Assists in most aspects of drug distribution that do not require the professional judgment of a pharmacist. An Operations Pharmacy Technician I can only perform some aspects of drug distribution and preparation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND / OR LICENSURE :

1. High school diploma or Equivalent.

2. Must be nationally certified within 15 months of hire by completing an approved national certification exam (PTCB or EXCPT).

3. Must be registered with the applicable state Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician trainee upon hire (except PA).

4. If employed in Maryland, national certifications are waived.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND / OR LICENSURE :

1. Associates degree OR Post high school education in a science field of study OR graduate of a pharmacy technician training program.

EXPERIENCE :

1. Six months of pharmacy technician experience.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.

They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Responsible for preparing unit-dose medications, delivering medications, and ordering and delivering drug supplies.

2. Reads physician orders / prescriptions and prepares medication for dispensing, including unique dosage forms for pediatric and geriatric patient populations.

3. Has an understanding of standard pharmaceutical / medical terms, abbreviations and symbols commonly used in the prescribing and dispensing of medications.

4. Communicates with Patients or care givers to determine medication, medication possession, and scheduling delivery, pick up, or shipment of medication.

5. Accurately prepares and / or delivers controlled substances and maintains all necessary records.

6. Takes inventory and analyzes patient care area medication supplies, replacing outdated or deteriorated medications; replaces depleted inventory.

7. Accurately prepares non-parenteral medications, including oral solutions / suspensions for pediatric patients.

8. Labels parenteral / Prescription products appropriately.

9. Performs arithmetic calculations for usual dosage determinations required in medication and solution preparation.

10. Performs in accordance with departmental standards established for speed and accuracy.

11. Prepares and labels prepackaged medications after determining usage patterns and prepackaging requirements. Also maintains records related to this.

12. Maintains inventory and supplies in assigned pharmacy service areas.

13. Answers telephone and channels calls to appropriate individual.

14. Ensures that the pharmacy service areas and drug storage areas in the institution are kept clean and orderly.

15. Certain duties cannot be assigned to Pharmacy Technicians because these duties can only be performed by pharmacists.

These restrictions are regulated at state and federal levels and must be followed closely :

• Only pharmacists can receive oral prescriptions from prescribers or prescribers’ authorized designees. (This refers primarily to new telephone prescriptions).
• Only pharmacists can consult with prescribers or prescribers’ designees about patients’ prescriptions.
• Only pharmacists can provide confidential patient information to other health professionals or insurance companies.
• Only pharmacists can check medications before dispensing them to patients. (In states where technicians can prepare or package prescriptions, they do so under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.)
• Only pharmacists can consult with patients about prescribed medication use and other health issues.
• Only pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter medications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to walk and stand or sit for long periods of time.

2. Must be able to lift 30 pounds and must be able to push 50 pounds.

3. Dexterity required to finger, handle, and reach.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Last updated : 2024-05-29