How to Be Clinical Pharmacy Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The role of a Clinical Pharmacy Technician has increasingly become an important part of the healthcare system. As the need for medications and treatments increases, the need for qualified technicians to assist pharmacists and healthcare professionals grows. The technician's role in helping to deliver medication safely and effectively has a direct effect on the quality of care and patient outcomes.

They are responsible for managing medication orders, accurately filling prescriptions, entering data into the pharmacy computer system, maintaining medication records, and providing customer service. By doing this, Clinical Pharmacy Technicians are essential in helping to reduce medical errors, lower medical costs, and improve patient care.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent. To become a clinical pharmacy technician, individuals must first obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Complete a Training Program. Clinical pharmacy technicians must complete a training program approved by either the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on training in an on-site pharmacy.
3. Become Certified. Upon completion of a training program, clinical pharmacy technicians must then become certified by passing an exam administered by either ASHP or NABP.
4. Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state, clinical pharmacy technicians may be required to obtain a license before they can legally practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically include passing an exam, completing continuing education courses and/or completing a certain number of hours of supervised practice.
5. Maintain Certification and Licensure. In order to remain in good standing, clinical pharmacy technicians must maintain their certification and licensure. This typically requires completing continuing education courses and/or keeping up with state requirements.

Clinical pharmacy technicians can stay updated and efficient by attending continuing education classes, staying abreast of new developments in the field of pharmacy, utilizing innovative technologies, and building strong relationships with fellow technicians and other healthcare professionals. Attending continuing education classes allows technicians to expand their knowledge base and learn about the latest advancements in the field. Staying abreast of new developments in pharmacy provides the technician with the opportunity to stay current on the latest drugs, treatments, and products that are available.

Utilizing innovative technologies helps the technician to streamline processes and increase efficiency. Finally, building strong relationships with fellow technicians and other healthcare professionals allows for a better understanding of how to best serve patients and to provide quality care.

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Job Description

1. Obtain patient medication history and verify accuracy of prescriptions.
2. Enter prescription information into computer system for processing.
3. Dispense medications under the supervision of a pharmacist.
4. Monitor stock levels of medications and supplies and replenish as necessary.
5. Calculate and mix IV admixture solutions.
6. Answer customer inquiries related to medications and health conditions.
7. Educate customers on proper usage and storage of medications.
8. Prepare labels for all prescribed medications and ensure accuracy of information.
9. Assist in compounding medications in accordance with established protocols.
10. Assist in maintaining records of all medications, inventory, and patient profiles.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of approved drug therapies and drug interactions.
2. Knowledge of pharmaceutical calculations and measurements.
3. Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
4. Ability to accurately read and interpret prescription orders.
5. Ability to accurately and safely prepare, package, label, and dispense medications.
6. Ability to maintain current knowledge of drug information and new developments in pharmaceuticals.
7. Ability to provide patient education on drug therapy and adverse events.
8. Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to the practice of pharmacy.
9. Knowledge of inventory control systems and methods.
10. Knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations.

Clinical Pharmacy Technicians are responsible for providing quality pharmaceutical care to patients. To be successful in this role, one must possess a variety of different skills. One of the most important skills for a Clinical Pharmacy Technician to have is excellent communication.

A good Clinical Pharmacy Technician must be able to effectively communicate with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. They must also be able to accurately interpret and explain medical terminology, understand how medications interact with each other, and understand the importance of accurate and timely medication administration. strong organizational skills are essential for accurate record keeping and understanding of patient histories.

Finally, Clinical Pharmacy Technicians must have a good working knowledge of both pharmacology and pharmacy operations in order to provide safe and effective care. These skills, when combined with compassion and dedication, will help ensure that Clinical Pharmacy Technicians are able to provide quality pharmaceutical care to their patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working as a Clinical Pharmacy Technician?
• How do you manage daily tasks and prioritize your workload?
• What challenges have you faced in the role of a Clinical Pharmacy Technician?
• How do you stay up-to-date on new medications and treatments?
• How would you handle a difficult situation with a customer or patient?
• What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy when dispensing medications?
• What safety protocols have you implemented in your current position?
• Describe a time when you identified and resolved a potential medication problem.
• What measures do you take to ensure patient confidentiality?
• How do you manage stress in your work environment?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System. A system for storing patient data, such as medications, lab results, and medical history. (e. g. Epic, Cerner, Allscripts)
2. Pharmacy Management System (PMS). A software to assist with the management of medications and clinical information. (e. g. Omnicell, RxSafe, McKesson)
3. Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADC). A device used to store and dispense medications in a secure way. (e. g. Pyxis, MedCarousel)
4. Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). A system that provides evidence-based information for clinicians to make decisions about patient care. (e. g. UpToDate, ClinicalKey)
5. Drug Database. A source of information about a particular drug, including its interactions, side effects, and recommended dosage. (e. g. Lexicomp, Epocrates)
6. Medication Administration Record (MAR). A document used to track the administration of medications to patients. (e. g. CareFusion, DocuSys)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
2. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
3. American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
4. Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)
5. National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
6. American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
7. American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
8. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
9. International Society of Pharmaceutical Compounding (ISPC)
10. International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)

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Common Important Terms

1. Drug Interactions. A drug interaction occurs when two or more drugs interact with each other, leading to changes in the effectiveness of one or both of the medications.
2. Prescription. A prescription is a written order from a doctor or other healthcare professional for a medication or device to be dispensed and used for a specific medical purpose.
3. Medication Administration. Medication administration is the process of providing medication to a patient in accordance with a written order from a healthcare professional.
4. Drug Dispensing. Drug dispensing is the process of providing medications to patients in accordance with a written prescription from a healthcare professional.
5. Drug Information. Drug information is the collection of data pertaining to the properties, uses, side effects, and interactions of a drug or device.
6. Pharmacy Calculations. Pharmacy calculations are mathematical calculations used to calculate dosages, concentrations, and other measurements related to medication administration.
7. Drug Compounding. Drug compounding is the process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to a patient’s needs.
8. Clinical Pharmacy. Clinical pharmacy is a specialized practice of pharmacy focused on optimizing drug therapy outcomes for patients by utilizing evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Clinical Pharmacy Technician?

A Clinical Pharmacy Technician is a healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in providing patient care by preparing medications, maintaining medication records, and completing administrative tasks.

What qualifications are required to become a Clinical Pharmacy Technician?

To become a Clinical Pharmacy Technician, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited pharmacy technician program, and pass a national certification exam.

What type of tasks do Clinical Pharmacy Technicians usually perform?

Clinical Pharmacy Technicians typically perform tasks such as filling and dispensing prescriptions, handling customer inquiries, obtaining prescription refills, and verifying insurance information.

How much do Clinical Pharmacy Technicians usually make?

The salary of a Clinical Pharmacy Technician can vary depending on experience and location, but generally ranges from $25,000 - $45,000 annually.

What type of environment do Clinical Pharmacy Technicians work in?

Clinical Pharmacy Technicians typically work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

What are jobs related with Clinical Pharmacy Technician?

• Clinical Quality Assurance Specialist
• Clinical Study Manager
• Clinical Trial Statistician
• Clinical Trials Administrator
• Clinical Oncology Nurse
• Clinical Trial Monitor
• Clinical Practice Manager
• Clinical Research Study Lead
• Clinical Operations Manager
• Clinical Program Manager

Web Resources

• Clinical Pharmacy Technician Training – USC School of Pharmacy pharmacyschool.usc.edu
• Clinical Pharmacy Technician I – Career Hub | Duke University careerhub.students.duke.edu
• Pharmacy Technician Program with Clinical Externship www.uhd.edu