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

Jul 10, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for pharmacy technicians is rising, and this has led to an increase in the number of pharmacy technician trainee positions available. As the roles of these professionals become increasingly complex and specific, training programs are becoming more important than ever before. These programs provide pharmacy technician trainees with the necessary knowledge and skills, including medical terminology, mathematics, record-keeping, medication safety, and communication skills, as well as legal and ethical considerations.

With this training, pharmacy technicians can provide valuable assistance to pharmacists and healthcare professionals in managing patient medications and helping to ensure that medications are dispensed safely and accurately. With this increased demand for pharmacy technicians, the need for qualified candidates has also risen, creating more job opportunities for those considering a career in this field.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician trainee is to earn a high school diploma or GED. This is a requirement for most positions and is necessary to move onto the next step.
Consider Obtaining a Certificate in Pharmacy Technology. Obtaining a certificate in pharmacy technology can be beneficial when applying for jobs. Although not always mandatory, it can give potential employers a better impression of your qualifications and knowledge.
Apply for an Open Position. Once you have your high school diploma or GED and your certificate, you can start applying for open positions. You can find positions online or through job postings at local pharmacies.
Complete the Training Program. Once youve been hired, you will need to complete the pharmacy technician trainee program. This program typically lasts between four and six weeks, and it is designed to teach you the basics of working as a pharmacy technician.
Pass the Certification Exam. Once youve completed the training program, you will need to take and pass the certification exam in order to become a certified pharmacy technician. This exam is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Maintain Certification. In order to maintain your certification, you will need to renew it every two years by completing continuing education courses. You will also need to keep up with any changes to laws and regulations in your state or province.

The success of a Pharmacy Technician Trainee heavily depends on their ability to be ideal and capable. To accomplish this, the individual must possess strong technical and problem solving skills, as well as good communication and customer service skills. Furthermore, they must be highly organized and able to manage their time effectively.

they must have a solid knowledge of pharmacy laws and regulations, as well as an understanding of pharmaceutical products. All these qualities combined will help the individual become a successful Pharmacy Technician Trainee, enabling them to provide top-notch customer service and assist pharmacists in dispensing medications accurately and efficiently.

You may want to check Pharmacy Intern, Pharmacy Systems Administrator, and Pharmacy Operations Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and answer questions in a professional and courteous manner.
Process pharmacy orders, input data into a computer system, and provide assistance to pharmacists.
Receive and fill prescriptions accurately and in a timely manner.
Verify the accuracy of prescription information and dosage instructions.
Maintain an organized and clean work area.
Monitor and restock pharmacy inventory.
Prepare and manage insurance claim forms.
Accept payments and issue receipts for goods and services.
Assist with the delivery of medications and other products to customers.
Assist with data entry, filing, and other clerical duties as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology and abbreviations.
Ability to accurately read, interpret, and follow written instructions.
Ability to accurately count, measure, and pour medications.
Familiarity with automated dispensing systems and prescription processing software.
Knowledge of over-the-counter medications and their uses.
Proficiency in basic math as it relates to medication dosage calculations.
Ability to assist customers in locating products and providing basic information about medications.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing the distribution of medications.
Ability to interact with other pharmacy personnel in a professional manner.
Ability to properly handle and store medications in accordance with safety protocols.

Good communication skills are essential for a Pharmacy Technician Trainee. Being able to clearly explain instructions and directions to patients, as well as listen carefully to any questions they may have, is key to providing an effective service. pharmacy technicians must demonstrate strong attention to detail, as they are responsible for accurately filling prescriptions and verifying the accuracy of dosage amounts.

A pharmacy technician must also possess strong organizational skills, as they are responsible for ensuring that medications are properly stocked and ready for distribution. Finally, pharmacy technicians must be able to work well under pressure, as they often have to work in fast-paced environments and need to be able to prioritize tasks quickly and efficiently. All of these skills combined contribute to the success of a pharmacy technician trainee, and make them an invaluable asset to any pharmacy setting.

Pharmacy Automation Specialist, Pharmacy Cashier, and Pharmacy Clerk are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a pharmacy or medical environment?
How do you stay organized and on task in a fast-paced environment?
Describe the most challenging customer service situation you have faced and how you handled it.
What do you know about customer service standards in the pharmacy field?
What computer programs are you comfortable using in a pharmacy setting?
Are you familiar with the laws and regulations related to the handling of medications?
What techniques do you use to stay up to date on new drugs and treatments?
How do you handle difficult customers or situations?
Describe a time when you used problem-solving skills in a pharmacy setting.
What do you think makes a successful pharmacy technician trainee?

Common Tools in Industry

Pill Counter. A machine used to quickly and accurately count pills for medication orders. (e. g. RX Count-A-Capsule Pill Counter)
Drug Compounding Equipment. Equipment used to accurately measure and combine ingredients to prepare medications. (e. g. Mortar and Pestle)
Labeler. A device used to print prescription labels for medication orders. (e. g. Dymo LabelWriter 450)
Automated Dispensing System. A computerized system used to store and dispense medications in a controlled manner. (e. g. Pyxis MedStation System)
Refill Reminder System. A computer system that sends reminders to customers when they need to refill their prescriptions. (e. g. Refill Rx Reminder System)
Barcode Scanner. A device used to scan barcodes on medications, supplies and patient information. (e. g. Socket Mobile Barcode Scanner)
Medication Reconciliation Software. Software used to compare patient medications with their current medication orders and health records. (e. g. Medication Reconciliation Pro)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA)
American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
International Society of Pharmaceutical Compounding (ISPC)
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT)
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT)

We also have Pharmacy Aide, Pharmacy Manager, and Pharmacy Buyer/Purchasing Agent jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). A third-party administrator of prescription drug programs for health insurance plans.
Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). A type of health insurance plan focused on prescription drug coverage.
Drug Utilization Review (DUR). A process used by PBMs to ensure safe, effective and appropriate use of prescription drugs.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The national certifying organization for pharmacy technicians.
Drug Information System (DIS). An electronic database containing information about drugs, their uses, and potential side effects.
Federal Drug Administration (FDA). The government agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, dietary supplements, and medical devices.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA). A federal law that regulates the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). A federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing the CSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Pharmacy Technician Trainee?

Pharmacy Technician Trainees typically need to possess a high school diploma or equivalent and must be at least 18 years old.

What are the duties of a Pharmacy Technician Trainee?

Pharmacy Technician Trainees are responsible for assisting pharmacists with preparing and dispensing medications, answering customer questions, stocking shelves, and maintaining inventory records.

How long does it typically take to become a certified Pharmacy Technician?

Most states require a minimum of 600 hours of training and passing an exam in order to become a certified Pharmacy Technician. This process usually takes about 6 months.

What type of salary can a Pharmacy Technician Trainee expect to earn?

The national median salary for a Pharmacy Technician Trainee is $31,750 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience and location.

What kind of work environment can a Pharmacy Technician Trainee expect?

Pharmacy Technician Trainees typically work in retail pharmacies or hospitals and may be exposed to hazardous materials and controlled substances. The work environment is usually fast-paced and the hours can be unpredictable.