleges, the technician students of which I mentor during their internships. As technicians are trained and educated for their expanding role in today’s complex health care environment, I feel that that it is my duty to make sure my students and staff are ready to meet the challenges the future of pharmacy holds for all of us.

“Pharmacy technicians play a very important role in patient care and safety, and as we all know, behind every good pharmacist is a great technician! National Pharmacy Technician Day should be an important celebration for all of us in the Pharmacy field.”

Pharmacy Technician Manager, Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital

“Knowing that I am helping to ensure safe medication practices for the patients my hospital serves makes me feel valued and reminds me that I made a good career choice when I decided to become a pharmacy technician 34 years ago.

“When I was first introduced to pharmacy, technician duties were limited to running the cash register, prepacking medications, and counting pills. Today, pharmacy technicians have expanded roles including medication reconciliation, personnel management, and automations and information technology management.

“Serving others and supporting pharmacists in providing safe, effective medication use is what makes me proud to be a pharmacy technician. As a pharmacy technician manager, my responsibilities include training and accessing the competency of staff technicians. The technicians whom I supervise and I treat each patient like a family member, and as such we take their roles very seriously.

“Pharmacy technicians play a key role in supporting safe medication practices by following appropriate medication safe guards, which allows pharmacists to focus on more clinical aspects of pharmacy. For their efforts in providing patient safety, pharmacy technicians should be celebrated on National Pharmacy Technician Day, but appreciated all year long.”

Pharmacy Technician Program Director, Milan Institute

“My journey as a pharmacy technician instructor began 15 years ago, and throughout this experience, I have strived to learn something new every day, whether it be during my own research for lecture, from my students, or from patients.

“As an instructor and director of a pharmacy technician program, I am allowed to teach my students not only the skills they need to excel in their field, but teach them things like morals, integrity, ethics, teamwork, respect, and communication. I believe these values are of utmost importance to ensure patient safety and quality care.

“Being a technician is not just ‘counting pills,’ as I have often heard. Instead, technicians should be recognized for the impact they have on individuals’ lives.

“Although, as a pharmacy technician, you may never meet the patient in room 505, you are contributing to her well-being and recovery in a way that she may never know.

“It takes dedication, knowledge, and skill to ensure that all patients are receiving the best quality of care possible, and pharmacy technicians exhibit those qualities every day. I know that as a technician, my work has helped improve my patients’ life and health.”

Pharmacy Administrator, Magruder Hospital Port

“Pharmacy technicians are a vital component to the health care team. We truly make a difference in the lives of each and every patient, and I am grateful for the opportunity to come to work knowing I can help impact patient care.

“Each day is different as a pharmacy technician, and every experience and interaction is rewarding. From utilizing new technology to developing innovative methods for patient care, pharmacy technicians are relied upon for their versatility and adaptability to change. I love learning new initiatives and implementing change within the pharmacy and hospital.

“Pharmacy technicians are an integral part of the pharmacy staff who should be celebrated for their commitment to patient safety, as well as for the essential support they bring to the pharmacy team. I am proud to be a part of a group who sees patient care through from the beginning to the end.”

“I am proud to be a health care professional who has such an important role with patient care. I love helping others and as a technician I have the opportunity to build a relationship with patients. It is a great honor to be a pharmacy technician and work alongside pharmacists and other health care professionals in promoting an interdisciplinary environment.

“My favorite aspect of being a pharmacy technician is having the first and last interaction with patients, which sets the tone for a long lasting impression. The experience of building relationships with patients and team members has given me a greater sense of fulfillment; I feel particularly accomplished when I can brighten someone’s day, and always try to make each patient feel uniquely cared for.

“Pharmacy technicians should be recognized for the many obstacles we face and overcome while serving the public. We, as technicians, are the backbone of the pharmacy, and the patients and pharmacists depend on our training and knowledge to improve patient care.

“All health care professionals, especially technicians, should be celebrated because with each individual effort, we establish a better quality of care for each patient.” 

National Pharmacy Technician Day Recognizes Tech Roles

Many pharmacists are looking to national certification as a standard by which to accurately discern a pharmacy technician’s knowledge.

Technician certification is now seen as so important that earning it has become a mandatory or optional 

Regardless of state requirements, certification is still enormously beneficial, according to William Schimmel, associate executive director of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

“Employers place a considerable value on certification because it demonstrates your knowledge as a technician and your commitment to your role in the pharmacy,” Schimmel told 

. “As we see things change in the profession and advanced roles for technicians open up, certification will open a number of new opportunities.”

Schimmel said national certification also serves as a “portable credential.”

“If you have to move to a different state, you can take it with you to prove your knowledge.” he added.

Schimmel estimated that approximately 280,000 technicians are currently actively certified through the PTCB, and he advised current and future technicians interested in joining those numbers to follow these steps:

Potential applicants should first ensure that they are eligible to become PTCB certified. Although there is no age minimum and pharmacy experience is not necessary, applicants are required to have a high school diploma or an equivalent educational degree, such as a GED.

