History of Pharmaceutical Technicians Pharmacy technicians are pharmacy members of staff who carry out their duties while under direct supervision of a registered pharmacist. Pharmaceutical technician is a relatively young profession that was not developed until the later half of the twentieth century. This was necessitated by the need to provide assistance to board registered pharmacists as they engaged more in decision-making and preparation of guidelines for pharmacy practice. Earlier in the twentieth century, pharmacy technicians were not recognized. Prior to their recognition, they were part of the hospital support staff referred to as ‘lay help’ charged as pharmacy-helper store keepers as per the ASHP guidelines (The American Society of Health System Pharmacists). However, as pharmacy practice diversified, there was need for setting up the pharmacy technician division. ASHP started a program for incorporation of pharmacy technicians. In 1975, they developed the guidelines for the operation of the technicians (American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, 2004) Subsequently, the Massachusetts College of pharmacy instituted the training program for hospital pharmaceutical technologists in 1979.This was followed by the development of certification standards for pharmacy technicians. These were teaching programs outlined by ASHP in 1982.In 1995; ASHP in conjunction with other groups (The Illinois Council of Health-SystemPharmacists, Michigan Association of Pharmacists and National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) developed the pharmaceutical technician certification board (PTCB) which would be responsible for the accreditation of pharmaceutical technicians (Brown,1996). Reference of pharmaceutical technicians and education requirements In 1957, they were referred to as’ lay help’ in hospital pharmacy by ASHP with the job description of ‘pharmacy-helper storekeeper’. Subsequently in January 1966, ASHP together with the AACP (American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy) referred to them as pharmacy technician- helpers in a joint statement. It was not until 1995 the PCTB recognized them as pharmacy technicians. In the military, they are referred as pharmacy specialists charged with the responsibility of carrying out dispensing duties. Prior to 1975, there were no guidelines as to how pharmacy technicians were to be trained. Training involved informal on the job training. In 1975, ASHP provided an outline for performance of duty by hospital support staff including the technicians. This was followed by the development of the teaching program by the Massachusetts College of pharmacy. In 1995, the PCTB prepared the guidelines for accreditation of the technicians. They were required to obtain a high school diploma in pharmacy.This would be followed by a certification exam either online or in a registered college. On successfully passing the exam, one would undergo training in a pharmacy in order to obtain the necessary working experience. Generally, training of pharmacy technicians is not standardized and varies from state to state. Responsibilities of pharmacy technician It is possible for pharmacy technicians to advance in their career and eventually be in charge of the pharmacy. However, this would require that they undertake a degree in pharmacy in order to be equipped with the necessary knowledge. Subsequently, they would be required to undertake masters in pharmaceu