If you’re reading this, you’re probably aware of the current shortage of pharmacist skills and qualities.
This can be a big challenge for organizations that rely on pharmacists to provide vital healthcare services to patients.
However, there are ways to address this shortage, and one of the most effective is by upskilling and reskilling existing pharmacists.
In this blog, we’ll explore the pharmacist skills that can be developed or enhanced to help address the shortage and create opportunities for career advancement or change.
Whether you’re a pharmacist looking to expand your skill set or an organization looking to improve your pharmacy services, keep on reading…
Pharmacist skills required in 2023
- Pharmaceutical knowledge
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Technical skills
- Patient care skills
- Leadership skills
- Business skills
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Upskilling and reskilling aren’t just about looking good on paper
Pharmacists play a critical role in the healthcare industry, providing patients with the medications and advice they need to maintain their health and well-being.
However, with the shortage of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in many areas, it’s more important than ever for pharmacists to upskill and reskill to meet the increasing demand for their services.
Pharmacist skills and qualities needed in 2023 aren’t just about looking good on paper.
They’re about acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to provide better care to patients and improve pharmacy operations.
Here are three ways that pharmacists can leverage their skills to make a difference in their careers and the healthcare industry.
Career Change
For pharmacists who are looking for a change of pace or a new challenge, upskilling and reskilling can be a great way to pivot into a new role or specialty within the healthcare industry.
For example…
Pharmacists can gain additional training in areas such as informatics, research, or even business administration.
This can open up pharmaceutical sales, management, or even entrepreneurship opportunities.
Moreover, many pharmacists can make the transition to research by pursuing additional education and training in areas such as drug development, clinical research, and regulatory affairs.
Career Advancement
For pharmacists who are looking to advance in their careers, upskilling and reskilling can be a great way to demonstrate their value to their employers and take on new challenges.
By acquiring new skills and knowledge, pharmacists can position themselves for leadership roles within their organizations or in the healthcare industry at large.
Career Improvement
By acquiring new pharmacist skills and qualities, pharmacists can become more efficient and effective in their current roles, leading to better patient outcomes and more satisfying careers.
One area where pharmacists can make a big difference is in medication therapy management (MTM).
MTM is a patient-centered approach to medication management that involves:
- reviewing a patient’s medications,
- identifying potential medication-related problems,
- and developing a plan to address those problems.
Pharmacists who have expertise in MTM can help to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and increase patient satisfaction.
This can be a valuable skill set for pharmacists who are looking to improve their current roles and make a bigger impact in their organizations.
How to upskill or reskill this workforce?
As you already know, the shortage of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians has created significant challenges for healthcare facilities.
Fortunately, one effective way to manage this shortage is by investing in upskilling and reskilling opportunities for your current staff.
One key area to focus on is technology training.
As pharmacy services evolve, your pharmacy workers must stay current with the latest technologies, such as:
- e-verification systems,
- pill counters,
- data analytics for opioid use,
- telepharmacy,
- Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, etc.
Make sure to provide training opportunities so that your staff can learn and master these technologies.
Certification is another valuable way to upskill and reskill your pharmacy staff.
Encourage your pharmacy technicians to take accredited classes and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).
Offer support and resources for board certification, which can set them apart from their peers and enhance their career prospects.
Finally, continuing education is essential for maintaining and improving skills.
Ensure that your staff meets the minimum requirements for continuing education (CE) credits. Consider encouraging them to take extra courses and pursue additional training opportunities.
Final remarks
Let’s face it… the shortage of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can be a real challenge for healthcare facilities.
But investing in pharmacist skills and qualities can be a game-changer. ..
…You’re also investing in their career growth and advancement opportunities.
The bottom line is this – By creating a culture of learning and growth, you’ll be doing your part to ensure top-notch pharmacy services for your patients and setting up your staff for success in the long run.
