Unlocking Success With Pharmacy Tech Training Walgreens

Are you considering a career as a pharmacy technician? The pharmacy tech training Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to acquire the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to excel in this rewarding field. With a comprehensive curriculum accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), this program is designed to prepare you for a successful career in retail pharmacy.

Short Summary

Walgreens’ Pharmacy Technician Training Program provides students with the expertise and knowledge to succeed in retail pharmacy roles, accredited by ASHP.
The program offers a comprehensive curriculum with theoretical knowledge and practical experience, supplemented by various hands-on experiences such as job shadowing.
Walgreens also sponsors PTCB training & exam costs for its trainees plus additional resources to ensure their success in certification journey.

Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program Overview

Walgreens, a leading retail pharmacy chain, offers an accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Program to equip students with the necessary skills for the pharmacy technician role in retail pharmacy, focusing on medication preparation, dispensing, and patient care. This nationally recognized program requires a minimum of 15 weeks and 600 hours, during which students learn about pharmacy systems, medication preparation, and patient care.

Upon completion, students may receive up to 8 semester hours of college credit, recognizing their expertise in medication dispensing and other pharmacy-related skills.

Objectives and Accreditation

The objective of the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for retail pharmacy roles, with a focus on medication preparation, dispensing, and patient care. As the first program to receive accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Walgreens sets the gold standard in preparing aspiring pharmacy technicians for success.

This accreditation, provided by the accreditation council, is essential when obtaining the designation PTCB CPhT and/or licensing, as it ensures that pharmacy technicians are well-versed in using pharmacy cash registers and other essential tools in a retail pharmacy setting.

Curriculum Content

The Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program offers a hybrid course of approximately 90 hours, combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare students for a state-of-the-art pharmacy environment. The program encompasses essential topics such as medication topics, herbal products, disease states, laws, and ethics, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the knowledge required for a successful career in the pharmacy field.

As part of the program, students also participate in an externship component, allowing them to gain real-world experience in a pharmacy setting. This hands-on experience is invaluable in reinforcing the theoretical knowledge gained during the course and ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers as pharmacy technicians.

Find the Best Pharmacy Technician Schools Near Me

Gaining Hands-on Experience at Walgreens

At Walgreens, gaining hands-on experience is considered an essential aspect of the pharmacy technician training process. To ensure students are well-equipped for their future careers, Walgreens provides various opportunities for practical experience, including in-store training, externships, and job shadowing for high school students.

Let’s explore these opportunities in more detail.

In-store Training

Walgreens offers a 3-4 week in-store training program for pharmacy technicians, which includes computer-based training, on-the-job experience, and classroom learning. This comprehensive approach ensures that students acquire a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, essential for success in the pharmacy technician role.

The in-store pharmacy tech training program provides pharmacy technicians with the benefit of obtaining practical experience in an authentic environment, as well as the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. This hands-on training allows students to gain confidence in their abilities and develop a thorough understanding of the various aspects of retail pharmacy.

Externship Opportunities

Walgreens offers externship opportunities for pharmacy technician students, providing the chance to gain practical experience in a pharmacy setting. Positions in the externship program can be attained by students who apply and fulfill the prerequisite criteria, such as completing the required coursework and possessing a valid pharmacy technician license.

Students may apply for externship opportunities at Walgreens by contacting their school program director. These real-world experiences not only provide students with valuable skills and knowledge that can be utilized in their future careers, but also help them develop a deeper understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.

Job Shadowing for High School Students

For high school students interested in exploring a career in pharmacy technology, Walgreens provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into retail pharmacy technology and training programs through job shadowing. By observing Walgreens pharmacy technicians in action, students can develop a better understanding of the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in this field.

Job shadowing at Walgreens is an excellent way for high school students to familiarize themselves with the pharmacy technician role and the various training programs available to them. This firsthand experience can help students make informed decisions about their future career paths and determine whether a career as a pharmacy technician aligns with their interests and goals.

