As new drugs continue to flood the market and an increasing number of individuals over 60 require medication management, the demand for pharmacy technicians is on the rise.
This growing need, coupled with a shortage of licensed technicians, has led to longer wait times for patients and hindered the quality of care they receive.
Recognizing this critical gap, Kavish Choudhary, PharmD, MS, chief pharmacy officer at U of U Health and associate dean at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy, envisioned a fully funded technician trainee program.
This innovative initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers for aspiring pharmacy technicians, resulting in a diverse pool of candidates, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Chen, a recent immigrant from China, is one of the success stories stemming from this program.
Having pursued her technician license and subsequently been hired at U of U Health, she expressed enthusiasm about her journey.
“It’s preparing me for pharmacy school,” she said.
As a technician, Chen has the unique opportunity to shadow pharmacists and gain insight into their daily responsibilities.
Her experience at U of U Health culminated in her acceptance into the College of Pharmacy, where she will benefit from paid internships while completing her studies.
Working alongside pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and peers provides these trainees with essential experience and fosters a community where they can envision their future careers.
The path to pharmacy school remains competitive, but the University of Utah is placing increasing value on hands-on experience obtained as a pharmacy technician.
Katie Anderton, a first-year PharmD student, commended the program’s focus on assessing overall intelligence and ambition, rather than mere financial status or test scores.
She noted the lowered tuition rates significantly ameliorate financial concerns, shifting the challenge to managing course loads instead.
“I think it’s a reasonable barrier,” she remarked.
Anderton believes that recognizing candidates’ holistic achievements outside traditional classroom settings is crucial in determining their potential for success in pharmacy.
The technician trainee program not only opens doors for students, granting relevant experience, but also improves patient access to reliable healthcare services.
Raghbir Makhar, the pharmacy technician manager at U of U Health, has observed firsthand the positive changes resulting from this initiative.
After grappling with shortages for several years, he proudly stated, “We are fully staffed for technicians.”
Makhar credits the program for his ability to effectively manage the pharmacy with the help of 40 trainees who are currently employed.
He added, “Without those 40 people, I cannot run the pharmacy.”
Among the hardworking students is Nurmukhamedova, who is navigating her first year of pharmacy school.
Despite language fluency challenges, she remains determined to succeed, asserting, “But we can do it… I can do it.”
Being halfway through her first year, Nurmukhamedova appreciates studying with classmates, engaging in patient care courses, and acquiring practical experience at the hospital.
She is excited about the opportunities that await, particularly the lucrative salaries pharmacists earn and the range of specialties to explore.
“I feel like I am welcome,” she stated confidently.
Reflecting on her journey, Nurmukhamedova expressed no regrets about pursuing this transformative path.
image source from：uofuhealth
