The Pharmacy Technician supports the Pharmacist and/or Pharmacy Department. The technician has primary responsibility in the unit-dose, sterile ad-mixture, and floor stock areas under the direct supervision of a licensed Pharmacist. Assists the pharmacist by filling physician orders for medications for oral, rectal, topical and injectable use; mixes IV admixture solutions as required using aseptic technique in; types labels, prepares and files charge slips and performs other related duties. All duties are performed under the guidance and supervision of the Pharmacist. Pharmacist check of all technician work involved in the preparation and/or dispensing of drugs. Job duties may vary depending on pharmacy unit assigned.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, fills medication orders, picks up orders and delivers medications to patient care units. Ensures that the appropriate medication, including dose and form, is dispensed accurately and in a timely manner with a correct and scanable barcode. Maintain accurate documentation of controlled substance activities (load, refill, unload, outdate). 

Answers messages, telephones and triage calls. Refers questions regarding drug use, interactions, duplications, side effects and other clinical questions to the pharmacist.

Performs inventory and stock functions in the nursing stations. Processes returns, recalls and expired medications.

Maintains complete understanding of pharmacy operations; knowledge of pharmacy terminology, medications in floor stock and nursing units; trade and generic names; and inventory control procedures.

Understands the maintenance of the barcode database in the automated dispensing cabinets system. Maintains inventory of supplies and reorders them accordingly.  Maintains record of merchandise that need to be ordered. Receives and stores incoming deliveries of medication and supplies.

Follows the departmental policies, hospital policies, and other regulations related to safe medication use, storing and handling. Compliant with maintaining temperature logs. Ensures compliance with California State Board of Pharmacy and USP 797 compounding regulations.

Maintains the Pharmacy Department in a clean and orderly manner. Ensures that pharmaceutical preparations are sterile, properly packaged, labeled and stored, and not outdated.

Follows cleanup procedures for dangerous substance spills.

Education

High school diploma required 

Vocational/Technical Diploma

Completion of formal education and training from an accredited institution leading to or required for licensure. Two years college with knowledge of math and chemistry required.

Experience

6 months of Pharmacy Technician experience

License

Current California State Board of Pharmacy technician license required