Membership Survey 2026: What We Heard from You

Thank you to the 100+ members who took the time to complete the 2026 PTSA Membership Survey. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping how we support pharmacy technicians across Alberta. Here’s a summary of the key insights and what they mean for our direction moving forward.

Strong Support for PTSA’s Role

Members continue to see value in PTSA as a professional voice for pharmacy technicians. The majority of respondents agreed that membership supports professionalism and strengthens a unified voice for the profession.

Encouragingly, most respondents also indicated they are likely or very likely to recommend PTSA membership to a colleague, reflecting overall positive sentiment and engagement.

Opportunities to Improve Awareness and Transparency

While sentiment is strong, the survey identified an important gap: A notable portion of members indicated they do not fully understand what membership fees support.

Additionally, several comments called for more transparency around how resources are used and better communication of advocacy efforts and outcomes.

What Members Value Most

When asked to rank membership benefits, several themes stood out:

  • Education and professional development opportunities
  • Advocacy and practice advancement efforts
  • Networking and connection with peers

These core pillars continue to define PTSA’s value proposition and will remain central to future planning. Respondents also expressed strong interest in membership auto-renewal options for convenience.

Suggestions for new benefits focused on:

  • Continuing education (especially free or included options)
  • Travel, wellness, and fitness discounts
  • Practical supports for day-to-day professional needs
  • Mental health and burnout resources

Clear Demand for More Education (Especially Flexible Formats)

Across multiple questions, one message came through clearly: members want more accessible and high-quality continuing education. Members also expressed interest in advanced or specialized topics and regulatory updates with practical application.

While many members have attended PTSA conferences, access remains a challenge. What you told us: Hybrid models are key to ensuring equitable access across the province.

Future of Scope: Strong Support for Injection Authority

A significant majority of respondents agreed that injection authority would enhance the value of the profession, improve patient access, and increase workflow efficiency. Many also indicated they would personally pursue authorization if it becomes available.

 

We sincerely appreciate your insights, ideas, and candid feedback. Your voice continues to shape PTSA’s priorities and ensures we remain responsive to the evolving needs of Alberta’s pharmacy technicians.

Did you miss your chance to complete the survey? Share your feedback in the comments below.

 

Hospital Pharmacy in Canada: What’s New?

The newly released Hospital Pharmacy in Canada (HPC) Survey Report 2023/24 offers one of the most comprehensive snapshots of hospital pharmacy practice nationwide. It also shines a spotlight on the evolving role of pharmacy technicians in hospital settings.

The Full Report is available here: HPCS-2023-24-Report-ENG.rev.March.10.2026.pdf

Here are key takeaways:

Expanded Scope and Role Optimization Are National Priorities

A major theme in the report is the optimization of pharmacy technician roles to meet increasing healthcare demands. Hospitals are actively looking for ways to maximize the full scope of practice for regulated pharmacy technicians to free up pharmacists for clinical care and implement best practices in workflow design.

Workforce Pressures Are Driving Change

The pharmacy workforce is under pressure—and pharmacy technicians are part of the solution. The report highlights workforce trends and staffing challenges, the need for sustainable staffing models, an increasing reliance on pharmacy technicians to maintain service levels amid shortages.

Technology Is Reshaping Pharmacy Technician Practice

While detailed in multiple sections of the report, the implications of increased use of automation and dispensing technologies are clear, Pharmacy technicians are often at the forefront of managing automation technologies and supporting digital workflows.

The Big Picture: A Profession in Transition

Overall, the 2023/24 survey paints a clear picture: Pharmacy technician practice in Canada is evolving rapidly, driven by system pressures, technological advancement, and the need for safer, more efficient care.

Pharmacy technicians are taking on expanded responsibilities, becoming indispensable in system design and delivery and helping shape the future of hospital pharmacy practice.

What This Means for Pharmacy Technicians

The HPC 2023/24 report confirms what many of us already know from experience. As the profession continues to evolve, pharmacy technicians are well-positioned to lead, innovate, and advocate for the future of practice.

  • Advocacy matters: Continued efforts to support full scope practice are validated by national data
  • Professional growth is essential: Skills in technology, safety, and systems thinking are increasingly critical
  • Leadership opportunities are growing: Pharmacy technicians are positioned to influence workflow design, policy, and quality improvement

Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Foundations of Safe Compounding

Contec and PTSA Present

Foundations of Safe Compounding;

Hazardous Drug Handling, Donning and Doffing and NAPRA Draft Documents

Thursday June 25th, 2026

iHotel & Conference Centre, Red Deer, AB

 

Presentation details and speaker information:

 

8:15-9:15 am – Sign in and breakfast

9:15 am to 10:00 am – Invisible Risks, Visible Solutions: Reducing Exposure to Hazardous Drug Residues, presented by Mark Wiencek (Lead Microbiologist at Contec Healthcare).

