Continuing education is a requirement for registered pharmacy technicians in Virginia to maintain their registration. These educational activities are measured in contact hours, with one contact hour typically representing 50 to 60 minutes of instruction. These hours must be earned through approved providers and cover relevant pharmacy-related topics. For example, a pharmacy technician might attend a two-hour seminar on new medication safety protocols, earning two contact hours.
The necessity of ongoing professional development ensures that pharmacy technicians remain current with the latest advancements in pharmaceutical practices, regulations, and patient safety measures. This commitment contributes to improved patient care and reduces the risk of medication errors. Historically, the implementation of continuing education requirements for pharmacy technicians aimed to elevate the standards of the profession and ensure a consistently high level of competence within the field.
