That’s why ASHP launched The Pharmacy Technician Society (TPTS^®) nearly a year and a half ago. This unique technician-led member organization is both the professional home for technicians and a catalyst for education, career advancement, and advocacy on critical issues.

Today, TPTS released its first strategic plan, a foundational document that spells out how the organization will achieve its vision and mission. The plan expresses what TPTS members and leaders have identified as their most important goals and objectives.

The strategic plan is built on three pillars: Our members, our profession, and our voice.

The first pillar emphasizes that TPTS is a welcoming and supportive environment for technicians in hospitals, community pharmacies, clinics, technician training programs, and all settings. That support extends to career development guidance, networking and engagement opportunities, and educational resources for technicians at every stage of their career.

The second pillar recognizes that technicians want professional career paths that outline opportunities for growth, specialization, and advancement. To achieve this, TPTS looks to guide standardized implementation of technician education and training to ensure consistent skill development, sustain service quality across healthcare settings, and support career growth and professional recognition. This pillar also highlights the need to foster the well-being and resilience of the technician workforce.

The third pillar emphasizes that technicians want a say in how their work is regulated and how they can best use their knowledge and skills as vital members of the patient care team.

In many ways, the strategic plan gets to the heart of why technicians want to be a part of TPTS.

We know TPTS members want to be heard and recognized in the workplace. But they also tell us they want their voices heard in Congress and in statehouses on issues that affect the pharmacy workforce. They want to take on greater responsibilities, advance their careers, and be properly compensated for their work — issues that also matter to ASHP because they improve workplace efficiency and patient care.

ASHP considers TPTS a key advocacy partner, and we are thrilled about the opportunity to work together and strengthen our collective voice on critical issues. For example, we will advocate for pharmacy technician representatives on state boards of pharmacy. We will also increase public awareness of the value of pharmacy technicians.

In addition to finalizing its strategic plan, TPTS has filled the membership and leadership rosters for its committees on membership, education, practice advancement and advocacy, and career development. This month, the committee members begin their work, and we’re grateful for the time, enthusiasm, and expertise these dedicated volunteers bring to TPTS.

In the weeks ahead, TPTS members will elect additional members of the group’s Board of Directors. These elected board members will provide crucial guidance as TPTS puts its strategic plan into action and gets to work on key priorities. It’s a very exciting time for TPTS, its members, and the entire pharmacy community, and ASHP is eager to partner with our technician colleagues as they impact healthcare outcomes today and in the years ahead.

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

Sincerely,

Paul

Posted on April 17, 2025