Hy-Vee seeks 2,000 more pharmacy technicians

With COVID-19 fueling more demand for health care services, Hy-Vee aims to another 2,000 full- and part-time pharmacy technicians.

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee said Friday that new pharmacy techs will bolster support at its more than 275 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations across its eight-state market area, which have begun their annual flu shot programs as well as continue to administer COVID vaccines. Both certified and non-certified pharmacy techs can help process prescriptions, dispense medications and assist patients, among other tasks.

“The role of pharmacy technicians has never been more integral than today, especially as we prepare for the upcoming flu season and expected authorization of COVID-19 vaccine boosters,” Kristin Williams, executive vice president and chief health officer at Hy-Vee, said in a statement.

With the hiring push, Hy-Vee also is introducing a new pharmacy technician apprenticeship, which prepares prospective Rx techs with the required training and resources to become nationally certified to administer vaccinations such as COVID-19, influenza and others. The apprenticeship is free for all those interested Hy-Vee pharmacy technicians and can be completed in as soon as eight months, depending on state requirements, while working at a Hy-Vee Pharmacy, the company said.

Related:Hy-Vee starts providing COVID-19 third shots

Interested applicants can view available pharmacy technician positions in their area at hy-vee.com/careers.

“Our new apprenticeship program offers the opportunity for pharmacy technicians to advance their experience and career in the pharmacy field and work for a company that offers amazing benefits, competitive wages and flexible scheduling,” Williams added.

Health care is a major part of Hy-Vee’s offering, and the company has steadily expanded its array of services. Last month, the grocer unveiled Hy-Vee Medicare Aisle, an agency offering Medicare coverage plans. The company’s in-store and freestanding pharmacies already provide a full range of pharmacy care, immunization and wellness services. In addition, Hy-Vee has more than 70 in-store retail health clinics; owns and operates two specialty pharmacies, Amber Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions; and in late 2020 launched its own pharmacy benefits manager (PBM), Vivid Clear Rx. And in July, Hy-Vee appointed Dr. Daniel Fick as chief medical officer, a newly created position.

Overall, Hy-Vee generates annual sales of $11 billion and operates more than 280 stores in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Related:Hy-Vee launches agency to sell Medicare insurance plans