DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is broadening the role of its pharmacists through a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening leadership in pharmacies, expanding career development opportunities, and supporting the future pharmacy workforce.
A key part of the effort is the rollout of more than 300 district pharmacy supervisor (DPS) positions across the country. Developed in response to feedback from pharmacy team members, the new leadership role is designed to provide hands-on support to pharmacy staff while helping ensure patients receive high-quality care.
District pharmacy supervisors will focus on four primary areas: operational and clinical leadership, talent development, patient and customer advocacy, and alignment between pharmacy teams and field operations.
Bill Schiffner
Walgreens is also investing in the next generation of pharmacists through PharmStart, a first-of-its-kind, fully funded online education program that was expanded to all 50 states last year. Initially launched with a cohort of 300 team members across six states, the program helps eligible Walgreens employees complete the prerequisite coursework required for pharmacy school.
Created in partnership with Guild, PharmStart enables participants to take online pre-pharmacy courses while also providing an opportunity to earn an associate degree in Biological Sciences. The program is designed to create new pathways into the profession while addressing ongoing challenges in the pharmacist talent pipeline.
PharmStart was developed through the Walgreens Deans Advisory Council after a survey of Walgreens pharmacy technicians identified financial barriers and limited time as major obstacles to pursuing pharmacist careers. By expanding the program nationwide, Walgreens aims to support professional advancement while helping meet the growing demand for pharmacists and technicians as their role in community health continues to expand.
The company has also introduced several additional programs to support pharmacy professionals, including the Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program (PEAP), the Student Loan 401(k) Match Program, and the Community Practice Shared Faculty Program.
Together, the initiatives reflect Walgreens’ broader commitment to workforce development, professional growth and enhanced patient care across its pharmacy network.
