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

Jan 13, 2022   /   5 Minutes Read   /   By Albert
  • How to Become
  • Job Descriptions
  • Skill & Competencies
  • Interview Questions
  • Common Tools
  • Professional Organizations
  • FAQ
  • Links
    • The Pharmacy Manager plays a vital role in the success of a pharmacy; their key responsibilities include ensuring the accurate and timely dispensing of medications, managing staff, and handling customer service. As a result, they must have excellent organizational and communication skills. Furthermore, they must stay up-to-date on pharmacy regulations, laws, and industry best practices in order to provide the best possible service for their customers. Ultimately, the Pharmacy Manager's efforts to provide quality customer service and ensure medication safety can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, improved financial performance, and enhanced reputation.

    Steps How to Become

    1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a pharmacy manager is to obtain a Bachelor's degree in pharmacy from an accredited college or university. This degree program typically takes four years to complete and provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful pharmacy managers.
    2. Become Licensed. After completing a Bachelor's degree, individuals must pass the NAPLEX (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Exam) and the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination). These exams test applicants on their knowledge of pharmacy laws, regulations, and policies.
    3. Gain Experiences. After becoming a licensed pharmacist, individuals should work as a staff pharmacist in a variety of settings to gain experience through on-the-job training. This will help them develop their managerial skills and gain an understanding of the various roles and responsibilities that come with the position.
    4. Obtain Certification. Pharmacy managers should consider obtaining certification through organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Pharmacy Technician Association. Certification serves as proof of an individual's knowledge and abilities and can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for a pharmacy manager position.
    5. Consider a Master's Degree. Many employers prefer to hire pharmacy managers who have a Master's degree in pharmacy. A Master's degree program typically takes two years to complete and provides students with advanced knowledge and skills that can help them become successful pharmacy managers.
    In order to stay up to date and competent as a Pharmacy Manager, it is important to stay abreast of the latest industry developments and trends so that best practices can be implemented in the workplace. This requires a commitment to continuing education, such as attending seminars and conferences, reading professional journals, participating in online forums and discussion groups, and engaging in professional networking. By doing so, Pharmacy Managers can keep their skills sharp, build relationships with other professionals, and remain knowledgeable about the changing healthcare landscape. Additionally, staying informed on new technologies, regulations, and laws related to pharmacy will also ensure that the business is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

    You may want to check Pharmacy Automation Specialist, Pharmacy Advisor, and Pharmacy Operations Manager for alternative.

    Job Description

    1. Manage the day-to-day operations of the pharmacy, including staffing, customer service, inventory management, and financial transactions.
    2. Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
    3. Maintain professional relationships with pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
    4. Supervise and mentor pharmacy staff to ensure excellent customer service and quality of care.
    5. Analyze data to identify trends and develop strategies for improved performance.
    6. Monitor and order inventory to ensure availability of prescription medications.
    7. Manage budgeting and other financial operations of the pharmacy.
    8. Educate patients on medication use and potential side effects.
    9. Foster relationships with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
    10. Develop marketing strategies to promote services and drive sales.

    Skills and Competencies to Have

    1. Knowledge of pharmaceuticals and medical terminology.
    2. Ability to manage staff, schedules, and resources.
    3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
    4. Knowledge of regulatory requirements for pharmacy operations.
    5. Knowledge of computer systems and software used in a pharmacy setting.
    6. Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
    7. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
    8. Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks effectively.
    9. Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience in a supervisory role.
    10. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
    11. Knowledge of drug interactions and contraindications.
    12. Knowledge of pharmacy laws, regulations, and standards.
    13. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

    Good communication is an essential skill for any Pharmacy Manager. Being able to clearly communicate with customers, staff, and suppliers is key to the successful operations of a pharmacy. Communication is necessary for orders to be placed, prescriptions to be filled, and customer service to be provided.

    Good communication allows the pharmacy manager to effectively delegate tasks, resolve customer complaints, and ensure that appropriate protocols are followed. In addition, having excellent customer service skills is essential in order to build trust and rapport with customers, which is critical for customer retention as well as generating new business. Furthermore, staying up-to-date on current trends and changes in the industry requires a Pharmacy Manager to stay informed and be able to apply the knowledge gained to their workplace.

