Implementation of a paid apprenticeship-model pharmacy technician training program

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a pharmacy technician training program at Saint Luke's Health System to reduce technician turnover.

As the role of pharmacy technicians has expanded, so has the demand for experienced technicians. There is a national shortage of experienced pharmacy technicians. This shortage has led to increased turnover rates and strain on other staff members. The emergence of advanced pharmacy technician roles provides career advancement opportunities for experienced pharmacy technicians. However, as seasoned technicians move into advanced roles, a health system is left with entry-level technician positions to fill. Other health systems have developed pharmacy technician training programs to provide their staff complete training over the course of several weeks and align with ASHP recommendations. The training program at Saint Luke's Health System is a 12-week paid apprenticeship-model program. There were several barriers faced in implementing the training program including space, recruitment, and role placement after program graduation.

Formal structured training for pharmacy technicians is pertinent to ensuring patient safety and leveraging pharmacists to further patient care.