Start from Scratch and Step into a High-Reward Career: Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Guide
As the healthcare industry rapidly expands, the role of pharmacy technician has become a stable, in-demand, and high-reward career path with relatively low entry barriers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for pharmacy technicians is expected to continue growing over the next decade, with a median annual salary exceeding $38,000, and even higher in certain regions.
Common Challenges with Traditional Training Programs
- Long training periods (usually over 6 months)
- High tuition costs ($2,000–$8,000 or more)
- Lack of practical experience or certification guidance
- Difficult entry for those with no prior experience or formal education
Walgreens: A Life-Changing Opportunity
To address these challenges, Walgreens—one of the nation’s leading pharmacy chains—has developed a Professional Pharmacist Training Program designed to help more individuals start strong and build a lasting career in healthcare.
This program is officially recognized by the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) and combines:
- Online coursework
- In-store hands-on training
- Certification exam preparation
- Ongoing scholarship support
It offers a sustainable and growth-oriented learning path for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Why Choose Walgreens? Four Key Advantages
✅ 1. The First ASHP-Accredited Retail Pharmacy Program in the U.S.
This ASHP-certified program covers drug knowledge, patient communication, pharmacy systems, and regulatory ethics. Lasting approximately 15 weeks and requiring at least 600 hours of combined learning, it provides solid theoretical and hands-on training to ensure real-world readiness.
🏫 2. Up to 8 Transferable College Credits
Approved by the American Council on Education (ACE), this program allows participants to convert training hours into up to 8 college credits—saving time and money for those who plan to pursue further education in pharmacy or healthcare.
💰 3. Full Support for Certification Exams (PTCB & ExCPT)
Walgreens provides study materials, prep courses, and practice exams to help trainees pass national certifications like PTCB and ExCPT. Eligible exam fees are covered, reducing upfront costs and easing the path to certification and employment.
💵 4. Up to $40,000 in Educational Assistance
Through its Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program (PEAP), Walgreens offers up to $2,500 per year, with a maximum of $40,000 toward advanced pharmacy education—enabling participants to work and study simultaneously with reduced financial stress.
Advantage Overview: What Learners Gain
| Feature | Benefits to Learners |
|---|---|
| 🥇 ASHP-Accredited Program | - First ASHP-accredited retail pharmacy training program in the U.S. - 600 hours of structured training (about 15 weeks) combining theory and practice |
| 🎓 Up to 8 Transferable College Credits | - Converts training into up to 8 college credits - Saves time and tuition for those pursuing a pharmacy-related degree |
| 📝 Full PTCB / ExCPT Exam Support | - Includes prep materials, tutoring, and mock exams - Covers exam fees for qualified candidates - Boosts certification success and job prospects |
| 💵 Up to $40,000 in Educational Aid | - $2,500 per year, up to $40,000 total toward pharmacy school - Enables work-study balance - Supports long-term growth toward becoming a licensed pharmacist |
Who Is This Program For?
🎓 High School Graduates & College Dropouts
No college degree? No problem. This program welcomes those with zero experience and is ideal for young adults eager to start a secure, rewarding career.
👩👧👦 Stay-at-Home Parents
Online learning and flexible, local training options make it easy to balance caregiving responsibilities while preparing to rejoin the workforce.
🔁 Career Changers & Mid-Life Job Seekers
Individuals seeking a shift from physically demanding or unstable jobs have successfully transitioned into pharmacy technician roles, enjoying better wages and clear advancement paths.
How to Apply for Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training
Getting started is simple:
- Visit the Walgreens Careers website
- Search for “Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship”
- Complete the application form (no prior pharmacy experience required)
- Wait to be contacted by the Walgreens hiring team for interviews and next steps
💡 Tip: Enter your ZIP code on the application page to check for apprenticeship openings at stores near you.
Final Thoughts: A Low-Barrier Entry into a High-Value Career
As education costs continue to rise, Walgreens offers a rare opportunity for upward mobility—with no student loans, no advanced degrees required, and a clear path into the healthcare field.
Whether you're a recent graduate, a parent looking to return to work, or someone ready to change careers, Walgreens provides a hands-on, results-driven route to real professional growth.