Pharmacy Technician I

About the role

The Pharmacy Technician supports pharmacists in delivering pharmaceutical care by receiving, billing, and preparing prescriptions for review, assisting patients at the point of sale, and performing other technical functions to support pharmacy operations.

Responsibilities

• Assists pharmacists with preparing, filling, labeling, and dispensing medications accurately and efficiently.
• Receives, processes, and verifies medication orders and prescriptions in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains accurate patient and medication records and enters information into the pharmacy information system.
• Performs medication inventory activities, including receiving, stocking, rotating, and monitoring medications and supplies.
• Assists with medication packaging, compounding, and preparation of medications under pharmacist supervision.
• Communicates with patients, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other departments to resolve medication-related questions and issues.
• Processes medication refills, prior authorizations, and insurance claims as assigned.
• Maintains pharmacy work areas, equipment, and supplies in a clean, organized, and safe manner.
• Follows applicable policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and medication safety standards.
• Identifies and reports medication discrepancies, errors, or concerns to the pharmacist.
• Provides courteous and professional customer service to patients and healthcare team members.
• Performs clerical and administrative duties related to pharmacy operations.
• Participates in quality improvement, safety, and process improvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Specialized training in a pharmacy technician program.
• Six months to one year of progressively responsible work experience in a pharmacy setting, including computer and math skills, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current State of Michigan Pharmacy Technician license.
• Certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, requiring 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification.

Qualifications

• Michigan Licensing in good standing.
• National Certification in good standing.
• IV and compounding skills (desired).
• Work history in a retail pharmacy setting.
• Dedication to providing exceptional customer service.
• Strong organization skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Vaccine administration certificate (desired).

Schedule

The MSU Pharmacy is open Monday - Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm and Saturdays 9:00am to 2:00pm. Working hours will be within this timeframe.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing and walking throughout the workday.
• Sitting, bending, reaching, and repetitive hand and wrist movements.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling pharmacy supplies, medications, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform fine motor tasks, use a computer and pharmacy equipment, and maintain visual and auditory attention for extended periods.
• Prolonged periods of working at a computer or medication preparation station.

Health Risks

• Exposure to medications, pharmaceutical chemicals, cleaning agents, and other substances used in the pharmacy environment.
• Exposure to hazardous drugs and materials requiring appropriate handling procedures and personal protective equipment.
• Contact with patients, bodily fluids, blood, and other potentially infectious materials.
• Potential exposure to airborne contaminants and communicable diseases in a healthcare setting.
• Must follow applicable safety procedures, infection prevention practices, and hazardous drug handling requirements.