Getting a pharmacist license with Walgreens: a step-by-step guide
Walgreens is one of the largest drug retail companies in the United States that provides professional training for pharmacist assistants. Walgreens offers training courses on drug delivery, prescription drug management, customer service, etc. The training usually includes online learning and practical experience. Walgreens supports its pharmacist assistants to apply for PTCB certification to ensure that its employees can pass the certification exam.
As a Walgreens pharmacy technician, you need to be on the front line, interacting with customers and building strong patient relationships. Whether you are new to the pharmacy or an experienced pharmacy technician, at Walgreens, you can become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Training Program. The Walgreens training program will take you through the required Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) steps until you pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Walgreens Pharmacist Training Program
Walgreens is proud to invest in and support the "earn while you learn" pharmacist training program recognized by the American Society of Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Department of Labor. This apprenticeship program provides you with an entry point into the healthcare industry, guides you step by step to becoming a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certified pharmacist, and helps you maintain the high level of skills required in the pharmacy care industry. Provides you with a nationally recognized portable certificate to help you advance your career.
Skills Training
Walgreens' pharmacist training program provides you with courses, learning activities, and resources designed to provide you with the foundational and advanced knowledge, skills, and on-the-job experience required to become a certified pharmacist.
Assists the pharmacist in the conduct of the pharmacy practice under direct supervision in accordance with state and federal regulations. Assists the pharmacist in performing other pharmacy department duties in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Responsible for obtaining patient and medication information using pharmacy systems and processing prescriptions. If PTCB certified, assists and mentors pharmacy technicians in the operation of pharmacy systems and assists and mentors cashiers in the operation of pharmacy cash registers.
Customer Experience
Engage customers and patients by greeting and providing assistance with products and services. Solve customer problems and answer questions to ensure a positive customer experience.
Set an example and share customer service best practices with all team members to provide a unique and pleasant customer experience, including interpersonal habits (such as greeting, eye contact, courtesy, etc.) and Walgreens service characteristics (such as proactively offering help, identifying needs, serving until satisfied, etc.).
Build strong relationships with the most valuable customers.
Operations
Under the supervision of the pharmacist, assist in pharmacy work and comply with state, federal and company policies. Review and comply with the Walgreen Co. Pharmacy Code of Conduct.
Perform duties assigned by the pharmacy manager, staff pharmacist and store manager, including utilizing the pharmacy system to enter patient and medication information, ensuring that information is entered correctly, filling prescriptions by retrieving, counting and pouring medications, verifying that the medication is correct, and checking for possible interactions. Assist the pharmacist in scheduling and maintaining workflow.
Report prescription errors immediately to the pharmacist on duty and comply with company policies and procedures related to pharmacy errors and quality improvement programs.
Strictly adhere to Walgreen Co. policies on good faith dispensing in all applicable prescription dispensing activities.
Responsible and accountable for registering all related sales on the assigned cash register, collecting and handling cash as required. Takes customers to the over-the-counter medication area whenever possible and assists them in locating products.
Handles calls not requiring pharmacist’s personal attention, including calls to physicians.
Processes (corrects and resubmits) manual claims for third-party program prescription services in a timely and efficient manner, and performs other clerical duties as assigned by the Pharmacy Manager.
Assists and supports the pharmacy department with inventory management activities, such as ordering, unpacking, checking, and storing medications. Understands company asset protection techniques and files claims for warehouse overages (merchandise received but not billed), shortages (merchandise billed but not received), order errors, or damaged goods involving prescription medications.
May assist pharmacist in the management of clinical services, including collecting and properly labeling patient blood/urine specimens as needed and providing other clinical services; assists pharmacy staff in coordinating clinical services, Walgreens Medical Clinics, and outside vendors.
Assists the Pharmacy Manager and Staff Pharmacist in developing and maintaining good relationships with the local medical community, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, to enhance growth opportunities through medical provider detailing and outreach to health groups, retirement homes, nursing homes, and other forums.
Assists with exterior and interior maintenance, ensuring the pharmacy department is well stocked and in a clean, neat, and orderly condition and appearance.
Complies with all company policies and procedures; maintains respectful relationships with co-workers.
Completes special assignments and other tasks as assigned.
Training and Personal Development
Achieve and maintain PTCB certification through designated PTCB training programs and/or state-required certification/registration. Otherwise, obtaining PTCB certification is a requirement for promotion to master technician.
Attend training and complete PPLs required by managers and earn continuing education credits. Maintain knowledge and skills in healthcare and pharmacy, including the latest news and developments.
Experience can earn eight (8) college credits accredited by the American Council on Education (ACE) by completing the Walgreens Pharmacist Apprenticeship Program. It is recommended to take this course for 3 semesters in the lower division bachelor's/associate degree category and 5 semesters in the upper division bachelor's degree category, for a total of 8 semesters.
Basic Qualifications
Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. (Except Puerto Rico)
Preferred Qualifications
Six months of experience in a retail environment preferred.
Previous experience at Walgreens preferred.
Good math skills preferred so they can accurately dispense medications, including counting, measuring and weighing medications.
Good computer skills preferred.
Knowledge of store inventory control preferred.
PTCB certification preferred.
Walgreens will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities/veterans.
Salary Range
$20.75 - $29 / Hour
Benefits of the Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship
Paid Position: Completing Walgreens' Technician Training Program has the potential to earn a pay increase when you pass the certification exam and advance to Certified Pharmacy Technician Technician.
Certification: Earn an industry-recognized and nationally transferable credential after passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam.
Mentoring: The Walgreens team supports you every step of the way to help you succeed.
Education: Gain job-related skills through on-the-job learning. Walgreens University, in partnership with the American Council on Education, offers up to 10 college credits for students who complete the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program.
Conclusion
Walgreens’ Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. The Walgreens “Learn While You Earn” Pharmacy Technician Training Program guides you through the steps to becoming a certified pharmacy technician. When you join Walgreens, you’ll be surrounded by innovation and a bold, progressive vision. Pharmacy has always been an important part of who Walgreens are, and never stop moving forward with new opportunities, technology, and support....