PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS: EQUITABLE PATHWAYS IN PHARMACY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION

| Lead Subaward Institution: Moreno Valley Unified School District | Pathway: Healthcare |

| Date Funded: June 2024 | Amount Awarded: $399,765 | Project Completion: June 2026 |

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Moreno Valley Unified School District’s Prescription for Success project prepares students at March Mountain High School for careers as pharmacy technicians through classroom instruction, simulated practice, and community-based experience. The project connects career technical education with certification preparation and local employer partnerships, creating an accessible pathway into healthcare.

Students build knowledge in pharmacy fundamentals, medical terminology, and basic pharmacology while practicing prescription data entry, dosage calculations, and customer communication. A simulated pharmacy lab allows participants to apply these skills before completing externships with local pharmacies.

Certification preparation supports students as they work toward the National Healthcareer Association’s ExCPT exam and California’s pharmacy technician licensure process. Connections with community pharmacies provide opportunities to gain workplace experience, learn from professionals, and explore employment.

By combining technical instruction, practical training, and employer engagement, Prescription for Success helps students build the skills and confidence to transition from high school into further training and healthcare careers.

Recovery with Equity Strategies: Cultivate inclusive, engaging, and equity-oriented learning environments; retain students through inclusive support; support college preparation and early credit.

“Without this K–16 Collaborative funding, our school would not have had the resources to acquire specialized pharmacy training software, lab simulation kits, and instructional materials.” - Lynnsey Huntsman, MVUSD

PROJECT IMPACT

The most significant accomplishment was establishing a fully equipped, hands-on pharmacy learning environment at March Mountain High School. This allowed non-traditional and continuation high school students to gain direct exposure to pharmaceutical math, compounding basics, prescription processing, and healthcare terminology.

KEY MILESTONES

  • Hands-on pharmacy simulation lab established at March Mountain High School.

  • Students received assistance completing California Board of Pharmacy licensure applications.

  • Students prepared for the National Health career Association (NHA) ExCPT certification exam.

  • Students Hired by regional pharmacy partners prior to graduation.

Moreno Valley Unified School District

KEY & IMPACT

Creating healthcare career opportunities.

140-HOUR

Clinical Externships

Clinical externships completed by students.

50

Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning opportunities offered.

10+

Community & Industry Partnerships

Community and industry partnerships developed.

PROJECT PARTNERS

This work is made possible thanks to the support of these and many additional regional partners.