ASHP launches Pharmacy Technician Society

The Pharmacy Technician Society, a national membership organization exclusively dedicated to elevating pharmacy technician roles in patient care, has launched its operations.

Created by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, TPTS is a new organization led by and comprised of pharmacy technicians to provide critical advocacy and advancement opportunities for the pharmacy technician workforce in all patient care settings. The new organization offers a range of services, including comprehensive continuing education, career development, networking, publications and resources and standards for the professional practice of pharmacy technicians. 

TPTS also will advocate for federal and state policies and regulations that promote safe and effective medication use and advanced technician roles.

[Read more: Pharmacy technicians remain committed to serving despite pandemic-related challenges]

“Pharmacy technicians are critical members of the pharmacy workforce who provide valuable patient care services across the continuum of care and are instrumental in achieving optimal medication outcomes,” said ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz. “We believe TPTS will make significant inroads in elevating the role of pharmacy technicians as part of the healthcare team and are proud to lend our extensive experience to create a new organization dedicated to providing education, resources, and needed advocacy to empower current and aspiring pharmacy technicians.”

The ASHP Pharmacy Technician Forum, launched in 2018, created the foundation for the formation of TPTS. With the launch of the new organization, ASHP will gradually transition the activities of the Pharmacy Technician Forum to TPTS, with all existing ASHP technician members automatically receiving dual membership to both organizations.

TPTS is offering pharmacy technicians a free trial membership through June 30, 2024, with all members receiving:

• Access to continuing education, webinars, podcasts and practice resources such as a monthly newsletter, a comprehensive website and career development services.
• Opportunities to connect with other pharmacy technician professionals across the country through live and virtual networking forums.
• National and state advocacy on behalf of pharmacy technicians.
• Venues to create and advocate for policies and regulations that promote safe medication use and create advanced practice positions for technicians.
• Toolkits, guidelines, publications and other resources that support the daily work and advancement of pharmacy technicians.

“TPTS will devote substantial attention to addressing the significant workforce opportunities and challenges faced by pharmacy technicians building on ASHP’s longstanding commitment to these vital members of the pharmacy workforce,” said Hannah Vanderpool, executive director of TPTS and vice president of ASHP’s office of member relations. “We need to ensure technicians across all practice settings have the support they need to thrive and are pleased to provide a new professional home solely dedicated to empowering pharmacy technicians as we support advancements in technicians' careers, expansion of technician knowledge and skills, and advocacy and leadership for the technician workforce.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that employment of pharmacy technicians will grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, with more opportunities expected for technicians to expand their roles as increased demand for healthcare services continues. Despite a positive job outlook, recent surveys have highlighted technician workforce challenges. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of hospitals reported shortages of entry-level pharmacy technicians, and 96% experienced shortages of experienced pharmacy technicians, according to the 2022 ASHP National Survey of Pharmacy Practice in Hospital Settings.

TPTS will appoint members to its inaugural board of directors in 2024, and technicians will vote for TPTS board members going forward. Technicians interested in serving in the inaugural TPTS board of directors can submit an application by Jan. 31, 2024.

 For more information about TPTS, visit here.