Walgreens Trains Pharmacy Technicians Through In-Store Programs

A pharmacy can’t work smoothly without a PhT (pharmacy technician) because they perform a number of duties in order to free up the pharmacist so that he or she may give full attention to prescriptions and patients. Although some tasks may seem menial, pharmacy technicians are crucial employees to any pharmaceutical establishment. Training is required to become a pharmaceutical technician, and the Walgreens pharmacy technician program aims to prepare students for a successful career. The program incorporates computer-based training, on-the-job experience, and classroom learning to create an integrated technician curriculum.

The Walgreen Pharmacy Technician Training Program is designed to provide Technicians with the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to the practice of pharmacy. The Program has been granted accreditation by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This means that it is nationally recognized as a high-quality training program that prepares technicians to work in Walgreen's pharmacies.

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Essential Duties of a Pharmacy Technician

Walgreens’ pharmacy tech program prepares students to work competently in a pharmacy while performing a number of duties and tasks. While pharmacy technicians are limited in their role as compared to a licensed pharmacist, they are vital employees that help any pharmacy run smoothly, whether it be a retail chain, supermarket, or online pharmacy.

Clerical and administrative duties are typical of most pharmacy technicians’ daily routine.

Tasks include:

  • answering the phone
  • cashiering
  • keeping the pharmacy area clean
  • stocking shelves
  • preparing insurance forms
  • counting pills for prescriptions
  • weighing medication for prescriptions, and
  • creating accurate prescription labels with detailed instructions.

The Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Certification and Training program

What better way to train to work in a pharmacy than by doing so through Walgreens’ pharmacy technician program?

Walgreens founded Walgreens University in 2013 with the aim of providing education opportunities delivering hundreds of courses both internally and through other education establishments around the country for its employees and in some instances their immediate family members.  

As we already mentioned, the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Certification and Training program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) which is very important when getting the designation PTCB CPhT and/or licensing.

Unlike many other training programs in the medical industry, participants are paid to train as they also prepare for the national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which they can apply to sit when completing the training program. In addition, Walgreens will assist its team members with their PTCB certification by providing review classes, study materials, and will even offer a one-time sponsorship to qualifying employees.

Pharmacy technicians must become certified by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. In order to sit for the exam, students must meet the eligibility requirements and have completed an approved or accredited training program.

Finally, graduates can then apply for their licence, if this is a requirement by the Pharmacy Board in the state you work in.

The course can be completed online, at a regional campus across the US or Walgreens University learning center in Deerfield, IL and Walgreens employees can save up 10% — 40% off the cost of tuition.

For those who don’t want to end their training at the pharmacy technician level, Walgreens offers several avenues for alternative employment through its central pharmacy operations technician and community pharmacy technician employment positions.

PTCB and Walgreens

As we already discussed, Walgreens will be sponsoring the cost of the PTCB exam. For this Walgreens' employees must:

  • Be an employee of  Walgreens in the capacity of either a PhT or DLP.
  • Agreeing and accepting the ‘Walgreens Family of Companies PTCB Sponsorship Pledge’
  • Completing the Walgreens ASHP/PTCB review sessions
  • Successfully passing the Walgreens pretest.

Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) are required to re-certify every two years to maintain their certification. Pharmacy techs stay up-to-date through the completion of 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE). Recertification fees will be paid for by Walgreens for employees in eligible position titles.

What to expect from the Walgreens Pharmacy Tech Training Program?

​The Walgreens pharmacy technician program begins with an informational orientation, which provides students with the program’s policies and benefits, as well as the history, mission, and future of the pharmaceutical giant’s brand. The orientation is ongoing and continues throughout the first year with Walgreens.

Through a number of training programs, including continuing education training, Walgreens prepares students to be able to work in the field with confidence and a great job outlook. The pharmacy’s training provides instruction as well as hands-on experience in a functioning pharmacy so that students have a better understanding of the procedures and environment in which they will someday work. This externship program is perfect for any student who is completing a classroom training program and is looking for more opportunities.

The Walgreens pharmacy technician program must adhere to state regulations and guidelines, so enrollment requirements may vary depending on the state. These requirements are available through the pharmacy’s online application process where you can locate a nearby participating store and apply to the training program.

Search Pharmacy Technician Programs

Get information on Pharmacy Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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