UVM Health Network and CCV Launch New Apprentice Program to Grow Pharmacy Workforce and Meet Patient Needs

BURLINGTON, Vt., – The University of Vermont Health Network and the Community College of Vermont (CCV) are collaborating to offer a new Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program to create rewarding local careers in health care that will also help meet the community’s pharmacy needs.

The program provides fully-funded course work through CCV and a full-time position with either The University of Vermont Medical Center or Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC). Applicants hired into the program will earn at least $15.50 per hour to start, with additional pay increases upon program completion. The program provides an opportunity to launch a career with opportunities for growth.

“Health care workers are in high demand across the state. We are thrilled to partner with the UVM Health Network to develop a new pipeline of pharmacy technicians through an earn-and-learn model that allows for new employees to further their education while earning an income,” said Tiffany Walker, Associate Dean of Workforce Education at CCV.

“This is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in a great career and being part of our team at the UVM Health Network. We are always looking for ways to help employees grow in their careers and continue providing the high quality care our patients expect and deserve,” said John R. Brumsted, MD, President and CEO of the UVM Health Network. “This program will help us address the health care worker shortage felt here and across the country and advance our Access Action Plan.”

The apprentice program is part of the University of Vermont Health Network’s Access Action Plan, which includes new investments in staffing, technology and infrastructure, and enhanced partnerships with institutions outside of the Network and with state and local governments. The Action Plan addresses three main goals: retain talent through training and growth opportunities for current employees while successfully hiring new employees amid national staffing shortages, reducing wait times for specialty care, and improving hospital inpatient and emergency capacity.

Pharmacy technicians are critical to providing high quality health care. They prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist, including measuring, mixing, counting out, labeling, and recording amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders. Inpatient pharmacy technicians prepare medications for hospital patients and manage medication inventory. Outpatient pharmacy technicians prepare prescription orders and assist patients at check out. Technicians also gather patient demographic information and prescription insurance information, and prepare medications for mail order delivery.

“Training as a pharmacy technician is a great entry into the dynamic health care industry, and the Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program will provide trainees with both classroom learning and on-the-job training in preparation for careers within the UVM Health Network. My own career began here as a tech trainee, and we are excited to introduce new and talented people into our field,” said Nathan Awrich, UVMHN’s director of pharmacy supply chain.

Anyone interested can attend a virtual information session to learn about a career as a pharmacy technician. More information about the apprenticeship program and an overview of the courses offered will be available. Applicants can apply for the program at UVM Medical Center or at CVMC. Applicants who meet the criteria for the program will be contacted to set up interviews with our pharmacy team. Staff will begin work in early January. The program is funded in part by a grant from the Vermont Department of Labor.

Learn more about the program here.