NPTA launches new ACPE-accredited certification course to improve safety of pharmacy technicians

The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) is doing its part to improve the safety of pharmacy technicians with the launch of a new ACPE-accredited certification course on the safe handling of hazardous medications, also referred to as Chemo Certification.

The new course will teach pharmacy technicians the latest standards and recommendations on how to prepare, manipulate, store and dispose of hazardous drugs. NPTA's Founder and CEO Mike Johnston said that he wanted to create a course that provided pharmacy professionals with quality education and valuable hands-on experience without faltering on convenience and affordability.

"It is a natural expansion for NPTA to launch a national certification course on the topic of safe handling of hazardous drugs due to our extensive involvement with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the launch of Safe Handling Awareness Month," said Johnston. "We want to ensure that pharmacy technicians have the validated practical experience to go along with a proper education on this topic."

This course will be an extension of NPTA's nationally recognized IV certification program. Due to the hazardous nature of the drugs being handled, pharmacy technicians must have successfully completed NPTA's IV certification program, a similar ACPE-accredited program, or meet stringent prerequisites to enroll.  

Participants will be fully trained on the proper use of the PhaSeal® system – the only clinically proven closed-system transfer device. Johnston hopes that this course will improve the safety of patients and health care workers by bringing well-educated and trained pharmacy technicians to the workforce.

"Employers are looking for individuals with accredited training and certification in preparing and handling hazardous drugs," said Johnston. "Participants in this course will walk away with confidence in their ability to safely prepare and handle hazardous medications, protecting themselves, their co-workers and their patients."