What’s in a Name? ….. Plenty!
New Legislation Gives Pharmacy Technicians Title Protection

For some people, the title of their occupation carries little significance, but for many, it is an important statement about who they are. It is common for people to describe their employment by their title, for instance, “I am a pharmacy technician.” Since the title defines the role, it is not surprising that pharmacy technicians, about to experience a title change as a result of new legislation in the profession designed to protect the title, are expressing some apprehension about what it all means.

Title protection will certainly affect many pharmacy technicians. Perhaps the most difficult change for them to accept will be the College’s decision to discontinue the Certified Pharmacy Technician, or CPhT designation, as we prepare for the transition to the qualification of Registered Pharmacy Technician, or RPhT. There are currently more than 3,000 CPhTs who will be obliged to adapt to the change.

The College is discontinuing certification, as a result of creating a new qualification process to obtain the new designation of RPhT. Additionally, since not all current CPhT’s will want to become RPhT’s, the concept of two very similar sounding designations could be a source of confusion for many.

For pharmacy technicians intending to become RPhT’s, the change in title may require only a minor adjustment. For CPhT’s who don’t choose to become registered with the College, it will have much more impact. This is because individuals who do not register with the College when title protection comes into effect (at a date to be determined, but within approximately two years) will lose the right to use the CPhT designation and will have to discontinue using any form of title containing the words “pharmacy technician.” The legislation that was passed in June 2007 states “no person other than a member [of the Ontario College of Pharmacists] shall use the title … ‘pharmacy technician’ …, a variation or abbreviation, or an equivalent in another language.”

Therefore, Certified Pharmacy Technicians who choose not to become registered will need to identify themselves with a new title, perhaps “pharmacy assistant,” which, admittedly, does not convey the same message about the designation they have achieved. In fact, the College has heard from pharmacy technicians that this feels like a loss of identity. We would like to emphasize that although the CPhT title may no longer be used, it does not alter the fact that the certification has been earned, and individuals may continue to communicate this achievement to others on a resume, in a professional portfolio, or in any other manner.

Likewise, individuals who have not completed the certification exam, and do not intend to do so but plan to continue working in their current role, will need to use a title other than “pharmacy technician” when the legislation takes effect. The College, will be reviewing titles currently in use and seeking terms to more clearly differentiate the various categories of individuals who all play an important role in the delivery of pharmacy services.