 

10:15 am to 11:45 am – What Changed, What’s Gone, What Matters: Decoding the New NAPRA Sterile Compounding Draft, presented by Melanie Dorey (Co-owner, Critical Compounding Resources).

 

11:45 am to 1:00 pm – Lunch and networking

 

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Best Practices for Cleaning and Disinfecting a Sterile Compounding Pharmacy & Interactive Donning and Doffing activity for both sterile and non-sterile compounding environments, presented by Michael Myers (Clinical Support Manager at Contec Healthcare).

 

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm – Smoke, Leaks and Lasers: The physics test that keeps your patients safe, presented by Aimee Kohler (Technical Sales Advisor at Con-Test).

 

2:45 pm- 3:30 pm – Closing remarks, afternoon tea, coffee and other refreshments, time for more networking and asking the presenters questions.

 

Attendees can claim 4 hours of non-accredited CEUs for this event!

Register by June 12th, 2026. Limited spaces available.

 

Registration

 

Hotel Information:

 

Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-1.05.10-PM-300x230.png

The hotel is offering discounted rates for event attendees. Attendees are encouraged to call 403-342-6567 and tell the hotel you are guests of the PTSA event on Jun 25th.

You can also click this link to book online.

iHOTEL & Conference Centre Red Deer! | Hotel Rooms and Banquets in Red Deer, Alberta

Book the hotel before May 25th, 2026.

 

 

If you have any questions about this event, email Rikki at education.director@ptsa.ca.

Driving Medication Safety in Health Care through Continuous Quality Improvement

Join ISMP Canada for a complimentary webinar to explore practical quality improvement strategies that strengthen medication safety in health care settings. Learn how Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) can support safer systems and improved patient outcomes.

Date: May 7, 2026

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST

Learning Objectives: 

  • Describe key conecpts like Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
  • Explain problem-solving approaches tailored to health care environments through real-world case studies
  • Explain the essential components to building a culture of CQI within your health care setting
  • Discuss options to enhance your knowledge further and lead your team to success

Register Here

One Council. One Profession – Your Voice Matters! Your Vote Matters!

Recognizing and Strengthening the Role of Pharmacy Technicians in Alberta

 

Pharmacy technicians are an essential part of our healthcare system and a critical pillar of every pharmacy team. Throughout my years in practice, I have seen firsthand the skill, professionalism, and dedication that pharmacy technicians bring to patient care every day. As I connect with pharmacy teams across Alberta during my ACP campaign, one message is clear—our profession is strongest when we support all members of the team.

Platform

My platform is focused on practical, workable solutions, and that applies just as much to pharmacy technicians as it does to pharmacists. When we talk about practical regulation, it means ensuring that standards are clear, consistent, and reflective of real-world workflows. For pharmacy technicians, this translates into expectations that are well-defined and aligned with the important responsibilities you already carry in practice.

Consistency in practice site assessments is another area that directly impacts technicians. Clear and consistent expectations help reduce uncertainty and allow teams to focus on delivering high-quality care rather than navigating variability in interpretation. This benefits not only pharmacists, but pharmacy technicians who are integral to daily operations.

Technology is also rapidly shaping our practice. When implemented thoughtfully, it can support technicians by improving workflow efficiency, reducing administrative burden, and allowing more time to focus on patient-centered activities. The goal should always be to support—not complicate—your role.

An important part of my campaign is also exploring the expansion of scope for pharmacy technicians. This is an opportunity to recognize the capabilities within the profession and support further growth. At the same time, I strongly believe that any scope expansion must come with appropriate training, support, recognition, and reimbursement. It should be a thoughtful and inclusive process that reflects the diverse perspectives of pharmacy technicians across Alberta—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Ultimately, strengthening the role of pharmacy technicians is about strengthening the entire profession. By ensuring that our systems, standards, and supports evolve alongside practice, we can continue to provide high-quality care to Albertans.

I would be honored to have your vote and support!

How to vote:

Login to myACP using the link: https://myacp.abpharmacy.ca/

Click: Council Election

Click: Vote Now

 

Deepak Narang
ACP Pharmacist Councillor 2 Candidate

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PTSA does not endorse any individual candidate for election. Voting decisions are a personal choice. 

