A new program launched by several industry organizations seeks to educate pharmacy technicians to meet nationally recognized training standards.
Compounding PATH (Pharmacy Advancement through Technician Hands-On Compounding) for Technicians is a joint venture from the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA).
“This inaugural program represents an unprecedented collaboration among organizations dedicated to helping compounding technicians best serve patients,” NCPA said in a Nov. 20 announcement.
The “comprehensive, hybrid learning experience” of Compounding PATH is designed to prepare technicians “to meet the highest benchmarks in nonsterile compounding practice and professional growth,” the announcement added.
The program includes a pre-study period, followed by an intensive 2.5-day hands-on laboratory training session in Houston at PCCA headquarters. Graduates of the program “will be prepared to take PTCB’s nonsterile compounding certificate exam and can apply this accomplishment toward earning the CPhT-Advanced credential.”
In 2026, the Compounding PATH program will be offered March 23-25 and Aug. 31-Sept. 2 at a cost of $2,495 per technician. Enrollment capacity is limited.
“This collaboration sets a new bar for pharmacy technician advancement,” added NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA. “By bringing together PCCA’s deep compounding expertise, NCPA’s commitment to community pharmacy success and PTCB’s nationally recognized standards, Compounding PATH for Technicians delivers unmatched credibility and a clear pathway for technicians to grow their careers while driving pharmacy performance.”
“Compounding pharmacies thrive when their teams operate at the top of their training and purpose,” said PCCA CEO Gus Bassani, PharmD. “Compounding PATH for Technicians provides the practical, standards-based education that our member pharmacy owners and technicians have asked for, built by the organizations they trust.”
“The Compounding PATH for Technicians program provides pharmacy technicians with the hands-on training and skills they need to advance their careers by earning PTCB’s nonsterile compounding certificate,” said PTCB Chief Professional Officer Liza Chapman. “We’re proud to partner with PCCA and NCPA to deliver this nationally recognized training that elevates the critical role technicians play in patient care.”
