Retail Pharmacy Technician

Summary

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

Job Description

In a retail/community pharmacy setting, the Pharmacy Technician duties consist of assisting pharmacists in compounding, preparing and dispensing medical prescriptions to the public after receiving information from customers or patients according to written/faxed prescriptions. Maintains proper storage and security conditions for drugs; ensures that equipment is functioning properly and assists in resolution of equipment maintenance and repair; controls inventory stock level and timeline to ensure adequate supplies. Assists with billing related functions. May assist with departmental quality assurance and other customer- or patient-focused services with oversight from supervisory staff; assists in the creation and maintenance of a safe working environment and conditions that adhere to state laws and regulations. Requires use of and proficiency in multiple computer programs.

In a medical center or institutional setting, the Pharmacy Technician duties consist of unit dose dispensing, IV admixtures, compounding and automated dispensing devices. Ensures that equipment is functioning properly and assists in resolution of equipment maintenance and repair. Responsible for assisting the pharmacist in the provision of pharmaceutical care to the patients of Sanford by following established regulations, standards and practices (including the preparation of IV admixtures). Must possess the skills necessary to understand written policies and procedures, perform various functions under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and participate in departmental problem-solving when needed. Must demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills and be able to learn and utilize new technology as the profession of pharmacy evolves. Assists with billing related functions. May assist with departmental quality assurance and other customer- or patient-focused services with oversight from supervisory staff; assists in the creation and maintenance of a safe working environment and conditions that adhere to state laws and regulations. Requires use of and proficiency in multiple computer programs.

The Pharmacy Technician position is located in different work environments and duties may vary based upon location or setting; also depending on location, there may be an overlap of retail/inpatient responsibilities.

Qualifications

High School graduate or general education diploma (GED) required.

Iowa: Effective July 1, 2010, all pharmacy techs working in Iowa pharmacies must be nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). If enrolled in a technician training program, or not previously having worked as a pharmacy technician, must register as a pharmacy technician trainee within 30 days of starting technician training or employment. A technician trainee must become a nationally certified pharmacy tech within 12 months of starting tech employment or training. A pharmacy tech trainee who does not complete national pharmacy tech certification before expiration of the pharmacy tech trainee registration, must discontinue working as a pharmacy tech.

Minnesota: As of January 1, 2012 any individual registering for the first time as a technician needs to be 18 years of age or older. Must have active/current pharmacy technician registration with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. For new technician registrants, the individual must complete a Sanford provided (or equivalent) pharmacy technician training program within 12 months of registration with the board.

North Dakota: Pharmacy Technicians must register as a Pharmacy Technician or Technician in Training with the ND Board of Pharmacy, before beginning employment in the pharmacy. Individuals applying as a pharmacy technician in training must enroll in Sanford provided (or equivalent) ASHP accredited education and obtain national certification (PTCB or NHA) within the timelines established by the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy to receive the Pharmacy Technician licensure. Failure to obtain ASHP accredited education and National Certification before the board of pharmacy removes the technician in training license will result in termination of position. Once active, the registration as a Pharmacy Technician remains valid as long as the individual maintains an active license with the North Dakota board of Pharmacy. The North Dakota Board of Pharmacy does not require employees to collect or submit ongoing proof of national certification renewal. Technicians must simply ensure their state registration remains active.

South Dakota: Registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the SD Board of Pharmacy required within 30 days from the date of hire. As of September 12, 2024, the state of South Dakota requires technician certification in the following roles: A Technician Providing immunizations, a Technician working in a Remote Pharmacy, other advanced functions as approved per the Board