Pharmacy Technician Trainee

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Pharmacy Technician Supervisor, Pharmacist and according to department policies & procedures, and guidelines, Pharmacy Technician Trainee is responsible for performing many supportive functions in the department for the purpose of providing high quality patient focused pharmacy services. All duties are supervised prior to delivery of medications to patient.

Position: Pharmacy Technician Trainee

Department: Retail Pharmacy

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

The trainee assists the pharmacist in providing effective, appropriate, and safe pharmacy services. All duties are supervised prior to delivery of medications to patient.   Attends in-service orientation to learn and then perform the following:

Tech assistance:

• Provides assistance as a Pharmacy Tech, Pharmacy Customer Service Rep or Pharmacy Stock Assistant.
• Maintains appropriate records up-to-date.
• Responsible for pick up and delivery of patient specific medication, and for timely, efficient and accurate distribution of drugs.  Ensures all work is checked by a pharmacist. 
• Develops and maintains proficiency to perform inventory maintenance, medication repackaging, medication packaging equipment, general distribution skills, unit dose cassette fill.

General duties:

• Maintains all work environments in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Maintains good telephone communication skills.
• Attends and participates in all appropriate department programs and committees.
• Remains informed by reading all department communications.
• Reports to the pharmacist or direct supervisor the finding of malfunctioning equipment, and unsafe working conditions.
• Maintains excellent familiarity with appropriate department policies and procedures.
• Performs all department required quality assurance responsibilities.
• Conforms to hospital standards of conduct so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided:
• Conducts interpersonal relationships with patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees in a courteous and friendly manner.
• Maintains all designated hospital information confidential at all times.
• Anticipates and is responsive to the service needs of the pharmacist relative to supportive pharmacy services and maximized patient care outcomes.
• Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital's mission and goals.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other duties as needed.

This is an entry level position to allow employees to gain sufficient work hours to qualify for Certification as a Pharmacy Tech.

A Pharmacy Tech Trainee is not required to graduate from a Board approved technician training program to qualify as a certified Pharmacy Technician. But in order to become certified, the trainee must obtain a National PTCB certificate from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (go to for more information on the exam.). Eligibility requirements are: experience working as a Pharmacy Trainee, a high school diploma or GED and never having been convicted of a felony.
 

Once you are certified through the PCTB, this still does not mean that you are registered in Massachusetts. You can register as a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts if you meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Prove good moral character and not be convicted of a drug felony;
• Have a high school diploma or GED or be working toward one (you need the diploma or GED to take the PCTB exam)
• Completed a Board approved program OR have worked for 500-1,000 hours as a pharmacist trainee under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and
• Pass an exam issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board OR pharmacy employer (see "School section" for more information.)

In order to register in Massachusetts, you can either complete a program or work AND pass the PTCB exam or pass an exam that your employer gives to you. You cannot register with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy directly, but with their vendor, Professional Credential Services (PCS.) PCS handles the registration process for the Board. Their website is

A person as young as 16 years old can be employed in the pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee, but would not be eligible to register as a Pharmacy Technician until his or her 18th birthday.

Must adhere to all of BMC's RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Work requires a high school diploma/GED or must be currently enrolled in high school and be at least 16 years of age (this is a MA state requirement).  Students currently enrolled in high school, must provide proof of current enrollment and letter of recommendation from the school. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Must registered with the Board of Pharmacy after completing 500 hours of employment under the direct supervision of a Pharmacist and before completing 1,000 work hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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