Preparing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

Passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam is an essential step in becoming a certified pharmacy technician, and Walgreens provides a range of support to help students prepare for this crucial milestone. From review classes and study materials to a one-time sponsorship for eligible employees, Walgreens is committed to helping its pharmacy technicians succeed in their certification journey.

The company offers a variety of resources to help pharmacy technicians prepare for the exam, including online resources.

PTCB Exam Sponsorship

As part of their apprenticeship program, Walgreens sponsors the cost of the PTCB training and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) for its trainees. In addition, they sponsor eligible technicians to enroll in Walgreens instructor-led certification review sessions and take the ExCPT exam.

This financial support not only reduces the burden of exam fees for aspiring pharmacy technicians, but also demonstrates Walgreens’ commitment to the professional development and success of its employees. By sponsoring the PTCB exam, Walgreens ensures that its pharmacy technicians have the necessary resources to excel in their certification journey.

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain their PTCB certification, certified pharmacy technicians are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include at least one hour of pharmacy law and one hour of patient safety. This ongoing education ensures that pharmacy technicians stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in the pharmacy field.

Walgreens supports its certified pharmacy technicians in meeting these continuing education requirements by providing a variety of opportunities for professional development, including conferences, online courses, and webinars. By investing in the continuing education of its pharmacy technicians, Walgreens fosters a culture of growth and excellence among its employees.

Additional Support and Resources from Walgreens University

In addition to the comprehensive training and hands-on experience offered through the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program, Walgreens University provides a range of additional support and resources to further assist pharmacy technicians in their career journey.

Let’s take a closer look at these valuable resources.

Coaches and Mentors

Coaches and mentors at Walgreens University play a crucial role in providing guidance and support to pharmacy tech trainees, helping them navigate the challenges of their training and career. These experienced professionals offer invaluable insights, feedback, and advice to ensure trainees remain motivated and focused on their objectives.

Having coaches and mentors can make a significant difference in a pharmacy tech trainee’s success, as they provide personalized guidance and support tailored to each trainee’s unique needs and goals. By leveraging the expertise of those who coach pharmacy technicians, trainees can confidently navigate their career path and achieve their full potential as pharmacy technicians.

Pharmacy Education Assistance Program (PEAP)

The Pharmacy Education Assistance Program (PEAP) is a scholarship initiative offered by Walgreens specifically for pharmacy interns who are enrolled in a professional pharmacy program. This program provides an annual grant of $2,500 for each year of participation, totaling up to $25,000 in scholarship awards.

The PEAP is an excellent opportunity for pharmacy interns to receive financial support for their professional pharmacy education, reducing the burden of tuition costs and allowing them to focus on their studies and career development. By investing in the education of its pharmacy interns, Walgreens demonstrates its commitment to nurturing the next generation of pharmacy professionals.

Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Selecting the appropriate Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your future career success. When evaluating potential programs, it is important to consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum, cost, and program length. Additionally, reflecting on your personal goals and whether an accelerated timeline is desired can help you make an informed choice.

The Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program offers an exemplary combination of an accredited training program, a comprehensive curriculum, and hands-on experience opportunities, making it an ideal choice for aspiring pharmacy technicians. By enrolling in this program, you can confidently embark on your journey to a successful and rewarding career in the pharmacy field.

Summary

In conclusion, the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program provides a comprehensive and accredited education for aspiring pharmacy technicians, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in retail pharmacy. From hands-on experience through in-store training, externships, and job shadowing to support for PTCB exam preparation and continuing education, Walgreens is committed to nurturing the professional growth of its pharmacy technicians.

If you are considering a career as a pharmacy technician, the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to acquire the expertise and experience you need to excel in this rewarding field. With the support of Walgreens University and its additional resources such as coaches, mentors, and the Pharmacy Education Assistance Program (PEAP), you can confidently embark on your journey to a successful and fulfilling career in the world of pharmacy tech.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walgreens offer tuition?

