By Mary Kate Brogan

Virginia Commonwealth University is launching a program to train entry-level pharmacy technicians, who play a vital role in medication management and whose entry into the workforce will address high staffing demands and reduce wait times in pharmacies and hospitals across Virginia and the U.S. Learners can apply this week to join the program this month.

Pharmacy technicians often work in pharmacies and hospitals and help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to patients or health professionals. The Pharmacy Technician Training Program, a part-time program that learners with a high school diploma can complete in six to nine months, will use self-paced online learning combined with hands-on training, virtual simulations and experiential rotations to educate career-ready pharmacy technicians, said Barbara Exum, Pharm.D., the Pharmacy Technician Training Program director and director of the Center for Compounding Practice and Research at the VCU School of Pharmacy.

“The demand for pharmacy technicians is growing as the role of pharmacists expands to include more direct patient care. Pharmacy technicians need broad knowledge and skills in preparing and dispensing prescriptions, managing medication inventory, processing insurance claims and more,” Exum said. “Learners in our program will go on to be valuable members of the health care team, supporting pharmacists in providing safe and effective medication therapy.”

The Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement predicts 8.7% projected job growth for qualified pharmacy technicians in Virginia through 2032. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ analysis of projected job growth, occupations that are projected to grow more than 2.8% between 2022 and 2032 are considered to be growing faster than average for all occupations.

“Pharmacy technicians are essential health care providers,” said Exum, who also serves as an associate professor of pharmaceutics. “Graduates of our program have the opportunity to launch long-term careers, and they can pursue advanced certificates, which will further increase their salary and job opportunities.”

Pharmacists have long been administering vaccines, but since the deployment of COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, their roles have been changing. This increase in patient care responsibilities places higher demand for pharmacy technicians in community pharmacy settings. Meanwhile, hospital pharmacies and infusion pharmacies look to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to safely and effectively compound – or create the right formulation of – medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics.

“When it comes down to it, this program is about access,” said K.C. Ogbonna, Pharm.D., Archie O. McCalley Chair and dean of the VCU School of Pharmacy. “Pharmacy technicians joining our health care workforce help our most vulnerable populations get timely access to their medication, which in some cases can be the difference between a normal day and a health emergency. This program also ensures we are cultivating the support personnel that enable pharmacists to focus on ailing aspects of our health care delivery system, such as chronic disease management. I am excited that our Pharmacy Technician Training Program will contribute to improving patients’ quality of life by bridging the gaps that exist in health care.”

The program’s position within the Center for Compounding Practice and Research will allow learners to gain unique hands-on experience in VCU’s state-of-the-art compounding facilities. In addition to the hands-on opportunities, Exum and her team bring perspective from their own careers working in community practice, infusion and long-term care pharmacies that will prepare individuals for careers as pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings.

“Well-trained pharmacy technicians are essential to fostering a safe environment and delivering quality care to our patients,” Exum said. “Those who complete this program will play a pivotal role in supporting our pharmacists and elevating the standards of pharmacy practice. This comprehensive program is designed to cultivate competent and confident pharmacy technicians who will contribute to the safe and effective use of medications, resulting in enhanced health care and well-being for members of communities across Virginia and beyond.”

The Pharmacy Technician Training Program, which has enrolled participants in its pilot phase, is now opening up applications to applicants. The program, which has 10 learners per class, offers start dates in the fall, winter and late spring. Applications for this admissions cycle are due this Friday, Sept. 20, and the program will begin Sept. 30. For more information about admissions, visit the Pharmacy Technician Training Program website.