Pharmacy technicians have long been the backbone of health-system pharmacy operations, supporting the safe preparation and use of medications. Today, technicians also contribute directly to patient care, including obtaining medication histories, managing prior authorizations, and much more. ASHP envisions that opportunities for technicians will continue to grow as healthcare organizations expand their use of artificial intelligence, digital technology, and next-generation therapeutics.

But for our profession to realize its full potential, pharmacy technicians must be universally recognized as essential, respected, and valued members of the pharmacy and healthcare workforce.

When technicians thrive, pharmacists have more time to focus on direct patient care, health systems become more resilient, and patients benefit from safer, more effective medication-use practices. That’s why ASHP has maintained a long-standing commitment to advancing pharmacy technician roles and recognition. It is why, in 2023, we launched The Pharmacy Technician Society^® (TPTS) – now a thriving professional home with more than 17,000 members nationwide.

Returning to a Shared Vision

We are committed to advancing work that also began nine years ago when we collaborated with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to convene the Pharmacy Technician Stakeholder Consensus Conference, an important milestone toward better defining technician roles and establishing consistent expectations for their education, training, and certification. The conference brought a broad consensus on the need for standardized, accredited education programs and competency-based national certification. That consensus remains strong to this day.

A Clear Path Forward

ASHP’s new strategic plan calls for elevating pharmacy technician roles in partnership with TPTS. As part of this goal, we need all states to embrace standardized education and training requirements, including the completion of an ASHP/ACPE-accredited training program, licensure or registration by a board of pharmacy, and certification by the PTCB.

ASHP and ACPE are currently updating the accreditation standard for pharmacy technician programs, with a revised standard expected this spring. ASHP remains committed to setting and upholding the highest standards for technician education and supporting their advancement in every practice setting.

To sustain our progress, pharmacy technicians must know they’ve chosen not just a job, but a career that offers many opportunities for growth. Technician compensation must also reflect the complexity and importance of their work, which reinforces the need for continuing professional development and training for a nationally certified workforce of pharmacy technicians.

A Call to Action

In the final weeks of my tenure as CEO, I want to underscore the importance of this critical work and urge all ASHP and TPTS members to actively support the advancement of pharmacy technicians. Volunteer for TPTS committees, mentor technicians in your workplace, and advocate within your institutions for enhanced technician roles, accredited education, national certification, and recognition. Your leadership and engagement are vital for continued progress.

These efforts are essential to advance and strengthen our profession for the future. This is a pivotal time for pharmacy technicians, and ASHP remains committed to supporting their essential roles on patient care teams and continued advancement.

Thank you for all you do for your patients and our profession.

Sincerely,

Paul

Posted on January 23, 2026