1983 to Present Day
Pharmacy Technician History
Pharmacy Technician History
Explore the evolution of pharmacy technicians and their pivotal role in healthcare. This historical overview highlights key milestones as pharmacy technicians evolved from support staff to vital members of the pharmacy team.
Pharmacy technicians’ responsibilities have expanded significantly to include advanced tasks such as medication preparation, patient support, clinical support, and specialized inventory management. By launching TPTS, ASHP has shown that technicians are more essential than ever to ensure the safe and effective delivery of medications.
ASHP-Accredited Pharmacy Technician Training and Education
In 1982, the ASHP Board approved standards for accreditation of pharmacy technician education and training programs in any pharmacy or educational environment.
ASHP-Accredited Pharmacy Technician Training and Education
First Hospital-Based Training Program Accredited
In 1983, ASHP accredited the first hospital-based technician training program at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA
Model Curriculum for Pharmacy Technician Training
In 1988, the first edition of the Model Curriculum for Pharmacy Technician Training was released. The Model Curriculum serves as a tool to accompany the accreditation standards for pharmacy technician education and training to assist program directors in designing their programs in accordance with the standard. The model curriculum is now in its fifth edition.
Model Curriculum for Pharmacy Technician Training
Pharmacy Technician Certification
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) was formed as a collaboration of leading pharmacy societies and associations, becoming the first certification organization for pharmacy technicians in the United States.
PTCB.org
Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC)
Formation of The Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC), that serves as the working body for the collaboration between ASHP and ACPE for the accreditation of pharmacy technician education and training programs. PTAC ensures the quality review of programs that are reviewed for accreditation that are ultimately approved by both the ASHP and ACPE Board of Directors. PTAC also ensures current and future policies are developed by pharmacy technician education and training accreditation.
Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC)
ASHP Statement on the Roles of Pharmacy Technicians
The ASHP Statement on the Roles of Pharmacy Technicians acknowledges the critical roles and responsibilities of well-educated and highly skilled pharmacy technicians in ensuring a safe and effective medication-use process. It emphasizes that the competence of pharmacy technicians is essential to the medication-use process.
ASHP Statement on the Roles of Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Technician Stakeholder Consensus Conference
Planned in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and under the guidance of an advisory committee representing all major branches of pharmacy, this invitational event yielded important recommendations concerning the definition, education, entry-level requirements, advanced practice, certification, and regulation of pharmacy technicians.
Pharmacy Technician Stakeholder Consensus Conference
New ASHP/ACPE-Accreditation Standards Approved
2018 marked the approval of revised ASHP/ACPE-Accreditation standards for pharmacy technician education and training programs, marking the first distinction between entry-level and advanced-level pharmacy training.
Accredited Pharmacy Technician Training and Education
ASHP launched the ASHP Pharmacy Technician Forum
ASHP launched the Pharmacy Technician Forum in 2018 to serve as a new membership home within ASHP to elevate and advance the pharmacy technician workforce. The Pharmacy Technician Forum created the foundation and acceleration for the launch of TPTS. The activities of the Pharmacy Technician Forum have transitioned over to TPTS.
ASHP Launches Pharmacy Technician Forum
ASHP Pharmacy Technician Forum Distinguished Service Award
In 2019, the ASHP Pharmacy Technician Forum Executive Committee voted to create the Pharmacy Technician Forum Distinguished Service Award to recognize the volunteer efforts of pharmacy technicians, their support for the mission of the Forum, and their work toward the advancement of the profession.
ASHP Distinguished Service Award
ASHP Board of Directors Pharmacy Technician Excellence Award
As part of ASHP's continued commitment to the advancement of the pharmacy technician workforce, the ASHP Board of Directors voted to create the ASHP Board of Directors Pharmacy Technician Excellence Award to recognize contributions to excellence in the role of pharmacy technicians, advancement of the pharmacy technician workforce, and advancement of pharmacy practice. The award was conferred for the first time in 2021 to two pharmacy technicians.
ASHP Pharmacy Technician Excellence Award
ASHP launched PharmTechReady®
PharmTechReady® offers over 150 hours of didactic content that can be used for entry- and advanced-level pharmacy technician education and training programs, aligned with the ASHP/ACPE Model Curriculum and accreditation standards.
ASHP Launches Pharmacy Technician Training Program to Address Workforce Shortages
ASHP launched The Pharmacy Technician Society (TPTS)
TPTS is the collective voice of pharmacy technicians who practice in hospital systems, community pharmacies, clinics and other settings. Created by ASHP, TPTS supports the career advancement and professionalization of the pharmacy technician workforce through education, networking, policy development, and advocacy.
New Pharmacy Technician Membership Organization LaunchesBecome a Member Today
Make a meaningful impact on the profession and further your career with TPTS membership. Connect with a network of thousands of like-minded individuals and contribute to a shared vision of elevating technician careers and advancing healthcare. Take the first step — join now and let TPTS help you reach your full potential.
JOIN TODAY