Walgreens offers its team members the opportunity to earn a college degree online at the University of Arizona Global Campus, with financial assistance available for each year of enrollment in pharmacy school.

This is an asynchronous environment and provides a learning platform that is completely online.

What pharmacy pays techs the most?

Based on salary range and availability of jobs, Hospital Pharmacy Technician is the most paying job for Pharmacy Technicians in the US. On average, a Pharmacy Technician in a hospital setting can expect to earn around $42,000 – $177,000 per year.

How much does Walgreens pay pharmacy apprentice tech Texas?

Walgreens Pharmacy Apprentice Techs in Texas typically earn an average of $17.18 per hour.

What happens if you fail the PTCB exam?

If you fail the PTCB exam, you can reapply and retake it after 60 days. However, if you fail it the third time, you must wait 6 months before attempting the exam again.

What is the duration of the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program?

The Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Training Program duration is 15 weeks and 600 hours.

How the Walgreens pharmacy technician training program works

Walgreens runs one of the largest employer-based pharmacy technician training programs in the United States. If you are hired as a pharmacy technician trainee at Walgreens, you get paid while you learn. That means you do not have to quit your job or take out loans to start a career in pharmacy.

The program combines on-the-job training with self-paced online coursework. You learn how to fill prescriptions, handle insurance claims, manage inventory, and work with pharmacists. By the time you finish, you should be ready to sit for a national certification exam.

Who the program is designed for

You do not need prior pharmacy experience to apply. Walgreens looks for candidates who are at least 16 years old in most states, can pass a background check, and have a high school diploma or GED. Some states have additional age or licensing requirements, so check your state board of pharmacy rules before you apply.

The program suits people who learn better by doing than by sitting in a classroom. You work real shifts in a real pharmacy from day one. That hands-on exposure is something a traditional school program may not give you right away.

What you actually do during Walgreens pharmacy tech training

Training happens in two layers. The first layer is your store schedule. You work alongside a licensed pharmacist and experienced technicians. You watch, assist, and gradually take on more tasks as your skills grow.

The second layer is online modules through the Walgreens learning platform. Topics include drug names and classifications, dosage calculations, pharmacy law, and patient safety. You complete these modules on a set schedule alongside your work hours.

How long training takes

Most trainees finish the Walgreens program in about six months, though the pace depends on your store’s schedule and how quickly you complete the online modules. Some trainees finish faster; others take closer to a year if they work part-time hours.

After completing training, Walgreens expects you to become a nationally certified pharmacy technician. The two most common certifications are the PTCE, which stands for Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and is run by PTCB (the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board), and the ExCPT, run by NHA (the National Healthcareer Association). Both are accepted by most state boards.

How pay works during training

You earn an hourly wage from your first day. Your rate depends on your location and local wage laws. Walgreens adjusts pay by market, so a trainee in California will likely earn more per hour than a trainee in a lower cost-of-living state. [VERIFY: current Walgreens trainee starting wage by region] Check the job listing in your city before applying so you know what to expect.

State licensing requirements you need to know

Completing the Walgreens training program does not automatically make you a licensed pharmacy technician. Licensing is controlled by each state, not by Walgreens or any national employer.

About half of U.S. states require pharmacy technicians to hold a state license or registration before they can work in a pharmacy unsupervised. Some states, like California, require you to register with the state board before you even start training. Other states require only national certification, with no separate state license.

You need to look up the rules for your specific state. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) keeps a directory of all 50 state boards. Look up your state board’s website to read the exact requirements before you accept a job offer.

What happens if your state requires a license before you train

If your state requires licensure first, Walgreens will typically walk you through the application process as part of onboarding. You may need to submit fingerprints, pay a fee, and wait for approval. Plan for this to add a few weeks to your timeline before you can start working the pharmacy counter.

Walgreens training compared to a formal pharmacy tech school

Employer-paid training like Walgreens and a traditional pharmacy technician program at a community college or vocational school are two different paths to the same destination: a certified, employed pharmacy technician.

