Earn While You Learn: A Pathway to a Rewarding Career as a Pharmacy Technician
In today’s fast-paced world, pursuing higher education and training for a career can be challenging, especially when it comes to covering the costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. For individuals eager to break into the healthcare industry but concerned about the financial burden of traditional education, the Earn While You Learn (EWYL) program at UVA Health offers a transformative solution. This program allows aspiring pharmacy technicians to earn a full-time salary, gain hands-on training, and receive full benefits while completing an accredited training program.
What is the “Earn While You Learn” Program?
The Earn While You Learn program is an innovative training initiative launched by UVA Health to provide aspiring professionals with the opportunity to gain essential skills while being employed full-time. With no prior experience required, the program is designed to allow individuals to enter the workforce immediately, while offering structured coursework, practical training, and full-time benefits, all without the financial strain of traditional schooling.
The UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program is part of this initiative. It provides comprehensive, hands-on training that prepares participants to become certified pharmacy technicians. With a duration of 9-12 months, the program equips students with the knowledge and experience required to pass national certification exams and begin a fulfilling career in the pharmacy field. Upon completion, trainees are well-prepared to work in various healthcare settings, providing vital support to pharmacists and ensuring patients receive the best possible care.
Pharmacy Technician Role and Responsibilities
A pharmacy technician plays an essential role in the healthcare system. They assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and interacting with patients. The job requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a deep understanding of pharmaceutical processes. Pharmacy technicians are crucial in ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and dosages, as well as in maintaining the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatments.
As a pharmacy technician, your responsibilities will include:
Preparing and dispensing prescription medications under the supervision of a pharmacist
Assisting in inventory management and ordering medications
Providing patient education on proper medication usage and side effects
Performing administrative duties such as filing prescriptions and maintaining patient records
Handling customer inquiries and providing exceptional patient service
The role of a pharmacy technician is multifaceted, combining technical knowledge with customer service skills. This makes it an ideal career for individuals interested in healthcare but not necessarily looking to become a doctor or nurse.
Training Structure and Components
The UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a 426.5-hour training program that can be completed within 9 to 12 months, depending on the trainee's pace. This program is accredited by both the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), ensuring that the training meets the high standards required for practicing as a pharmacy technician.
Program Breakdown:
Didactic (Classroom Training): 136.9 hours
This portion is completed online, at your own pace, and covers foundational knowledge in pharmacy practice, medication safety, and pharmaceutical regulations.
Simulation Training: 65.6 hours
Students will participate in simulations, where they can practice skills in a controlled environment. These simulations will be supervised and graded by local instructors.
Experiential (Hands-on) Training: 224 hours
The final component of the program is practical training at designated pharmacy sites, under the guidance of an experienced preceptor. This hands-on experience is vital in preparing students to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician in a real-world setting.
Trainees will be prepared for national certification exams, including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the ExCPT exam, which are essential for becoming a certified pharmacy technician.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
Demonstrate proficiency in English and math, as evidenced by passing the TRC Reading Comprehension and Math Assessments
Pass a background check and drug screening
Meet immunization requirements for experiential sites
Adhere to state-specific requirements for pharmacy technicians
Once enrolled, trainees will be required to take a national certification exam upon completion of the program. UVA Health covers all costs associated with training and certification, providing a stress-free pathway for participants to complete their education and begin their careers.
Why Choose “Earn While You Learn”?
The “Earn While You Learn” program offers multiple benefits for those seeking a career in pharmacy. Unlike traditional educational routes, which often require individuals to balance part-time jobs or accrue debt, the EWYL program allows participants to:
Earn a Full-Time Salary: While training, participants are full-time employees, earning a competitive salary and benefits. This ensures financial stability during the training process.
Receive Tuition Support: UVA Health provides tuition assistance to help cover the costs of education and certification exams, reducing the financial burden typically associated with career training.
Gain Hands-On Experience: With experiential training in real pharmacy settings, trainees gain practical experience that will make them stand out in the job market.
Access to Career Advancement: Upon completion, participants can continue working as pharmacy technicians and explore opportunities for further career growth within UVA Health or other healthcare settings.
Career Opportunities and Future Growth
The demand for pharmacy technicians continues to grow, making it a stable and rewarding career choice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population, increasing demand for prescription medications, and the expanding role of pharmacy technicians in healthcare.
Pharmacy technicians who start in entry-level positions have a variety of career advancement opportunities, including:
Senior Pharmacy Technician: Taking on more complex tasks and supervising junior technicians
Pharmacy Technician Supervisor: Overseeing a team of pharmacy technicians and ensuring compliance with regulations
Pharmacy Manager: Managing the operations of a pharmacy, including budgeting, inventory management, and staffing
Pharmacy Director: Leading pharmacy services within a healthcare facility
Additionally, many pharmacy technicians go on to pursue certifications in specialized areas, such as sterile compounding or chemotherapy preparation, further enhancing their earning potential and career prospects.
Conclusion
The “Earn While You Learn” program at UVA Health offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in becoming pharmacy technicians. By combining structured coursework, hands-on experience, and full-time employment with benefits, the program provides a pathway to a fulfilling career in healthcare. With training provided by industry professionals, the program ensures that participants are well-prepared to take and pass national certification exams, allowing them to enter the workforce with confidence.
For those who are passionate about healthcare and want to make a difference while earning a salary, the UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program is an excellent starting point. Whether you’re just beginning your career or looking to switch paths, this program can help you achieve your goals and set you on the path to success.
- Earn While You Learn: (Course)