Pharmacy Technician Trainee Program
Location: Burnet Campus, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229. Full-time, 40 hours per week. Rotating shifts with every other weekend, rotating holidays, and on-call coverage.
About the role
Cincinnati Children's offers an entry-level American Society of Health-System Pharmacists/Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ASHP/ACPE) accredited Pharmacy Technician Trainee program. The program is designed to provide individuals with little-to-no pharmacy experience the knowledge and skills to become a successful pharmacy technician. The training takes about three to four months to complete, beginning with online coursework, progressing to simulated activities, and culminating in hands-on experiential training in one of our pharmacies.
We are recruiting 8 Pharmacy Technician Trainees to begin the program on November 9, 2026. After successful completion of the program, trainees are eligible for an open Pharmacy Technician I position, contingent upon obtaining certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Why choose a career as a Pharmacy Technician?
- High demand: Pharmacy technicians are in high demand nationwide and serve vital roles in providing safe and meaningful care for patients.
- Career progression: Pharmacy services continue to evolve, offering role expansion in both technical and clinical aspects. Multiple career paths are available, including hospital, retail, specialty pharmacies, automation, compounding, and more.
- Daily variety: Pharmacy technicians complete a wide array of tasks, making each day new and exciting.
- Lifelong skills: Pharmacy technicians learn valuable skills that extend beyond pharmacy and set you up for success in other areas of life.
Responsibilities
As a Pharmacy Technician at Cincinnati Children's, you will perform a wide range of tasks, including:
- Sterile and non-sterile compounding
- Dosage preparation and repackaging
- Inventory management
- Hazardous medication handling
- Maintenance of pharmacy automation systems
Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Full-time commitment of rotating shifts for approximately 1.5 years (40 hours per week)
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Ability to complete 5,000 - 15,000 steps (2 - 8 miles) in a single shift
- Successful completion of a pre-employment screen, including BCI and FBI background checks, and a drug screen
- Vaccination requirements: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Pertussis, Influenza, and COVID vaccinations (tetanus, polio, and hepatitis A vaccinations strongly recommended)
- Register with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy prior to starting the program (requires proof of high school diploma or equivalent, BCI and FBI background checks, government-issued photo ID, and a $40 registration fee)
Training Program Outline
The program takes about three to four months (six months max) to complete and consists of the following phases:
- Weeks 1-8: Didactic coursework and simulations (Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4 PM)
- Weeks 9-12: Experiential training in pharmacy (shift times vary between days and evenings)
After completing the program, a one-year full-time work commitment is required. Shifts vary between days and evenings, with every other weekend, rotating holidays, and on-call coverage. Shift times include:
- 6 AM - 2:30 PM
- 7 AM - 3:30 PM
- 7:30 AM - 4 PM
- 8 AM - 4:30 PM
- 9 AM - 5:30 PM
- 10:30 AM - 7 PM
- 11 AM - 7:30 PM
- 1 PM - 9:30 PM
- 2 PM - 10:30 PM
Application Process
- Submit your application by end of business on Monday, September 7, 2026.
- Human Resources completes an initial review to confirm eligibility.
- Eligible candidates receive a link to complete a video screening.
- A selection committee reviews candidates and selects those for onsite interviews.
- During the interview, candidates complete a math assessment covering fractions, decimals, unit conversions, ratios, proportions, and percentages.
- Candidates must provide references; applications are not considered complete until all references are submitted.
Pay
- During training: $17.50 per hour + $1.50/hour shift differential + $1.00/hour weekend differential
- After promotion to Pharmacy Technician I: Starting pay is based on experience, skills, and equity, with a range of $16.50 - $19.80 per hour. Additional pay differentials may apply.
Program Cost
The program cost ($1,200) is covered by Cincinnati Children's, provided a one-year work commitment is agreed upon. The following costs are the responsibility of the trainee:
- $40 registration fee for the Ohio Board of Pharmacy
- $130 for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam (one attempt included in program cost; subsequent attempts are the trainee's responsibility)
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Comprehensive benefits package
About Us
At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose.
- Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years
- Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding
- Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025) and America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025)
- One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies (Fortune)
- A Leading Disability Employer (National Organization on Disability)
- Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
We embrace innovation and support the responsible use of artificial intelligence to create space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future.