Pharmacy Technician

Sanford Health•Iron Mountain, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. This position involves preparing medications under the direction of a pharmacist. Duties may include measuring, mixing, counting, labeling, and recording medication dosages according to prescription orders. The role operates in a retail/community pharmacy setting, assisting pharmacists in compounding, preparing, and dispensing prescriptions. Responsibilities include maintaining proper storage and security of drugs, ensuring equipment functionality, managing inventory, and assisting with billing. The technician may also support departmental quality assurance, customer/patient services, and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with state laws. Proficiency in multiple computer programs is required. In a medical center or institutional setting, duties extend to unit dose dispensing, IV admixtures, compounding, and automated dispensing devices. The technician ensures equipment is functioning properly and assists with maintenance and repair. They assist the pharmacist in providing pharmaceutical care by adhering to regulations, standards, and practices, including preparing IV admixtures. The role requires understanding written policies, performing functions under pharmacist supervision, and participating in problem-solving. Good communication skills and the ability to learn new technology are essential. Billing functions and departmental quality assurance may also be involved. Duties can vary based on location and setting, with potential overlap between retail and inpatient responsibilities.

Requirements

High School graduate or general education diploma (GED) required.
Iowa: Effective July 1, 2010, all pharmacy techs working in Iowa pharmacies must be nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
If enrolled in a technician training program, or not previously having worked as a pharmacy technician, must register as a pharmacy technician trainee within 30 days of starting technician training or employment.
A technician trainee must become a nationally certified pharmacy tech within 12 months of starting tech employment or training.
A pharmacy tech trainee who does not complete national pharmacy tech certification before expiration of the pharmacy tech trainee registration, must discontinue working as a pharmacy tech.
Minnesota: As of January 1, 2012 any individual registering for the first time as a technician needs to be 18 years of age or older.
Must have active/current pharmacy technician registration with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.
For new technician registrants, the individual must complete a Sanford provided (or equivalent) pharmacy technician training program within 12 months of registration with the board.
North Dakota: Pharmacy Technicians must register as a Pharmacy Technician or Technician in Training with the ND Board of Pharmacy, before beginning employment in the pharmacy.
Individuals applying as a pharmacy technician in training must enroll in Sanford provided (or equivalent) ASHP accredited education and obtain national certification (PTCB or NHA) within the timelines established by the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy to receive the Pharmacy Technician licensure.
Failure to obtain ASHP accredited education and National Certification before the board of pharmacy removes the technician in training license will result in termination of position.
South Dakota: Registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the SD Board of Pharmacy required within 30 days from the date of hire.
As of September 12, 2024, the state of South Dakota requires technician certification in the following roles: A Technician Providing immunizations, a Technician working in a Remote Pharmacy, other advanced functions as approved per the Board.
Requires use of and proficiency in multiple computer programs.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in multiple computer programs.

Responsibilities

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist.
Measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Assist pharmacists in compounding, preparing, and dispensing medical prescriptions.
Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
Ensure equipment is functioning properly and assist in resolution of equipment maintenance and repair.
Control inventory stock level and timeline to ensure adequate supplies.
Assist with billing related functions.
Assist with departmental quality assurance and other customer- or patient-focused services with oversight from supervisory staff.
Assist in the creation and maintenance of a safe working environment and conditions that adhere to state laws and regulations.
Perform unit dose dispensing, IV admixtures, compounding, and operate automated dispensing devices in institutional settings.
Assist the pharmacist in the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients.
Follow established regulations, standards, and practices, including the preparation of IV admixtures.
Understand written policies and procedures.
Perform various functions under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
Participate in departmental problem-solving when needed.
Demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills.
Learn and utilize new technology as the profession of pharmacy evolves.