✨ [No Experience Needed]: Earn While You Learn with the CVS Paid Pharmacy Assistant Training and Certification Program
🔥【No Tuition Concerns】 | Paid Pharmacy Technician Training Application Guide | (Earn $18–$20 per hour)
Since 2005, CVS Health has promoted workforce development through its U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship program. This initiative helps new entrants gain nationally recognized pharmacy technician certification through structured classroom and practical training, laying a strong foundation for long-term career growth.
🔹 Entry-Level Access: A Stable Path to Learn and Earn
Learn While You Earn: Participants gain hands-on experience on the job alongside formal education. Beginner hourly rates typically range from $18–$20, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, easing financial worries as you enter the field.
Mutual Benefits: Apprentices develop skills without financial strain while earning income during training.
Service Commitment: Graduates may need to complete a minimum service period at CVS Health; failure to do so might require compensation per the apprenticeship agreement.
Pharmacist Assistant Short-Term Training: Over a 12-week period, participants complete 100 hours of classroom instruction and 400 hours of on-the-job training. Classes are held every Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Upon completion, an official certificate will be issued. 【Training costs funded by employer】
🏫 Find a Training Location Near You
CVS Health partners with local organizations to offer pharmacy assistant training in multiple U.S. cities, including Chicago (IL). Each site provides professional mentors and a real pharmacy setting where learners can develop essential skills through practice. Simply search for CVS training programs or contact nearby community colleges to find open apprenticeship opportunities. Most programs operate in major cities and surrounding areas, while some also offer online options for greater scheduling flexibility.
💡 Practical Financial Support
CVS Health’s tuition assistance initiative offers meaningful relief for those pursuing a career in pharmacy. The program provides both in-person and online learning options, allowing participants to complete training while maintaining steady income. This structure reduces financial stress and opens diverse career paths across the healthcare system.
🔍 Inside the CAPS Program
The “Career Prescription for Success” (CAPS) program combines mentorship with hands-on training to build a complete learning pathway for pharmacy assistants.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Training Format | Blends classroom learning with practical experience |
| Support | Continuous guidance before, during, and after onboarding |
| Credential | Nationally recognized pharmacy technician certification |
| Outcome | Equips participants to meet industry standards and pursue advancement opportunities |
For individuals with no prior pharmacy experience, CVS offers one of the most accessible pathways into the field. Through paid training and certification, participants quickly gain hands-on skills and industry credentials, strengthening their employability.
📈 Career Growth Opportunities
CVS Health continues to expand its pharmacy-related apprenticeship programs, with future opportunities extending into:
- Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM)
- Specialty Pharmacy Services
- Nursing Support Roles
- Digital Health and Telepharmacy Services
This expansion opens diverse career tracks, allowing participants to advance within the broader healthcare and wellness sectors.
📋 How to apply and the application process
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Background Check: Candidates are required to pass a background screening to ensure eligibility for the pharmacy assistant role.
- Submit Application: Visit the CVS Health careers platform and search for positions labeled “Pharmacy Technician Training” or “Apprenticeship.” Complete and submit the official application form, including personal details, educational background, and contact information.
- Interview Stage: Qualified applicants will participate in a phone or virtual interview to review training schedules, hourly pay (typically $18–$20 per hour), and service commitment details.
- Join the Program: Upon acceptance, participants begin a 12-week paid training program consisting of 100 hours of classroom instruction and 400 hours of on-the-job practice. Classes are typically held every Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Certification and Service Period: After successful completion, participants receive a nationally recognized Pharmacy Assistant Certificate. Some participants may be required to fulfill a minimum service period at CVS Health, with compensation terms outlined in the apprenticeship agreement.
- Partnership Network: CVS Health collaborates with community colleges, workforce development boards, and industry partners to create apprenticeship pathways that provide equitable access to pharmacy training opportunities, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to start their healthcare careers.
CVS Health collaborates with community colleges, workforce development boards, and other partners to create pharmacy apprenticeship pipelines that expand access and diversity among applicants.
✅ Summary
The CVS registered apprenticeship program offers an entry point into the pharmacy profession for those with no prior experience. With paid training, structured instruction, and professional mentorship, participants earn income while gaining valuable technical skills and industry credentials. Ongoing program expansion promises even broader career opportunities within the healthcare field.