There’s a perfectly grand explanation for the boom in pharmacy tech and healthcare CTE training programs – COVID-19. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a tremendous shift in how healthcare services are delivered worldwide. And although we’re now living in the post-pandemic era, the need for certified vocational and high school student graduates remains high.
This week, we’re discussing the top five reasons why schools and students alike should consider a healthcare or pharmacy tech CTE training program.
The immense changes emerging in healthcare policies and procedures across the U.S. have also directly affected CTE programs. And these effects have caused an influx in service needs and a demand for more certified healthcare technicians. Below are five ways CTE programs in healthcare have been impacted:
1. There’s an increased demand for pharmaceutical services.
Pharmacy services remain critical in preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic in public health. However, pharmacists worldwide, particularly in developed countries, have responded quickly and intelligently to public health concerns because of the unexpected challenges our public health sector now faces.
With prescription medicine prices peaking during the pandemic, the demand for such services also increased to compensate. Therefore, requirements and changes include the following areas.
- Formulating professional protection and service guidance for pharmacy employees and services
- Developing and updating medication formularies
- Dealing with drug shortages, and
- Delivering public education on infection prevention and management
2. We’re seeing faster job growth for healthcare and pharmacy technicians.
As the requirements for pharmaceutical services increase to meet the shift in prescription drugs, so does the need for pharmacy technicians.
Between 2018 and 2028, studies predict the growth rate for pharmacy technicians to be up by 7%, while the occupation growth rate for others is predicted to be around 5%. In addition, an average of 37,500 employment opportunities are expected each year for pharmacy technicians.
3. Pharmacy technician qualifications are changing.
The 2020 graduating class was the first to complete pharmacy technician practice experiences online. And although many students missed out on events like graduation, program policy changes and amendments helped many of them obtain certifications. However, they still had to grapple with an uncertain job market in the middle of the pandemic.
Pharmacy technicians must still have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn their responsibilities through on-the-job training. Fortunately, today, there’s a need for increased student enrollment so students can complete an accredited pharmacy technology CTE program.
4. The duties of pharmacy and healthcare technicians are expanding.
COVID-19 has affected everyone, but pharmacy technicians and other CTE program healthcare graduates have experienced distinct effects. These effects are seen through expanded roles, new policies– like vaccination administration, and greater responsibilities.
The number of pharmacy technician positions is growing, but it is not the only aspect of the field that’s been affected. The responsibilities of a pharmacy technician are also increasing. Healthcare technicians are now responsible for activities traditionally performed by pharmacists, physicians, and licensed nurses. For example, pharmacy staffers gather more patient and health insurance information, prepare more medications, and evaluate the work of other technicians.
Overall, we don’t expect these roles to shrink back to traditional tasks. Instead, we anticipate further expansions in roles and responsibilities as studies confirm that healthcare policies continue to evolve.
5. Increased Patient-Care Activities
The pandemic has left its mark in substantially influencing our health systems’ ability to continue providing vital health services. And with the increase in direct patient care needs, facilities remain slightly short-staffed and need additional workers to meet demand.
And with the sudden surge of patients, there has also been an increase in activities to assist the sick and injured in their recovery by giving them essential daily assistance.
Healthcare CTE training program graduates can help overcome some of the industry’s challenges.
If your vocational or high school is interested in offering or enhancing your healthcare CTE training curriculum, it’s not too late to connect with Kaduceus. As always, we’re here to help your educational facility foster student success and prepare students for a rewarding healthcare career.
For immediate assistance and further information, call Kaduceus today at 281-447-4200.
Photo Reference1: Vaccination image photo by CDC.
