Authors
Matt Holderly, Dimitra Travlos, Logan Murry, Janet Engle
Published in
Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA. Pages 103594. Nov 14, 2026. Epub Nov 14, 2026.
Abstract
To characterize the evolution and existing complexity of continuing professional learning systems for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the United States, quantify changes in other state regulatory requirements between 2005 and 2025, and describe broader developments contributing to the increasing complexity of contemporary continuing professional learning systems.
A historical document review was conducted using the 2005, 2015, and 2025 editions of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Survey of Pharmacy Law. Data were collected regarding pharmacist state-specific continuing education (CE) requirements and activity approval pathways and pharmacy technician registration, certification, licensure, and CE requirements. Historical literature, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) archival materials, and ACPE administrative data were used to contextualize regulatory findings within broader changes in pharmacy practice and educational infrastructure.
CE requirements became increasingly varied and specialized during the study period. Pharmacist requirements expanded beyond accumulation of CE hours to include increasing numbers of topic-specific mandates and state-specific activity approval pathways. State board-specific activity approval pathways increased from 15 jurisdictions in 2015 to 33 in 2025 while instances of specific CE requirements increased from 42 to 97. Pharmacy technician regulation and continuing competence expectations also expanded: jurisdictions requiring certification increased from 8 to 22, licensure from 9 to 16, and CE from 20 to 28 between 2015 and 2025. Jurisdictions requiring technician-specific CE topics increased from 3 to 12. These regulatory developments occurred alongside expansion of educational and technological systems, professional responsibilities, and mechanisms supporting specialized and individualized learning.
Continuing competence systems for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have become increasingly comprehensive and interconnected as pharmacy practice, regulation, and healthcare delivery have evolved. Future approaches should balance targeted regulatory and educational requirements with mechanisms that support individualized professional development, meaningful engagement in learning, accountability, and public protection.
PMID:
43033987
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 15 Nov 2026.
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