Membership Survey Open until Friday, May 8

Your perspective is essential to the continued success and future direction of the Pharmacy Technician Society of Alberta (PTSA). We invite you to participate in the membership survey and share your insights to help shape how we support the PTSA community.

Members must be logged in to access the survey.

The survey is now closed. Please watch for results to be shared in the next member newsletter.

Membership Survey 2026

The survey will remain open until Friday, May 8, 2026.

Create your own user feedback survey

RxTech Summit Sponsorship

September 11 & 12, 2026

Evario Event Centre

950 Parson Rd SW, Edmonton AB T6X 0J4


The RX Tech Summit (formerly known as the Alberta Pharmacy Technician Conference) brings together 250+ Pharmacy Technicians from across Alberta – Professionals who directly influence medication safety, product selection, and workflow efficiency. 

Why Sponsor?

  • Build Brand awareness with a highly targeted audience 
  • Direct access to 200+ Pharmacy Technicians across Alberta
  • Showcase products and solutions to frontline users 
  • Generate qualified leads through in-person engagement 
  • Align your brand with professional development and patient safety

This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with a highly targeted audience that: 

  • Influences purchasing and product use in the pharmacy
  • Actively seeks solutions, tools, and education
  • Represents Hospital, Retail, and Long-Term Care sectors

Limited opportunities available. Early commitments ensure visibility.

Click here to view the full package: RxTech Summit Sponsorship Package 2026

If you have an idea that is not outlined in the prospectus, please let us know! We are open to creating a custom package that reaches your organization’s goals.

Contact us at conference.sponsorship@ptsa.ca


$7,500 Platinum Sponsorship

Reception Sponsor

  • Recognition as host sponsor through reception
  • 3-minutes of stage time at reception
  • Brand showcase at reception

Platinum Sponsors Also Receive

  • Attendee list (of organizations represented and individuals who opt-in)
  • Company featured in the PTSA newsletter
  • Logo recognition and link on the RxTech Summit website
  • Priority placement on conference material and digital signage
  • Verbal recognition from the podium
  • Logo and profile in mobile event app
  • 2 push notifications through the mobile event app
  • 4 full conference passes
  • Opportunity to provide a branded item in the delegate bag
  • Featured social media spotlight post
  • Lead retrieval

$5,000 Gold Sponsorship

Gold sponsorship opportunities include your choice of one of the following features:

Breakfast & Keynote Speaker Sponsor

  • Recognition as the keynote speaker sponsor
  • 3-minutes of stage time at the breakfast with opportunity to introduce keynote speaker
  • VIP reserved table at breakfast
  • Brand showcase opportunity at the meals

OR

Breakfast & Lunch Sponsor

  • Recognition as the meal sponsor
  • 3-minutes of stage time at one meal
  • VIP reserved table at meals
  • Brand showcase opportunity at the meals

Gold Sponsors Also Receive

  • Exhibitor booth with priority placement
  • Attendee list (of organizations represented and individuals who opt-in)
  • Company feature in PTSA newsletter
  • Logo recognition and link on RxTech Summit website
  • Priority placement on conference material and digital signage
  • Verbal recognition from the podium
  • Logo and profile in mobile event app
  • 1 push notification through mobile event app
  • 3 full conference passes
  • Opportunity to provide branded item in delegate bag
  • Social media recognition
  • Lead retrieval

$3,500 Silver Sponsorship

Silver sponsorship opportunities include your choice of one of the following opportunities:

Refreshment Break Sponsor

Photo Booth Sponsor

WiFi Sponsor

Session Sponsor

Mobile App Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Silver Sponsors Also Receive

  • Exhibitor booth
  • Attendee list (of organizations represented and individuals who opt-in)
  • Logo recognition on RxTech Summit website
  • Recognition on conference material and digital signage
  • Verbal recognition from the podium
  • Logo and profile in mobile event app
  • 2 full conference passes
  • Opportunity to provide branded item in delegate bag

$2,000 Bronze Sponsorship

Bronze sponsorship includes the following features:

  • Exhibitor booth
  • Logo recognition on RxTech Summit website
  • Recognition on conference material and digital signage
  • Recognition in mobile event app
  • 1 full conference passes

$750 Supporting Sponsor

Supporting sponsor include the following features:

  • Logo recognition on RxTech Summit website
  • Recognition on conference material and digital signage
  • Recognition in mobile event app

Add On Opportunities

  • Newsletter Submission – $750
  • Lead Retrieval – $500
  • Push notifications through app – $500
  • Branded item in delegate bag – $500
  • Additional staff passes – $500

Screenshot-2026-06-08-190109.png