Every third Tuesday of October is celebrated as the National Pharmacy Technician Day in the United States which means this year it falls on the 18th of October.
Pharmacy Technician Day recognizes the invaluable contributions made by pharmacy technicians to patient health, safety and as an integral part of the healthcare team.
Pharmacy technicians perform vital duties in support of pharmacists like counting pills, entering patient data, waiting on customers, and explaining the use and effects of drugs and medical devices. Pharmacies couldn’t run without them, and they deserve a day of appreciation for all their tireless work amd hence this day was created.
| Event | National Pharmacy Technician |
|---|---|
| Date | October 18, 2022 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Significance | The day honors and highlight the important role of the Pharmacy technicians. |
| Observed by | United States |
National Pharmacy Technician Day History:
In the early days of pharmacy ranging from the early 19th century to as recent as the 1970’s and early 1980’s, Pharmacy Technicians were mainly seen as pharmacy assistants. The job title of a Pharmacy Technician does state that they are there to assist the pharmacist in their daily duties, but the position has immensely evolved from what it once was to what it is today.
So in the beginning, pharmacists simply did not see the reason in paying an additional salary to an individual just for assistance when they felt they could do the position themselves. Also many pharmacists owned their own pharmacy in the 1970's, so in the past, not paying a salary was an acceptable business move because things were quite different in that time period. There were fewer patients, nothing was electronically done, there was no insurance to bill, and there were fewer medications to remember.
In current situations, it is no surprise that the pharmaceutical practice has a massive technological influence. You can legally fax or ERx, which is an electronic prescribing service used by select doctors and hospitals, to prescribe prescriptions now, which means the patient doesn’t even have to drop off prescriptions anymore. With the growth and ease of use of technology in the pharmacy, the revenue a pharmacy brings has increased as well. Hence a role of pharmacy technician is very important now.
So to recognize the importance of pharmacy technicians and to honor them for their role the National Pharmacy Technician Day was first celebrated in 1991 when a flyer was published by the AAPT as part of national pharmacy week which, is celebrated in the third full week of October. In July 2015, this day was submitted by Lindsey Ahrens to the National Day Calendar in order to have this day recognized annually.
National Pharmacy Technician Day Significance:
Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of different environments. Depending on education and training, they manage dispensary supply at hospitals and clinics, retail pharmacies, prisons, and veterinary clinics. Their roles may also include the supervision of other pharmacy staff. Under a pharmacist's guidance, a technician may supply medications to patients or prepare prescriptions for the patients. They also helps patients in communication with the pharmacists.
National Pharmacy Technician Day is a unique day as it encourages recognition across the board and brings pharmacy technicians together regardless of the setting they work in, whether it be a Hospital setting, Community setting, Compounding setting, or Independent setting. As it is also seen that despite the immense contribution of pharmacy technicians they are often forgotten by the general public so it works as an awareness program in that way and also tries to build the coordination between different pharmacy technicians.
In this day, technicians are given more importance after than pharmacists. Imagine it this way, for every pharmacist there needs to be at least two to three technicians to match them. So, if there is a three pharmacist team, there needs to be at least six to nine technicians employed at that pharmacy as well. Technicians have become the major backbone to a pharmacy, without them a pharmacy is bound to deteriorate from the inside out hence their role can't be neglected.
This day also allows Pharmacy Technicians to explore other career options or even encourage them to move forward within the pharmacy profession by obtaining advanced certifications. On the other hand this also provides a platform to all of the pharmacy technicians to raise their voice regarding their needs for the profession like if they want further improvement in the profession, salary hikes, etc.
National Pharmacy Technician Day Activities:
Pharmacy technicians are very important for medical care and hence they must be appreciated so for that if you know anyone who are working as pharmacy technicians then it is time for you to appreciate them. Make them realize that how how much you care about and how important they actually are! You can also gift them many things like cards, box of chocolates or even a simple flower thanking them for their service.
National Pharmacy Technician Day happens to land right in the run-up to flu season in the country, and most pharmacies offer flu shots. Seeing your pharmacy technician for a flu shot now is a great way to ensure you don't have to see them under tough circumstances later. So better to be safe and secure in advance only.
There are still many people out there who forget about the role of pharmacy technicians they even don't know that pharmacy technicians exist! So it is time for you to make them realize about it as the pharmacy technicians are very hardworking so it is very important that their contribution must he recognized so make sure to aware people about it by posting about it on your social media.
Most Searched FAQs on National Pharmacy Technician Day:
1. When is National Pharmacy Technician Day celebrated?
National Pharmacy Technician Day is annually celebrated on every third Tuesday of October in US.
2. What is National Pharmacy Week?
National Pharmacy Week(16-22 October) acknowledges the invaluable contributions pharmacists and technicians make to patient care in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings.
3. What does a technician do in a pharmacy?
Pharmacy technicians fill prescriptions and check inventory. Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.