Applicants must also disclose their criminal record and any actions taken against them by a state pharmacy board. Many offenses, especially drug-related crimes, are taken very seriously by the PTCB, though Schimmel said one black mark would not necessarily disqualify a candidate.

Perhaps the more noteworthy requirement of PTCB certification is a passing score on the organization’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

To prepare for this exam, applicants should consider enrolling in a technician 

, especially one accredited by an organization such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education., Schimmel recommended.

There are a number of other resources available to help candidates study, including books, flashcards, and smartphone apps. The PTCB also offers a practice exam online, though Schimmel was careful to note that a passing grade on the practice test will not guarantee a similar score on the actual PTCE.

Applicants who feel that they are ready to take the exam will have to 

 online with PTCB and apply for certification.

The application and test cost $129, though many pharmacies will sponsor their employees and pay the fee for them. Those who require special testing accommodations will be able to request them on the application.

Once the application is approved, candidates have 90 days to schedule and take their exam through Pearson VUE. Applicants who need to reschedule or cancel their appointment with Pearson can do so up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of the exam, while those who wish to withdraw their application completely must do so within the 90-day period, after which most of the testing fee will be refunded.

As with any major test, applicants should make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the exam. On the day of the exam, plan to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment and bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. All other personal items will have to be stored in a locker at the testing site.

Immediately following the exam, applicants will be given an unofficial test result, with the official results accessible online within 2 to 3 weeks. Those who passed the exam will receive their certificate in the mail 4 to 6 weeks after the test date.

Schimmel warned that the PTCE is very rigorous, and so it only has a 57% pass rate. However, those who don’t pass have 3 more chances to do so, though they must wait 60 days to take the test again, or 6 months after the third attempt.

Candidates must reapply and pay the fee each time they take the exam.

Certified technicians are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years in order to maintain their certification. As of 2015, all CE credits earned must be specific to technicians.

The certifications of those unable to earn 20 CE credits after 2 years will expire, after which the technicians will have a 1-year reinstatement period to renew their certification. Technicians who fail to have their certification reinstated after that year will have to start from the beginning and retake the PTCE if they wish to become certified again.

Many pharmacists are looking to national certification as a standard by which to accurately discern a pharmacy technician's knowledge.

5 Steps to Become a Nationally Certified Technician

As pharmacy technicians take on increasingly important 

 and responsibilities, the regulations governing the profession continue to strengthen.

Organizations such as the Pharmacy Technicians Certification Board (PTCB) are able to provide a national standard for technicians, but in the end, each state determines its own minimum requirements for working as a pharmacy tech.

Current and aspiring techs unsure of their state’s laws can consult the following reference guide that explains how to become licensed as a pharmacy technician in each state.

Click on a state to learn about its pharmacy technician license requirements.

Complete an on-the-job training program directed by a pharmacist-in-charge and 

 with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), or;

		Become nationally certified through the PTCB and 

 with the State Board as a pharmacy technician.

 with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy and either:

		Pass a test designed by the pharmacy board, or;

		Become nationally certified through the PTCB

 with the California State Board of Pharmacy:

		Earn an associate degree in pharmacy technology, or;

		Complete a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), or;

		Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program that provides a minimum of 240 hours of training, or;

		Complete a pharmacy technician training program provided by a military branch, or;

		Graduate from a school of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), or;

		Become nationally certified through the PTCB.

There are currently no licensure requirements for pharmacy technicians in Colorado.

 with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection:

		Complete on-the-job training under a pharmacy manager, or;

		Become nationally certified through the PTCB or another approved certifying agency.

There are currently no licensure requirements for pharmacy technicians in Delaware.

There are currently no licensure requirements for pharmacy technicians in Washington, DC, although registration may be required within the next several years.

Complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy and 

 with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy and submit an 

There are currently no licensure requirements for pharmacy technicians in Hawaii.

 with the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician in training and pass the PTCE or another approved certification exam, or;

		Become nationally certified through the PTCB or another approved certifying agency and 

 with the state board as a certified pharmacy technician.

Become nationally certified through the PTCB, complete a pharmacy technician training program, and 

 with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

		Complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the state board, or;

 with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee and pass the PTCE or another approved certification exam within a year of registration, or;

 with the State Board as a certified pharmacy technician.

 with the Kansas Board of Pharmacy and pass a test designed by the state board.

 with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician candidate, complete both 600 hours of on-the-job training and a board-approved training program, and become nationally certified through the PTCB or another approved certifying agency.

Complete an on-the-job training program and 

 with the Maine Board of Pharmacy. Technicians seeking “advanced” designation must also become nationally certified through the PTCB.

		Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program that includes at least 160 hours of on-the-job training, or;

Become nationally certified through the PTCB or another approved certifying agency and do one of the following before 

 with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy:

		Complete a pharmacy technician training course accredited by the ASHP, or;

		Complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program with at least 120 hours of practical instruction and 120 hours of theoretical instruction, or;

		Complete at least 500 hours of on-the-job training.

Techs unsure of their state's laws can consult this reference guide, which explains how to become licensed as a pharmacy technician in each state.