Pharmacy Technician I

Pharmacy Technician

Under the direct guidance and supervision of a licensed pharmacist(s), and following all federal and state regulations, prepares and distributes medications and maintains drug inventory and patient record.

Education:

High school diploma/GED or current enrollment in high school/GED program required.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Possesses a current state of Illinois technician license or is able to obtain such license within 60 days of application. Applicants may not begin work without proof of licensure application, either electronic (web) verification or hard copy of application.
• Pharmacy technician certification through the pharmacy technician certification board-(PTCB) or the exam for the certification of pharmacy technicians (ExCPT) is required by the second pharmacy technician license renewal except for:
• Pharmacy technicians who obtained initial licensure prior to January 1, 2008.
• Pharmacy students enrolled in an accredited school of pharmacy.
• Prior pharmacy training preferred.

Experience:

• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication, problem solving, basic math, and customer relations skills.
• Demonstrates basic computer knowledge, with the ability to operate keyboard and mouse to access and store information into an electronic database.
• Ability to push, pull, and transport up to 50 lbs. and stand/walk for long periods of time.

Responsibilities

• Assists the pharmacist in filling medication orders including orders for IV admixtures, surgical kits, compounded orders, or floor stock.
• Complies with all federal, state, or other regulatory requirements as they relate to drug control, drug storage, drug dispensing or drug returns.
• Monitors medication stock levels and advises appropriate pharmacy staff of depletion or low levels of critical medications and supplies.
• Adheres to all necessary state, federal (USP) sterility requirements in preparation of sterile products.
• Delivers medications in a timely manner, placing patient needs first.
• Utilizes pharmacy computer program/software to generate labels, post charges and issue credits, run reports, and enter patient specific information.
• Complies with all department, state and federal requirements for completing appropriate online and paper records and reports for historical and auditing purposes.
• Serves as a back-up for other areas within the unit or department, especially during times of special needs or staff absences.
• Performs other related work as required or requested.

Occupational Hazards: Potential for exposure to infectious patients and materials, though rare. Potential for exposure to hazardous and toxic substances including chemotherapy, cytotoxic drugs, and cleaning solutions. Potential for sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp, potentially contaminated items. Potential for musculoskeletal injuries if proper lifting and carrying techniques are not used.