South Kingstown High School's Pharmacy Technician Program: Building Healthcare Leaders of Tomorrow
In an innovative partnership with the University of Rhode Island (URI) College of Pharmacy and CVS Health, South Kingstown High School's Pharmacy Technician Career Exploration Program is setting new standards for healthcare education at the secondary level.
Program Overview
The program provides students with hands-on experience in pharmacy operations, essential healthcare skills, and real-world applications through structured externships at local CVS Pharmacy locations. Students complete 40 hours of CVS Pharmacy Technician Training before beginning their practical experience, ensuring they're well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Strong Industry Partnerships
The collaboration with URI College of Pharmacy brings weekly interactions between SKHS students and URI PharmD students, facilitated by Dr. Erica Estus and Dr. Kelly Matson. These sessions include pharmaceutical lessons, laboratory work, and essential life skills training.
CVS Health's involvement, coordinated by Workforce Initiatives Program Manager Mr. Herber Ibanez and CVS Pharmacist Mrs. Nikki McPeak (an SKHS alumna), provides students with direct industry exposure and potential career opportunities.
Impact on Students
"Our students are not merely acquiring knowledge of the Pharmacy Technician profession; they are actively engaging in practical, real-world applications that provide them with invaluable experiences, which we believe will distinguish them from their peers." - Penny Bush, CTE Coordinator
Student Perspectives
- Isabel Brilhante (Junior): "The Pharm Tech program has shown me that pharmacy is more than just working behind a counter—it offers endless opportunities in healthcare."
- Madysen Greene (Junior): "Learning about different career paths in pharmacy has been eye-opening. I never realized how many opportunities exist with a Pharm.D. degree."
- Mia Iemma (Senior): "The program has provided me with a strong foundation in medication knowledge, pharmacy law, and workplace safety."
Community Impact
The program serves as a vital bridge between education and industry, creating a pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals for the South Kingstown community. Students who successfully complete their externship can apply for Rhode Island Department of Health Pharmacy Technician I licensure upon turning 18.
Looking Forward
Under the guidance of Karen Amber, Teacher of Career and Technical Education (CTE) & Health Education, the program continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of both the healthcare industry and students pursuing careers in medicine.
The program exemplifies how educational institutions can partner with industry leaders to create meaningful pathways for students into healthcare careers, benefiting both individual students and the broader community.