Pharmacy Technician, Certified or Trainee

About the Role

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Urbandale Clinic, is seeking a 90% Pharmacy Technician Certified or Trainee to join our team. This role operates under general pharmacist supervision and involves technical activities related to dispensing, including prescription and sterile product functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and perform technical activities of dispensing areas.
• Prepare, package, and compound medications accurately and efficiently, including hazardous substances.
• Collaborate with departmental and other staff.
• Carry out activities supportive of development, coordination, and training of assigned areas.
• Prescription processing:
• Enter/verify patient coverage/third party information.
• Verify correct quantity & day supply of medication.
• Set-up prescription fill/refill for pick-up or delivery per established procedures.
• Document notes in Willow Ambulatory and/or Epic.
• Fill/refill prescriptions:
• Read label for accuracy and correct as needed.
• Label and package the correct medication.
• Generate and/or maintain appropriate records related to prescription dispensing.
• Communicate with the public, patients, and other health care personnel.
• Receive and screen prescriptions for completeness and check for readiness.
• Conduct interviews with patients or representatives to collect and record profile information, including demographic, third party coverage, pediatric patient weight, medication allergies, medical conditions, and current medication lists.
• Determine waiting/pick-up time and prioritize accordingly.
• Recognize workflow patterns for effective triage of prescriptions.
• Answer telephone lines and triage calls.
• Successfully complete/pass aseptic compliances and didactic tests.
• Mix and label chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and supportive care medications.
• Perform cleanroom maintenance activities.
• Assist with cleaning & decontamination of PEC and SEC in accordance with SOPs.
• Assist with upkeep and cleaning of other equipment and maintain records.
• Unpack supply orders, verify correctness, and deliver to stock locations.
• Stock mixing room, patient rooms, and other areas as needed.
• Perform inventory maintenance activities.
• Review ‘Ready to Dispense’ queue for unpicked-up medications and follow-up.
• Assist with daily & monthly drug inventory counts.
• Conduct assigned audits in patient care clinic areas (Certified Technicians Only).
• Assist with training of new and student technicians.
• Maintain area orderliness and cleanliness.
• Audit area for compliance with medication security, segregation of dosage forms, expiration dates, approved samples, Emergency Medication Tray expiration dates, and appropriate drug storage.
• Perform activities involving narcotics and controlled substances:
• Conduct weekly and monthly inventory counts.
• Assist with drug diversion surveillance by auditing records.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Pharmacy Technician, Certified:
• Registered with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy at the time of hire.
• National certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Pharmacy Technician, Trainee:
• Registered with the Pharmacy Board at the time of hire.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• All Pharmacy Technicians:
• Must be certified within one year of employment, unless their Pharmacy Technician Trainee registration has been extended by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. Failure to achieve certification within one year will result in termination.

Qualifications

• Certified Technician:
• Any combination of two years of post-high school experience and/or education in the natural sciences OR satisfactory completion of an accredited pharmacy technician training program.
• Trainee Technician:
• Any combination of two years of post-high school experience and/or education in the natural sciences OR satisfactory completion of an accredited pharmacy technician training program.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to perform ratio/proportion equations.
• Experience with inventory maintenance activities.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Experience working in a detail-oriented work environment.
• Knowledge of Windows-based computer programs.
• Experience working in an environment requiring accuracy.
• Experience working in healthcare with one-on-one patient interaction.
• Experience handling challenging interactions in a work environment.

Position and Application Details

• Schedule: 36 hours per week, primarily Monday through Friday, with one day off every two weeks.
• May require travel and assistance in Waukee or other nearby locations.
• The Department of Pharmaceutical Care intends to hire at either the Pharmacy Technician, Trainee classification or Pharmacy Technician, Certified, based on candidate qualifications. Applicants should indicate their preference in application materials or indicate both.
• Resume is required.
• Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
• Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step.
• Classification Title: Pharmacy Technician, Certified
• Appointment Type: Merit
• Compensation: Pay Level 10