DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens announced the expansion of PharmStart, a first-of-its-kind, fully funded online education program, to all 50 states. The program, which launched earlier this year, started as an initial cohort of 300 team members across six states.
The PharmStart program supports eligible Walgreens team members in meeting the prerequisite requirements for pharmacy school, unlocking a new pool of talent while also addressing critical challenges in the pharmacist talent pipeline.
“This program is designed for those who already know, love and work in pharmacy: our own team members,” says Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer at Walgreens. “PharmStart gives them a meaningful way to advance their careers, building on their passion and expertise that open new doors for growth and impact in the profession while removing financial barriers.”
Flexible, fully funded learning
Created in partnership with Guild, the program offers participants the ability to complete pre-pharmacy coursework online, with the added opportunity to earn an associate degree in Biological Sciences along the way. All payment expenses are facilitated through Guild’s platform. Walgreens fully covers the tuition costs for team members upfront and reimburses participants for additional course-related expenses, such as textbooks. Eligible team members also receive personalized, human support throughout the process through Guild’s coaching services, including assistance with applications, enrollment, academic planning and career guidance.
“I’ve known I wanted to be a pharmacist since becoming a technician,” says Tyrone Brown, a Walgreens specialty billing technician from Oklahoma and PharmStart participant. “But it isn’t easy juggling work and school full-time. PharmStart has helped accelerate my path to becoming a pharmacist, and I now see a clear way forward to achieving this life goal.”
PharmStart is intentionally designed for team members who are balancing work, life and education. Key features include:
- Multiple start dates throughout the year that allow participants to begin when the timing works best for them
- Curated coursework selected to meet common pre-pharmacy requirements
- Personalized academic and career support through Guild including application assistance, enrollment help and coaching
- Full tuition coverage paid by Walgreens and facilitated through Guild, plus reimbursement for eligible course-related expenses
Eligible participants include Walgreens pharmacy technicians and other selected frontline roles interested in pursuing a future career as a pharmacist.
“Walgreens is demonstrating what it means to build durable workforce solutions, uplifting their talent from within,” says Bijal Shah, chief executive officer of Guild. “PharmStart expands access to pharmacy education in a way that is both strategic and human. It gives team members a clear path to grow, while strengthening a vital talent pipeline and ensuring continuity of care in the communities Walgreens serves.”
Building a stronger pipeline
PharmStart originated through the Walgreens Deans Advisory Council, following a survey of Walgreens technicians that identified financial barriers and time constraints as major obstacles to pursuing a career as a pharmacist. Expanding the program nationwide helps advance the profession at a time when pharmacists and technicians play an increasingly critical role in community health. PharmStart creates opportunities for those interested in earning a pharmacy degree, invests in our team members’ growth and future, and helps address the national pharmacist shortage.
PharmStart is one of several initiatives introduced by the company to help safeguard the future of the profession and community pharmacy. Others include the Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program (PEAP), the Student Loan 401(k) Match Program and the Community Practice Shared Faculty Program.
