Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient Services

Description

Position Title
Pharmacy Technician — Inpatient Services

Department
Pharmacy Services

Reports To
Pharmacy Supervisor / Pharmacy Manager (under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist)

Position Summary
The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician supports the safe, accurate, and timely preparation and distribution of medications to hospitalized patients. Working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, the technician performs medication preparation, sterile compounding, inventory management, automated dispensing system support, and related technical and clerical duties in compliance with hospital policy, state and federal regulations, and accreditation standards. The technician does not perform duties that require the professional judgment of a pharmacist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare, package, and label unit-dose and bulk medications for inpatient distribution accurately and within established turnaround times.

• Prepare sterile compounded products (IV admixtures, large-volume parenterals, chemotherapy where trained and credentialed) in accordance with USP 797 and USP 800 standards, using proper aseptic technique.

• Fill and restock automated dispensing cabinets (e.g., Pyxis) and resolve stock-outs and discrepancies.

• Deliver medications to nursing units and other patient care areas; retrieve and process returned or discontinued medications.

• Manage inventory: order, receive, stock, and rotate pharmaceuticals; monitor expiration dates and remove expired or recalled products.

• Handle controlled substances in compliance with DEA regulations, including accurate recordkeeping, counts, and reconciliation.

• Operate and maintain pharmacy automation, packaging equipment, and repackaging systems; document maintenance and calibration.

• Assist with medication reconciliation and floor-stock management under pharmacist direction.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment, including cleanroom and hood cleaning/documentation.

• Participate in quality assurance, medication safety, and continuous improvement activities, including error reporting.

• Respond to and prioritize STAT and emergency medication requests.

• Comply with all HIPAA and organizational policies and procedures.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervision and Scope

Works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. All work requiring professional clinical judgment is performed or verified by a pharmacist. This position has no supervisory responsibility unless designated as a lead/senior technician.

Acknowledgment

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. It may be revised at the discretion of the employer.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

• Current state pharmacy technician registration or licensure as required by the state board of pharmacy.

• National certification (PTCB CPhT or ExCPT) — required or required within a defined period of hire per facility/state policy.

• Completion of an accredited pharmacy technician training program (e.g., ASHP/ACPE-accredited) preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior hospital or inpatient pharmacy experience.

• Sterile compounding (IV) certification and demonstrated aseptic technique competency.

• Hazardous drug (USP 800) and chemotherapy compounding training.

• Experience with pharmacy automation and hospital electronic health record/pharmacy information systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology, drug names, dosage forms, and pharmacy calculations.

• Accuracy and strong attention to detail in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

• Understanding of state/federal pharmacy law, DEA controlled substance requirements, and USP 795, USP 797, and USP 800 standards.

• Proficiency with pharmacy software, automated dispensing systems, and standard office technology.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills with pharmacists, nursing staff, and other health professionals.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle protected health information appropriately.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–50 lbs (e.g., IV fluid cases, inventory) and to push/pull medication carts.

• Manual dexterity for compounding, packaging, and equipment operation.

• Work in a cleanroom environment requiring appropriate personal protective equipment.

• Potential exposure to hazardous drugs and chemicals, mitigated by engineering controls and PPE.

• Availability for Part-time up to 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.