Embarking on a healthcare career can be both rewarding and challenging, often requiring significant investment in education before you can start earning. However, innovative programs like earn while you learn initiatives are changing this landscape, offering a pathway to professional growth while providing financial stability. For those aspiring to become pharmacy technicians, UVA Health offers an exceptional opportunity to earn while you learn through its accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Program. This program not only equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge but also allows you to gain practical experience and earn a salary as you train.
This comprehensive guide explores the benefits of Earn While You Learn Programs, focusing on the UVA Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program as a prime example of how you can kickstart your career without accumulating hefty educational debt.
What are Earn While You Learn Programs in Healthcare?
Earn while you learn programs, also known as apprenticeship or sponsored training programs, integrate paid employment with structured education and training. In the healthcare sector, these programs are increasingly popular as they address the growing demand for skilled professionals while making education more accessible. These programs typically involve:
- Paid Employment: Participants are hired as employees from day one, receiving a regular salary or hourly wage.
- Structured Training: Programs include formal classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory or simulation sessions, and on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced professionals.
- Career Advancement: Upon successful completion, graduates are well-prepared to take on full-fledged roles within the healthcare system, often with guaranteed job placement.
Earn while you learn models are particularly beneficial in fields like pharmacy technology, where practical experience is as crucial as theoretical knowledge.
The UVA Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program: A Detailed Look
The UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program stands out as an ASHP/ACPE accredited program designed to cultivate competent and certified pharmacy technicians. This program is meticulously structured to meet Virginia state requirements and prepare graduates for national certification exams. What sets it apart is its integration of paid employment, allowing you to earn a living while you learn the intricacies of pharmacy operations.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Training Structure
The program spans 9 to 12 months, with a maximum completion time of two years, accommodating a total of 426.5 hours of training. The curriculum is divided into three key components:
- Didactic Training (136.9 hours): Delivered online through Pharmacy Technician University, this self-paced module includes interactive lessons, quizzes, unit exams, a midterm, and a final exam. This flexible format allows you to study at your own pace while managing work responsibilities.
- Simulation Training (65.6 hours): Conducted in UVA Health’s state-of-the-art pharmacy, this segment provides hands-on practice in a controlled environment. Local instructors observe and grade your performance, ensuring you master essential technical skills before entering real-world scenarios.
- Experiential Training (224 hours): This crucial component takes place at designated UVA Health pharmacy sites under the guidance of experienced preceptors. You’ll apply your knowledge in real pharmacy settings, gaining invaluable practical experience while contributing to patient care.
Earn While You Learn: Financial and Career Advantages
The “earn while you learn” aspect of the UVA program is a significant advantage. By applying for and accepting a Pharmacy Technician 1 position at UVA Health, you become a paid employee from the outset. This means you earn a regular income while undergoing training, alleviating the financial burden often associated with career education programs.
Upon successfully completing the program and obtaining your Virginia pharmacy technician registration, you seamlessly transition into your role as a fully qualified pharmacy technician at UVA Health. This built-in career pathway eliminates the job search stress typically faced by graduates, providing immediate job security and career progression opportunities within a leading healthcare system.
Admission Requirements for the UVA Pharmacy Technician Program
UVA Health is committed to student success and has established clear admission criteria to ensure all participants are well-equipped to thrive in the program and their future careers. Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Educational Background: Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).
- Language and Math Proficiency: Demonstrate sufficient English language and math skills by passing the TRC Reading Comprehension and Math Assessments with a minimum score of 70% on each, within three attempts.
- Background Checks: Successfully pass a drug screening and criminal record background check.
- Immunizations: Comply with immunization requirements mandated by experiential sites and employers to ensure patient and personal safety.
- Age and State Requirements: Meet state-specific age requirements for pharmacy technician employment and comply with all regulations set forth by the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy.
- Employer-Specific Requirements: Fulfill any additional requirements specified by UVA Health.
UVA Health is dedicated to inclusivity and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It’s important to note that the Program Director has the final authority on applicant acceptance, ensuring a high standard for program participants.
How to Apply for the UVA Earn While You Learn Pharmacy Technician Program
To take advantage of this exceptional earn while you learn opportunity, follow these steps:
- Search for Job Openings: Visit the UVA Health Careers website and search for “Pharmacy Technician 1” positions. These positions are specifically linked to the training program.
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the UVA Health careers portal.
- Include Required Documents: Ensure you attach a compelling cover letter explaining your interest in becoming a pharmacy technician and an updated resume highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
Positions are posted as vacancies arise, so if you don’t find a listing immediately, check back regularly. Persistence is key to securing your spot in this sought-after program.
Virginia Pharmacy Technician Licensure and Certification
Upon completing the UVA Pharmacy Technician Training Program, the next crucial step is obtaining your Virginia Pharmacy Technician license. This involves several key stages:
- Program Completion: Successfully graduate from a Virginia Board of Pharmacy-approved training program like the UVA program.
- National Exam Registration and Payment: Register for and pay the fee for a national certification exam. Two recognized exams are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- National Exam Success: Pass your chosen national certification exam.
- Virginia Pharmacy Technician Registration Application: Complete and submit the online Virginia Pharmacy Technician Registration Application through the Virginia Board of Pharmacy website.
Costs Associated with Licensure and Certification
While the “earn while you learn” program covers your training costs by providing a salary, candidates are responsible for the following out-of-pocket expenses:
- Pharmacy Technician Trainee Registration Application Fee: $20 (required for those enrolled in a training program performing technician duties).
- National Certification Exam Fee: Approximately $129 for PTCB’s PTCE or $125 for NHA’s ExCPT. (Note: UVA Health may offer reimbursement for the exam fee upon successful completion and passing of the exam under their tuition and education benefits).
- Pharmacy Technician Registration Initial Application Fee: $35.
- Pharmacy Technician Registration Annual Renewal Fee: $35.
For detailed information on registration and application processes, refer to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy website.
Conclusion: Your Pathway to a Rewarding Pharmacy Career Starts Here
The UVA Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to earn while you learn, removing financial barriers and providing a direct route to a fulfilling career in pharmacy. By combining paid employment with comprehensive, accredited training, UVA Health empowers you to achieve professional success while making a positive impact on patient care. If you are motivated to enter the healthcare field and seek a program that values both your education and financial well-being, the UVA Health earn while you learn Pharmacy Technician Program is your ideal starting point.
Take the first step towards your pharmacy career today – search for “Pharmacy Technician 1” openings at UVA Health and embark on your journey to become a certified pharmacy technician while you earn!
Contact Information:
UVA Health Department of Pharmacy Services
1240 Lee Street
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Program Director:
Timony Couturier, CPhT
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 434.982.2626
Chief Pharmacy Officer:
Danielle Griggs, PharmD, MBA, MS
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