    Finally, the ability to work independently and demonstrate strong organizational skills is important in order to effectively manage staff, inventory, and documents. All of these skills are necessary for a Pharmacy Manager to be successful in their role.

    Pharmacy Consultant, Pharmacy Technician Trainee, and Pharmacy Student Intern are related jobs you may like.

    Frequent Interview Questions

    • What experience do you have managing a pharmacy?
    • How would you handle a customer complaint regarding a medication error?
    • What strategies would you use to increase the efficiency of pharmacy operations?
    • How do you ensure compliance with state and federal regulations?
    • What strategies do you use to minimize drug waste and theft in the pharmacy?
    • How have you trained staff to increase customer service and satisfaction?
    • What systems have you implemented to monitor prescription accuracy and completeness?
    • How do you ensure the safety of patients and staff in the pharmacy?
    • What methods do you use to motivate and develop your team?
    • How do you ensure quality assurance for medications dispensed by the pharmacy?

    Common Tools in Industry

    1. Pharmacy Inventory Management System. This system allows pharmacists to track inventory, process orders, and generate reports. (eg: DigiScript)
    2. Electronic Health Records System. This system enables pharmacists to store and manage patient health information. (eg: eClinicalWorks)
    3. Electronic Prescription Verification System. This system helps pharmacists verify patient prescriptions with their healthcare provider. (eg: SureScripts)
    4. Automated Dispensing Systems. This system automates the filling and dispensing of medication to reduce errors. (eg: Pyxis)
    5. Medication Error Tracking System. This system helps pharmacists track and analyze medication errors to reduce the risk of future mistakes. (eg: MedWatch)
    6. Compounding Software. This software helps pharmacists accurately calculate ingredient amounts and create precise compounds for patient use. (eg: CompuCompounder)

    Professional Organizations to Know

    1. American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
    2. National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
    3. International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
    4. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
    5. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
    6. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
    7. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
    8. American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
    9. American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
    10. National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)

    We also have Pharmacy Technician Supervisor, Pharmacy Benefits Analyst, and Pharmacy Services Coordinator jobs reports.

    Common Important Terms

    1. Prescription Drugs. Drugs that are prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider and must be dispensed by a pharmacist.
    2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs. Drugs that can be purchased without a prescription.
    3. Pharmaceuticals. Drugs that are manufactured and sold to treat illnesses, injuries, and diseases.
    4. Generic Drugs. Drugs that are identical to the brand name drug but are available at a lower cost.
    5. Controlled Substances. Drugs that have a high potential for abuse and are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
    6. Drug Interactions. Occur when two or more drugs interact with each other, potentially causing dangerous side effects.
    7. Drug Safety. The practice of preventing medication errors and other potential harm associated with the use of drugs.
    8. Medication Adherence. The practice of taking medications correctly and as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
    9. Compounding. The process of customizing medications for specific patient needs.
    10. Dispensing. The process of providing prescription drugs to patients in accordance with a valid prescription.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the role of a Pharmacy Manager?

    The role of a Pharmacy Manager is to oversee the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy, ensuring that all medications, supplies and services are stocked, administered and provided in a safe and timely manner. They are responsible for managing the staff, ordering medications and supplies, managing inventory, and providing customer service.

    What qualifications do you need to become a Pharmacy Manager?

    To become a Pharmacy Manager, you must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited college of pharmacy, pass a national licensing exam, and have at least two years of supervised experience in a pharmacy setting.

    What is the average salary of a Pharmacy Manager?

    According to PayScale, the average salary of a Pharmacy Manager is $121,919 per year.

    What duties does a Pharmacy Manager have?

    A Pharmacy Manager’s duties include supervising staff, ordering medications and supplies, managing inventory, providing customer service, ensuring that all medications are administered safely, maintaining records and performing financial transactions.

    What is the job outlook for Pharmacy Managers?

    The job outlook for Pharmacy Managers is positive, with an expected growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is attributed to an aging population and increasing demand for prescription medications.

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