Compounding Certified Pharmacy Technician Trainer

Position Summary

The Compounding Certified Pharmacy Technician Trainer is responsible for leading, developing, coordinating, and maintaining all training activities within the Sterile, Non-Sterile, and Hazardous Compounding Department. This position serves as the subject matter expert and primary training resource for pharmacy technicians, ensuring adherence to USP <795>, USP <797>, and USP <800> standards while supporting operational excellence, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

The Trainer provides onboarding, competency development, cross-training, and ongoing education for compounding personnel while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity. This role combines training responsibilities with active participation in compounding operations and serves as a key partner to Pharmacy Leadership, Quality Assurance, and Human Resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Training Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all sterile, non-sterile, and hazardous compounding training initiatives.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of departmental training programs.
• Ensure all training practices comply with USP <795>, USP <797>, USP <800>, HIPAA, OSHA, state Board of Pharmacy regulations, and company policies.
• Collaborate with Pharmacy Leadership, Quality Assurance, Human Resources, Fulfillment, Data Entry, and Customer Service teams to maintain accurate and compliant training content.

New Hire Onboarding and Training

• Develop and maintain structured onboarding programs for newly hired pharmacy technicians.
• Provide hands-on instruction in aseptic technique, non-sterile and hazardous compounding procedures, gowning, workflow processes, labeling, packaging, and documentation.
• Train staff on compounding software systems, batch records, environmental monitoring logs, and compliance documentation.
• Monitor trainee progress through competency assessments, observations, and documented sign-offs.
• Reinforce contamination control practices and safety standards throughout all training activities.

Cross-Training and Staff Development

• Identify opportunities for cross-training among sterile, non-sterile, and hazardous compounding operations.
• Maintain training records and competency matrices that track employee proficiency.
• Conduct refresher training and annual competency evaluations, including aseptic technique validations.
• Support employee growth and professional development through individualized training plans and certification preparation.

Training Materials and Documentation

• Create, update, and maintain standardized training materials, SOPs, job aids, competency assessments, and quality control checklists.
• Ensure all training documents are current, version-controlled, accessible, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to support inspection readiness, audit preparation, and competency review processes.
• Update training content promptly following regulatory changes, policy revisions, or process improvements.

Quality Assurance and Performance Evaluation

• Observe and evaluate technician performance related to compounding techniques, environmental monitoring, documentation accuracy, and labeling procedures.
• Analyze operational and quality metrics, including error rates, deviations, environmental excursions, and audit findings, to assess training effectiveness.
• Develop and implement corrective training plans when performance gaps or compliance concerns are identified.
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives throughout the compounding department.

Communication and Collaboration

• Gather and review trainee feedback to improve training effectiveness and engagement.
• Communicate policy updates, formulation changes, and regulatory requirements to compounding staff.
• Collaborate with department leadership to align training programs with operational goals, quality standards, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with subject matter experts and department leaders when specialized training support is required.

Production and Scheduling Responsibilities

• Balance training responsibilities with daily compounding and production duties.
• Schedule and facilitate onboarding programs, cross-training sessions, refresher courses, and annual validations.
• Ensure adequate workflow coverage while meeting departmental training objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in good standing.
• Active pharmacy technician registration or licensure as required by state regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of sterile, non-sterile, and hazardous compounding practices.
• Strong understanding of USP <795>, USP <797>, and USP <800> requirements.
• Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic technique and cleanroom operations.
• Experience training, mentoring, coaching, or developing pharmacy staff.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and training documentation.
• Proficiency with pharmacy operating systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• National certification through PTCB or ExCPT.
• Advanced Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) certification.
• Previous experience in a compounding pharmacy training, lead technician, or supervisory role.
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections and quality assurance initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the workday.
• Ability to wear required cleanroom PPE, including gowns, gloves, masks, and other protective equipment.
• Ability to work within sterile and hazardous compounding environments.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform repetitive tasks.

Performance Expectations

• Demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency and serve as a role model for compounding best practices.
• Maintain high standards of compliance, quality, and safety.
• Successfully train and validate competency of pharmacy technicians according to company standards.
• Support departmental goals through effective communication, coaching, and staff development.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, patient safety, and operational excellence.