NAPLEX and MPJE Tips: Pharmacist to technician ratio. What you need to know

MPJE

May 28

Pharmacists scale by utilizing the help of pharmacy technicians. It is important the pharmacist follows the BOP set rules of pharmacist-to-technician ratio. Here are things you should be aware of regarding this topic

The ratio rule is the maximum number of technicians you can have at the same time. You can always have fewer technicians
Different pharmacy practice settings can have different ratio values, so it is important you are aware of the difference
Going over the ratio can result in disciplinary actions for the pharmacist/PIC
Some states don’t have a ratio of pharmacist to technician
In all cases, the pharmacist and PIC should use their best judgment to ensure that they are able to correctly supervise all technicians during the shift

Here are some MPJE type questions regarding this topic

Assume you are in a state that allows the tech to pharmacist ratio of 3:1

Andy and Joe are pharmacists working at a high-volume pharmacy. The pharmacy is open 10 hours a day. Each pharmacist works a unique 5-hour shift. How many technicians can work the AM shift at the same time? (Select all that apply)

One
Two
Three
Four, if at least one is certified
Four, if at least two are certified

Answer key: 1,2,3 – in this situation, up to three technicians can work at the same time under the supervision of the pharmacist

Andy and Joe are pharmacists working at a high-volume pharmacy. The pharmacy is open 10 hours a day. Both pharmacists work the same 10-hour shift. The pharmacy utilizes the help of 5 technicians throughout the shift. Joe must step out for a few hours due to an emergency. How should Andy handle the technician and general pharmacy operations?

Joe can leave, and Andy and the current staff can fill the high-volume prescriptions
Andy can manage the pharmacy and can request the help of an intern and two additional technicians
Andy can manage the pharmacy but must ask four technicians to leave the pharmacy
Andy can manage the pharmacy but must ask two technicians to leave the pharmacy

Answer key: #4 – the maximum number of technicians that can work under the direct supervision of Andy is 3. In this case, Andy must ask two technicians to leave the pharmacy

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