Since the beginning of the pandemic, the world has relied heavily on essential workers to carry us through. But COVID-19 has taken a toll on the healthcare system, leaving fewer workers in nearly every discipline.

A recent survey showed that 18% of healthcare workers quit their jobs during the pandemic and another 12% were laid off. Of those still employed, more than 30% said that they have considered leaving their jobs, and approximately 80% of healthcare workers said that the national workforce shortage has negatively affected them and their places of employment.

Healthcare worker shortages are not news, but what may not be immediately obvious is how pharmacists and pharmacy techs figure into the equation. After all, their role is to make sure patients have lifesaving medications and treatments. And sadly, along with other industry sectors, pharmacy continues to experience major staffing shortages.

Regarding techs, there has been a crisis brewing for years with many people feeling overworked and underappreciated. Whether in a hospital or retail setting, the fact is that most people who interact with and fill medication bottles are pharmacy techs. And though they aren’t highly paid compared to other medical professionals and often have no pre-employment medical training, they are vital to the healthcare system. Read More >>