Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) - St. Joseph Warren Hospital

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. We seek people committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

About the role

Under general supervision, assist the pharmacist in processing medication orders by selecting, assembling, and preparing medications to be dispensed for inpatient (acute care; hospital) and/or outpatient (ambulatory; retail; home infusion) services. The Certified Pharmacy Technician will have varied responsibilities within the pharmacy.

Responsibilities

• Assist the pharmacist in preparing medications for inpatient and/or outpatient service areas, including:
  • Accepting new written, faxed, or electronic prescription orders from a prescriber or their agent
  • Accepting new verbal prescription orders for non-controlled drugs as authorized by state law and responsible pharmacist
  • Entering and retrieving information from electronic health records or prescription processing systems
  • Ensuring accurate charge and credit functions for patient billing
• Prepare and affix labels; stock and retrieve prescription drugs from inventory
• Count and pour drugs into containers prior to pharmacist dispensing
• Perform non-sterile drug compounding under United States Pharmacopeia guidelines
• Stock automated drug dispensing cabinets, floor stock, and crash carts
• Transport medications by vehicle to off-site locations
• Operate robotic drug dispensing technology
• As permitted by state law/regulations:
  • Accept verbal refill authorizations for non-controlled substances if no changes from the original prescription
  • Clarify prescriptions when no professional judgment is needed
  • Send or receive copies of non-controlled prescriptions (transfers)
  • Perform technician checking of associate technician work prior to dispensing
• Assist in educating and precepting new pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students
• Participate in performance improvement activities
• Outpatient-specific duties:
  • Package and sell prescription drugs to patients or representatives
  • Assist with insurance claim processing
  • Perform diagnostic laboratory testing as defined by state laws/guidelines
• Inpatient/Home infusion-specific duties:
  • Perform sterile drug compounding under United States Pharmacopeia guidelines
  • Follow infection-control procedures
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Perform other functions as outlined by State Board of Pharmacy rules and regulations

Requirements

• ExCPT Certification (National Health Career Association) or PTCB certification (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board)
• Registration with State Board of Pharmacy (required)
• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Completion of one of the following (preferred):
  • ASHP/ACPE tech training program
  • Pharmacy technician training via Armed Forces/Veterans Affairs
  • State department-approved career tech high school program
• Previous experience in Retail, Ambulatory, Outpatient, Hospital, Acute Care, or Home Infusion pharmacy (preferred)

Patient Population

Demonstrates knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the following patient age groups:

• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads
• Exposure to high noise levels and bright lights
• Potential exposure to hazardous substances or body fluids
• Frequent interruptions
• Required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment, and follow infection control policies

Skills

• Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Stocking Medications
• Mathematical Proficiency
• Point of Sale Equipment Operation
• Processing Prescriptions
• Dispensing Prescriptions
• Robotic Dispensing Systems
• Prioritization
• Performance Improvement
• Packaging Medications
• Insurance Claim Processing
• Compounding Medications
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Problem Solving
• Active Listening
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Professional Judgement
• Diagnostic Testing
• Medication Transport

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses
• 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• HSA/FSA options
• Life insurance
• Mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental leave, and FMLA leave
• Short- and long-term disability
• Backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance
• Professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on market and employment status.