About the Profession
Pharmacy technicians provide patients with safe and effective medication therapy. They work closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies to fill and deliver patient prescriptions. In hospitals and ambulatory clinics, technicians often have additional responsibilities such as preparing sterile medications and operating pharmacy automation systems. With additional training, they may obtain medication histories, facilitate transitions of care, support diversion prevention efforts, administer medication assistance programs, and help with supply chain management.
To learn more about the profession, including salary potential, please visit the following websites:
- Tennessee Board of Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
- American Society of Health System Pharmacists
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Program
Earn while you learn! Not only will VUMC cover the cost of your tuition, you will receive an hourly wage throughout the program with the expectation that upon program completion, you commit to a full-time position as a pharmacy technician at VUMC and continue in that role for 1 year. Trainees must also attempt the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam before completing the program and meet all VUMC criteria for open positions.
VUMC's Pharmacy Technician Training Program not only prepares you to take the national exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician, it provides hands-on experience through clinical rotations at various VUMC pharmacy sites.
Watch our brief video to learn more!
Program Structure
- 14 weeks total, including
- 10 weeks of classroom and simulated lab (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Thursday)
- 4 weeks of clinical rotations at VUMC pharmacy sites (40 hours/week, Monday - Friday, day shift)
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*Trainees must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam prior to end of the program to be eligible for a permanent position at VUMC. They must also meet all criteria for open positions and be in good standing.
Admission Requirements
Minimum requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- high school diploma or GED
- passing background check and drug screen
*Please note that Externship sites, employers, and state Boards of Pharmacy have strict regulations about drug use, criminal backgrounds, and required immunizations. Illicit drug use, a criminal background, and/or an immunization bar may prevent future employment as a pharmacy technician.
Application Process
Note: Applications are currently closed. Please check back here for details about the next application window.
Applications for pharmacy technician positions are accepted through VUMC Human Resources. Please note that employment or affiliation with VUMC does not guarantee an interview or admission into the program.
Contact Us
Lindsey Storm, CSPT, CPhT, BA
Program Director
Laresa Jackson, CPhT
Educational Coordinator
Email: pharmtechtraining@vumc.org
Mailing Address: 762 Melrose Avenue, Nashville, TN 37211
Phone: (615)-322-6871
