PHARMACY TECH TRAINEE -

This is a 12-week, full-time training program designed to develop skilled Pharmacy Technicians while preparing trainees for the PTCB certification exam. Trainees work 40 hours per week, with approximately 20 hours of hands-on experiential training and 20 hours of paid didactic study time, supported by a structured curriculum, peer cohort, program sponsor, and regular feedback. The program provides a supportive pathway to pharmacy technician certification while meeting New Mexico Board of Pharmacy requirements.

Shift differentials: 17% Weekday Nights, 26% Weekend Nights, and 15% Weekend Day.

Department: Pharmacy - Inpatient - UH. Full Time (FTE: 1.00). Shift: Rotating.

About the role

Complete the UNM Hospitals 12-week pharmacy technician training program and obtain Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification within one year of hire. This role combines hybrid learning and didactic instruction. The initial 12-week training program consists of 20 hours per week staffing as a pharmacy technician and 20 hours per week of didactic learning in preparation for the PTCB exam. Perform a variety of pharmacy technician duties under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, including inpatient and outpatient tasks.

Patient care assignments may include neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups.

Responsibilities

• Enter, verify, and correct various data in computer systems and forms to ensure accuracy.
• Order medications from wholesalers and stock pharmacy shelves upon receipt.
• Load medication into distribution and dispensing technological solutions.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay updated on new trends and innovations.
• Maintain and monitor patient assistance programs, including procuring medication for indigent patients.
• Research drug availability for patient assistance programs, assist patients with form completion, and submit requests to drug manufacturers.
• Assist in technical activities related to medication preparation and distribution, such as filling routine prescription orders and prepackaging pharmaceuticals.
• Understand medical and pharmaceutical terminology, symbols, and abbreviations used in pharmacy practice.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of pharmacology, appropriate pharmacy references, and pharmaceutical calculations necessary for drug preparation and dispensing.
• Know trade and generic names for frequently dispensed medications.
• Participate in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Maintain logs for narcotic inventory and other controlled substance records, as well as records of dispensed prescriptions.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of reports; analyze and interpret reports as required.
• Perform unit and in-house inspections and medication safety audits.
• Process prescription refills, ensuring correct drug, dose, and dosage form; deliver patient-specific medications, including intravenous medications.
• Perform basic cashiering duties, including collecting payments for prescriptions and balancing the register.
• Fill medications with the correct drug, dose, and dosage form; review pharmacy labels before pharmacist approval.
• Enter patient information, allergies, medical conditions, and insurance plans into the pharmacy management system.
• Type prescription information, including drug name, dosage, and directions for use.
• Adjudicate claims to patient insurance plans, manufacturer coupons, and patient assistance programs.
• Monitor paid claims and troubleshoot rejected claims to ensure proper reimbursement and copay presentation.
• Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients; compound and prepare medications, emulsions, suspensions, liquids, powders, and ointments.
• Obtain and document prior authorization from patient health plans before medication administration.
• Send messages to providers to request new prescriptions for patients.
• Receive and document patient prescription refill requests; fax or call in completed prescription refills for provider approval.
• Assist with planning and coordinating special projects, events, and quality improvement programs; provide and coordinate staff training.
• Perform return-to-stock procedures for prescriptions not picked up within 7 days.
• Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to patient safety by identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Identify and report or correct environmental conditions that may pose risks to patients.
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors, and near misses in a timely manner.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their care by asking questions and reporting concerns.

Inpatient Responsibilities

• Learn and become proficient with automated pharmacy systems such as DoseEdge, Logistics, Pharmacy Keeper, Cerner, and BD Pyxis Enterprise/Med station.

Outpatient Responsibilities

• Learn and become proficient with the pharmacy management system to enter patient information, allergies, and insurance details.

Qualifications

• No minimum experience required.
• Experience in a clinical or hospital setting is nonessential but beneficial.
• Bilingual skills in English/Spanish or English/Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo are nonessential but beneficial.
• Must be a Certified Pharmacy Technician or obtain PTCB certification within one year of hire. Failure to pass the PTCB exam within 12 months or failure of the exam twice will result in termination of employment.

Physical Requirements

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Physical demands exceed those for Medium Work.

Working conditions involve exposure to hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and as required thereafter.

Benefits

• Sign-On Bonus available.
• Relocation Assistance available.