Each path has trade-offs worth thinking through before you decide.

Cost

With Walgreens, you pay nothing for training and earn a wage while you learn. A community college pharmacy tech program typically costs several hundred to a few thousand dollars in tuition and fees. [VERIFY: current community college pharmacy tech tuition range] Some employer-based trainees do have to stay with the company for a set period after training or repay some costs, though Walgreens’ current policy on this should be confirmed directly with a recruiter.

Flexibility

A school program lets you choose your own employer after you graduate. You are not tied to a single company. With Walgreens training, you are learning in one specific retail pharmacy environment. If you later want to work in a hospital, specialty pharmacy, or compounding pharmacy, you may need additional experience or training beyond what Walgreens covers.

Breadth of training

Formal pharmacy tech programs at accredited schools tend to cover a wider range of pharmacy settings. The ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) accredits pharmacy technician programs that include hospital and clinical training, which Walgreens’ retail-focused program does not include. If hospital pharmacy interests you, an ASHP-accredited program may serve you better in the long run.

Speed to employment

If you want to start earning as soon as possible, Walgreens wins on this point. You can go from application to first paycheck in a matter of weeks. A school program requires you to finish before you apply for most full-time positions.

What certified pharmacy technicians earn

Pay matters when you are choosing a training path. According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians nationally is [VERIFY: BLS May 2025 OEWS median annual wage for pharmacy technicians]. Pay varies by employer type, location, and experience level.

Retail pharmacy, which is where Walgreens-trained technicians typically start, tends to pay at the lower end of the pharmacy tech wage range. Hospital pharmacy technicians often earn more, in part because hospitals pay shift differentials for evenings and weekends. Mail-order and specialty pharmacy settings sit somewhere in between.

As you gain years of experience and take on lead or senior technician roles, your pay grows. Some technicians move into pharmacy operations, training, or inventory management roles that come with higher hourly rates or salaried positions.

How certification affects your earnings

Employers generally pay certified technicians more than non-certified ones. Holding an active CPhT credential (Certified Pharmacy Technician, issued after passing the PTCE or ExCPT) signals to any employer that you have met a national standard. That credential stays with you no matter where you work, even if you leave Walgreens.

Steps to apply for Walgreens pharmacy technician training

The process is straightforward. Here is how it typically goes.

Search for “pharmacy technician trainee” openings on the Walgreens careers site. Filter by your city or zip code.
Submit an online application. You will answer questions about your availability and work history.
If selected, complete a phone or in-store interview with the pharmacy manager.
Pass a background check and any required drug screening.
If your state requires pre-employment registration or licensure, complete that process with help from Walgreens HR.
Start your first shift and begin the online training modules.

The whole process from application to first day can take two to six weeks depending on how quickly background checks clear and whether your state has a licensing step in between.

Tips to improve your application

List any customer service or retail experience you have. Pharmacy managers value people who are comfortable talking to the public and handling a busy counter. If you have any prior healthcare or medical experience, even as a caregiver or medical assistant, include that too. Showing that you are reliable and detail-oriented goes a long way in an interview for this type of role.

Other training options to consider alongside Walgreens

Walgreens is one employer-based option. CVS Health and Rite Aid have run similar in-house programs. Hospitals sometimes hire pharmacy technician trainees as well. If you want to compare options before committing, looking at accredited pharmacy tech programs at community colleges and vocational schools in your area is a practical next step.

Accredited programs give you a credential that transfers across employers and pharmacy settings. Many graduates of ASHP or ACPE-accredited programs find work in hospitals, health systems, and specialty pharmacies, not only retail chains. If you are not sure which setting you want, getting a broader education first may give you more options later.

Take some time to compare your local school programs, their completion rates, and what settings their graduates end up working in. That information helps you make a decision that matches where you actually want your career to go. Start by browsing accredited pharmacy technician programs near you to see what fits your schedule, budget, and career goals.