A program at University of Utah Health is offering free tuition for qualified candidates of the online Pharmacy Technician Program. Candidates will have their tuition waived and get paid while completing the program if they choose to work at U of U Health.
The program addresses the nationwide shortage of pharmacy technicians.
“As we have reaped the benefits of incredible technicians over the years, we haven’t done enough to grow the overall candidate pool,” says Kavish Choudhary, PharmD, Chief Pharmacy Officer at University of Utah Health. “We should be thinking about solving the shortage now and mitigating future workforce issues.”
Choudhary hopes that by removing barriers in regard to education costs and training, the Pharmacy Technician Program may create a pathway that didn’t previously exist.
“We value pharmacy technicians and we want them here,” Choudhary says. “This program is not just for college students living on campus. It could be for someone looking for a career change or exploring a career in the health care setting. There are so many different opportunities to explore, and we want to help.”
U of U Health’s Pharmacy Technician Program is designed to provide comprehensive training to those seeking a career as a pharmacy technician.
The program offers a rigorous curriculum that covers all aspects of pharmacy practice, including pharmacology, prescriptions, medication safety, compounding, and pharmacy law and regulations. The program also provides hands-on training in a real-world pharmacy setting, giving students practical experience and exposure to the daily responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.
The program involves 400 hours of online curriculum and 180 hours of outpatient and inpatient pharmacy work.
The Pharmacy Technician Program is open to individuals who are passionate about health care and want to make a difference in their communities.
Anyone who is eligible to work in the U.S. and eligible for licensure in the state of Utah can apply to the program.
“This is not just standing behind a counter counting pills,” Choudhary says. “Pharmacy technicians are patient advocates and do work that has a dramatic impact on patient care.”
Upon completion of the program, U of U Health will also cover the processing fee associated with the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). After obtaining a license, a graduate is encouraged to apply to U of U Health’s Pharmacy Technician trainee position.
For more information about U of U Health’s Pharmacy Technician Program or to apply, visit here.