Program Overview
The Pharmacy Technician Research Training Program is an innovative workforce development initiative designed to introduce pharmacy technicians to clinical and translational research while preparing them for future careers as pharmacist-scientists. Developed in partnership with the UCSF School of Pharmacy's Pharmacy Tech to PharmD Program (PTPP), this program provides participants with foundational research knowledge, personalized mentorship, and hands-on research experience that complements their journey toward pharmacy school.
Whether your career goal is to become a clinical pharmacist, contribute to improving patient care through research, or pursue academic pharmacy, PTRT provides the skills and experiences needed to understand how research translates into better health outcomes.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles of clinical and translational research and its role in improving patient care.
- Identify meaningful clinical problems and develop focused, researchable questions.
- Apply fundamental concepts of research methodology, study design, and research ethics.
- Describe the importance of community-engaged research and patient-centered approaches.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and apply evidence to research questions.
- Develop a research protocol suitable for implementation in a clinical or translational research setting.
- Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary research teams and faculty mentors.
- Explore career pathways that integrate pharmacy practice with clinical and translational research.
Program Delivery
PRT curriculum combines interactive virtual classroom learning with immersive research experiences to provide a comprehensive introduction to clinical and translational research.
Participants will engage in:
- Interactive in-person lectures led by experienced faculty and research professionals.
- Small-group discussions and collaborative learning activities that reinforce key concepts.
- Case-based learning and practical exercises that connect research principles to real-world pharmacy practice.
- Individual mentorship from faculty and early career investigators with expertise in clinical and translational research.
- A mentored research experience that allows participants to contribute to an active research project while developing practical research skills.
This blended approach ensures participants gain both the theoretical foundation and practical experience necessary to become confident members of research teams.
Program Structure
Phase 1: Research Foundations (8 Weeks)
During the first eight weeks, participants attend biweekly virtual sessions focused on the fundamentals of clinical and translational research. Topics include:
- Introduction to clinical and translational research
- Identifying research questions
- Research ethics and responsible conduct of research
- Study design and research methodology
- Community-engaged research
- Scientific communication and protocol development
Throughout the course, participants work toward developing a research study protocol that addresses a meaningful healthcare question and reflects the principles learned during the didactic curriculum.
Phase 2: Optional Mentored Research Experience (12 Weeks)
Following completion of the didactic curriculum, participants are matched with a UCSF faculty or early career mentor and integrated into an ongoing clinical or translational research project.
During this mentored experience, participants will:
- Apply research concepts in a real-world setting.
- Participate in research activities appropriate to their interests and experience.
- Learn directly from faculty investigators and research teams.
- Develop professional skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
- Receive individualized career guidance and mentorship.