- Walgreens (WBA, Financial) launches PharmStart, an innovative program aimed at reducing educational barriers for pharmacy technicians.
- The initiative offers fully funded online education for over 300 team members to meet pharmacy school prerequisites.
- PharmStart is part of Walgreens' broader efforts to support team members with financial aid and career advancement opportunities.
Walgreens (WBA), the largest independent community pharmacy provider in the U.S., has unveiled PharmStart, a groundbreaking educational initiative designed to mitigate the financial and educational obstacles faced by pharmacy technicians aspiring to earn a PharmD degree. Developed in partnership with Guild, a leader in talent development, PharmStart offers a fully funded online education pathway for eligible Walgreens team members, covering all prerequisite tuition costs.
The program begins with an initial cohort of over 300 team members located across six states: Oklahoma, Texas, Oregon, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. By addressing financial burdens and offering flexible, accessible learning, PharmStart aims to elevate the careers of pharmacy technicians and strengthen the pharmacist talent pipeline.
Rick Gates, Walgreens' chief pharmacy officer, emphasized the program's impact, stating, "We're continuing to chip away at financial burdens, ensuring team members can pursue their passion for pharmacy without debt being a barrier to success."
In addition, Walgreens supports aspiring pharmacists through the Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program (PEAP), providing up to $40,000 in tuition assistance, and the Student Loan 401(k) Match Program, which helps team members reduce debt while building retirement savings.
Founded in 1901, Walgreens serves nearly 9 million customers daily and is a flagship brand of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. With PharmStart and other initiatives, Walgreens continues to advance the pharmacy profession and enhance community pharmacy as a preferred practice setting.
