Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Mercy Health has partnered with Toledo Public Schools (TPS) to launch a Pharmacy Technician Program, offering students a hands‑on, fast‑track pathway into one of healthcare’s most in‑demand careers.
Through this new education‑to‑career initiative, participating students will learn to support hospital pharmacy operations and develop the skills needed to assist licensed pharmacists with safe, accurate medication dispensing. The program gives high school learners early exposure to a critical healthcare role while helping them build a strong foundation for future certification and employment.
“This program is yet another example of how we’re partnering with Toledo Public Schools to strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline,” said Bob Baxter, president, Mercy Health – Toledo. “By providing students with real‑world learning experiences, we’re helping them gain early momentum toward meaningful careers in healthcare. This initiative supports students, enhances care for our patients and reinforces our long‑term commitment to the well‑being of the communities we serve.”
The program is already demonstrating powerful early results. Four TPS high school students have earned their Ohio Pharmacy Technician Trainee licenses and begun internships at Mercy Health pharmacies across Toledo — all while continuing their high school coursework. The internships provide hands‑on clinical experience, direct mentorship from pharmacy professionals and an inside look at the daily operations of a modern pharmacy. It’s a transformational opportunity that sets students on a fast, purposeful pathway into the healthcare field, Baxter said.
Designed to give students a head start on pharmacy technician certification and future employment, the program also supports Mercy Health’s commitment to cultivating a pipeline of skilled, locally trained talent to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs.
“This program represents exactly what education should be — aligned, intentional, and directly connected to workforce needs,” said Jack Hunter, principal, Toledo Pre-Medical & Health Science Academy. “Through our partnership with Mercy Health, TPS students are not just learning about healthcare careers, they are actively stepping into them. We are building a pipeline that changes lives and strengthens our community.”
“My internship with Mercy Health opened many doors to opportunities and gave me invaluable hands-on experience as a pharmacy technician trainee, further inspiring my passion for healthcare and my future career goals,” said Alayna Bui, pharmacy technician student at Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital.
