Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship: No Experience Needed, Earn Up to $20/Hour, Get Nationally Recognized Certification
✨ No experience/earn while you learn/Professional Certificates ✨
Thinking about a career in healthcare—but have zero experience?
Here’s the good news: Walgreens—the nation’s largest pharmacy chain—is opening the door with its Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program, designed specifically for people like you. No degree. No experience. Just a willingness to learn.
Backed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, this “earn while you learn” program gives you real pay, real benefits, and a real foothold in healthcare.
✅ Why this apprenticeship stands out:
- Start at $16.50/hour, with potential to earn up to $20/hour
- No experience needed—full on-the-job training provided
- Earn a portable, nationally accepted credential
- Access to full employee benefits, even in part-time roles
Whether you’re fresh out of high school, switching careers, re-entering the workforce, or seeking meaningful part-time work, this program offers a real, respected career launchpad.
💰 Pay & Benefits: Competitive Wages + Real Security
This is a part-time position with strong earning power:
- Starting pay: $16.50/hour
- Up to $20/hour based on location, skills, and performance
At 30 hours per week, that’s $2,000–$2,400/month—plus access to comprehensive benefits like:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Employee discounts on prescriptions and store products
- Tuition assistance and career development support
Unlike gig or temp jobs, this is a real employment relationship with long-term stability.
🧪 What You’ll Do: Patient-Centered, Low-Physical-Demand Work
As a Pharmacy Technician Apprentice, you’ll work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Your daily tasks include:
- Processing prescriptions using Walgreens’ pharmacy system
- Accurately counting, labeling, and packaging medications
- Managing inventory—receiving, tracking, and organizing medications
- Handling non-clinical phone calls and coordinating with prescribers
- Delivering exceptional service: greeting patients, answering questions, and building trust
Walgreens has fully embraced a patient-centered model—so you’re not just filling orders; you’re supporting community health. In some locations, you may also assist with clinical services like specimen collection.
The role involves no heavy lifting and typically no overnight shifts, offering a clean, safe, and professional environment.
📈 Career Outlook: High Demand, Clear Advancement
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technician jobs are projected to grow steadily over the next decade due to:
- An aging population requiring more medications
- Increased focus on chronic disease management
- Expansion of pharmacy-based health services (vaccinations, screenings, etc.)
Upon completing the apprenticeship and passing the PTCB exam, you’ll hold a nationally recognized certification valid across retail, hospital, and clinic settings.
Many technicians use this role as a stepping stone to nursing, pharmacy school, or healthcare administration.
👥 A Fit for Every Stage of Life
Walgreens welcomes applicants of all ages and backgrounds—no prior experience needed. Here’s how the opportunity aligns with different life stages:
| Age Group | Typical Candidates | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 18–22 | High school grads, community college students, college freshmen seeking part-time work | ✅ First real healthcare job ✅ Build experience for nursing/pharmacy/health programs ✅ Flexible scheduling around classes |
| 23–35 | Early-career professionals, retail/hospitality workers, new parents, veterans | ✅ Leverage customer service skills ✅ Earn more than typical entry-level roles ($16.50–$20/hr) ✅ Part-time options support family or side hustles |
| 36–54 | Career changers, laid-off professionals, caregivers returning to work | ✅ Safe, low-physical-stress environment ✅ Structured on-the-job training ✅ Health insurance and retirement benefits add financial security |
| 55+ | Pre-retirees, retirees seeking purpose, community-minded seniors | ✅ Manageable pace with social interaction ✅ Choose light schedules (e.g., 2–3 days/week) ✅ Make a difference in neighbors’ health and well-being |
📌 Basic Requirements for All Applicants:
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- Detail-oriented, reliable, and comfortable interacting with the public
🌟 Preferred (but not required):
- Previous retail or customer service experience
- Basic math and computer skills
- Existing PTCB certification (can lead to faster advancement)
⚖️ Walgreens is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered fairly.
📝 How to Apply: 3 Simple Steps
- Go to the Walgreens careers website
- Search for job number: 1715815BR or “Pharmacy Technician Apprentice”
- Submit your application and interview—if selected, you’ll begin paid training and enroll in the ASHP-recognized apprenticeship curriculum to prepare for the PTCB exam
The process is straightforward, and many locations offer virtual screening for faster onboarding.
✅ Final Takeaway: More Than a Job—It’s a Career Start
In today’s high-cost economy, the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship offers something rare:
✅ Low barrier to entry (no degree or experience needed)
✅ Clear path to certification and advancement
✅ Real benefits that support you and your family
✅ Meaningful work that strengthens your community
For Americans who want a dignified, stable, and growth-oriented career—without student debt—this isn’t just a job. It’s a smart first step into healthcare.
Apply today—and start building your future in one of America’s most trusted professions.