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

Nov 7, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor is to oversee and coordinate the daily operations of a pharmacy. They are responsible for maintaining accuracy and efficiency in the preparation and distribution of medications, as well as providing guidance to their technicians. A supervisor must be knowledgeable about drug safety, compounding, and dispensing practices, and have excellent organizational skills.

They must be able to effectively communicate with both their technicians and customers, as well as possess strong problem-solving capabilities. As a result of their important role, Pharmacy Technician Supervisors play an essential part in ensuring that medications are safely and correctly dispensed to customers, which in turn helps to ensure the health and wellness of patients.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Degree. The first step to becoming a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor is to earn an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy Science. This will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Get Certified. Most states require pharmacy technicians to be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To become certified, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as drug therapy, pharmacology, and patient safety.
Gain Work Experience. To become a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor, you must have at least two years of experience as a pharmacy technician. During this time, you should gain experience in all aspects of the job, including preparing medications, filling prescriptions, and interacting with patients.
Pursue Advancement Opportunities. As you gain experience as a pharmacy technician, look for opportunities to advance your career. You may be able to take on more responsibility or pursue specialized training. These experiences can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for a supervisor position.
Apply for Positions. Once you have the necessary qualifications, start applying for Pharmacy Technician Supervisor positions. You can search online job boards or contact local pharmacies to see if they are hiring. Make sure your resume highlights your experience and certifications to demonstrate your qualifications for the role.
Interview. Once you have submitted your application, you may be invited for an interview. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your experience and qualifications as well as your ability to manage a team of pharmacy technicians.
Get Hired. After the interview process is complete, the pharmacy may offer you the position of Pharmacy Technician Supervisor. Accept the job offer and start your new role!

The key to becoming a reliable and capable Pharmacy Technician Supervisor is to have a thorough understanding of the job duties and responsibilities. This includes having an in-depth knowledge of pharmacy regulations, laws, and procedures, as well as an understanding of pharmacy inventory and ordering systems. it is important for a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor to have excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage and motivate a team of pharmacy technicians.

In order to maintain a successful pharmacy environment, the Pharmacy Technician Supervisor must be able to stay up to date on new legislation and regulations, as well as be able to respond quickly and effectively to customer inquiries and complaints. Finally, the Pharmacy Technician Supervisor must possess strong problem-solving skills in order to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and accurately. With the right combination of knowledge, skills, and qualifications, any Pharmacy Technician Supervisor can become reliable and capable.

You may want to check Pharmacy Delivery Driver, Pharmacy Clerk, and Pharmacy Intern for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor pharmacy technicians work performance and ensure accuracy of medications.
Train and mentor pharmacy technicians to comply with laws, regulations, and policies.
Ensure that all pharmacy processes are performed in accordance with current laws and regulations.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for pharmacy staff.
Monitor medication inventory levels to ensure adequate supply.
Maintain accurate records of prescriptions, drugs, and other related materials.
Process orders for new medications and supplies.
Coordinate with physicians, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers for accurate medication orders.
Prepare reports on pharmacy operations and provide feedback to management.
Identify and resolve any technical or procedural issues with pharmacy operations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pharmacy operations and medications, including drug interactions and side effects
Experience with dispensing and compounding medications
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload
Strong customer service, communication and organizational skills
Ability to manage a team of pharmacy technicians
Ability to train and evaluate pharmacy technicians
Knowledge of pharmacy software systems and technology
Understanding of federal, state, and local laws related to pharmacy operations
Ability to identify and resolve conflicts
Knowledge of quality assurance and safety procedures
Understanding of financial management and budgeting principles
Ability to maintain accurate inventory records and track medication expiration dates

Leadership is the most important skill for a pharmacy technician supervisor to possess. Leading a team of professionals requires the ability to motivate and inspire them to deliver the best care possible. Good leadership also requires the ability to effectively communicate with staff, identify and address problems, and provide clear guidance.

Furthermore, it requires the ability to manage time and prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and ensure that deadlines are met. A good supervisor must also be able to analyze complex data, make well-informed decisions, and develop strategies in order to ensure the success of the pharmacy. Finally, a pharmacy technician supervisor must possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to build relationships with all stakeholders, including patients, staff, suppliers, and other external parties.

Pharmacy Buyer/Purchasing Agent, Pharmacy Services Coordinator, and Pharmacy Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing pharmacy technician teams?
How do you ensure pharmacy technicians are meeting safety and compliance standards?
What strategies do you use to motivate and develop pharmacy technicians?
How do you handle difficult conversations with staff?
What experience do you have in training and onboarding new technicians?
How do you stay up to date on new procedures and regulations in the pharmacy industry?
What processes do you have in place to evaluate technician performance?
How do you handle customer complaints or issues related to pharmacy technicians?
How do you manage competing priorities and resources?
How do you create a collaborative and productive work environment for your team?

Common Tools in Industry

Pharmacy Inventory Management Software. This software helps pharmacy technicians to manage and organize inventory, track orders, and control costs. (Example: Omnicell)
Point of Sale System. This system allows pharmacy technicians to quickly process customer orders and payments. (Example: Square)
Automated Dispensing Machines. This machine helps pharmacy technicians to accurately and quickly dispense medication. (Example: Pyxis)
Automated Compounding Machines. This machine helps pharmacy technicians to accurately and quickly compound medication. (Example: Baxter)
Electronic Medical Records System. This system helps pharmacy technicians to store and maintain patient records, including prescriptions and insurance information. (Example: Epic)
Pharmacy Regulatory Compliance Software. This software helps pharmacy technicians to ensure compliance with local and national laws and regulations. (Example: RxAudit)
Training Materials. This helps pharmacy technicians to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry. (Example: National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT)
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
Drug Information Association (DIA)

We also have Pharmacy Data Analyst, Pharmacy Benefits Analyst, and Pharmacy Automation Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pharmacy Technician. An individual who provides customer service and performs routine technical duties related to the preparation, distribution, and dispensing of medications.
Pharmacist. A healthcare professional who is responsible for the safe and effective use of medications.
Drug Inventory. The system that tracks the amount of drugs in a pharmacy, including the types and quantities of drugs available.
Dispensing. The process of preparing and supplying medication to a customer as prescribed by a doctor.
Prescription Verification. The process of verifying a customers prescription before it is filled to ensure accuracy and safety.
Regulatory Compliance. Adhering to all relevant laws and regulations related to the pharmacy and its operations.
Quality Assurance. Establishing and monitoring processes to ensure quality standards are met in the preparation, distribution, and dispensing of medications.
Staff Training. Teaching pharmacy technicians how to safely and accurately perform their duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor?

The primary duties of a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor include managing and training pharmacy technicians, ensuring compliance with pharmacy regulations, monitoring inventory, and preparing and dispensing medications.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor?

To become a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor, a person must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be certified as a pharmacy technician, and have at least two years of experience working as a pharmacy technician.

What is the average salary for a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor?

The average salary for a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor is $40,000 per year.

Are there any additional certifications that can be obtained to enhance a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor's career?

Yes, there are additional certifications that can be obtained, such as Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or Certified Pharmacy Technician in Training (CPHT-T). These certifications can help to enhance a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor's career as they demonstrate proficiency in the field.

What are some of the essential skills necessary to be successful as a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor?

To be successful as a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor, it is essential to possess strong managerial, organizational, and leadership skills. It is also important to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and an understanding of pharmacy regulations and laws.

Web Resources

Pharmacy Technician Supervisor | U-M Careers careers.umich.edu
Pharmacy Supervisors | OHSU www.ohsu.edu
Pharmacy Technician | Office of Human Resources - rochester.edu www.rochester.edu