Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship

Detail, accuracy, and client relation skills are key traits of pharmacy technicians. It is the job of the pharmacy technician to assist the pharmacist in efficiently operating the pharmacy. Job duties may include setting up and maintaining patient records, handling insurance claims and handling supplies. Pharmacy technicians must be meticulous to avoid possible dangers and ensure safety. They must also be able to communicate accurately with third parties while handling insurance matters. Pharmacy technicians may also, at the discretion and direction of the pharmacy director, handle inventory to ensure that the pharmacy is stocked with the appropriate amount of medications and supplies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Communication skills: ability to communicate with medical professionals as well as patients in both verbal and written forms.
• Computer skills including pharmacy-based software programs.
• Language skills: ability to read and comprehend medical jargon, including prescriptions and progress notes.
• Math skills: ability to perform basic pharmaceutical calculations, including quantity, volume, percentages.
• Proven understanding of performing confidential work under HIPPA standards.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a team environment while optimally functioning in a continually changing work environment.
• Physical demands: ability to stand for extended periods; perform functions requiring hand and finger dexterity, close vision, and depth perception; reach and extend arms and hands; occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to efficiently and accurately handle instructions.
• No record of Substance Abuse or Criminal Record.

DUTIES: Pharmacy technician Apprentice may assist the pharmacist in performing

the following tasks:

1. Comply with Florida Board of Pharmacy and rules and regulations.

2.Retrieve prescription files, patient files and profiles and other such records pertaining to the practice of pharmacy.

3.Data entry

4.Label preparation, price, and fill prescriptions.

5.Count, weigh, measure, pour and compound prescription medication or stock legend drugs and controlled substances, including the filling of unit dose and automated medication system.

6.Initiate communication with a prescribing practitioner or their medical staff (or agents) regarding patient prescription refill authorization requests. Prescription refill means the dispensing of medications pursuant to a prescriber’s authorization provided on the original prescription.

7.Insurance claims

8.Inventory stock medication and over the counter medications and supplies and act as cashier.

9.Initiate communication to confirm the patient’s name, medication, strength, quantity, directions, and date of last refill.

10.Initiate communication with a prescribing practitioner or the medical (or agent) to obtain clarification on missing or illegible dates, prescriber name, brand/generic preference, quantity, DEA registration number or license numbers.

11.May accept authorization for a prescription renewal. Prescription renewal means the dispensing of medication pursuant to a practitioner’s authorization to fill an existing prescription that has no refill remaining.

Pharmacy Technician Apprentice shall not:

1. Receive new verbal prescriptions or any change in the medication, strength, or directions

2. Interpret a prescription or medication order for therapeutic acceptability and appropriateness

3. Conduct a final verification of dosage and directions

4. Engage in prospective drug review

5. Provide patient counseling

6. Monitor prescription usage

7. Override

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1. All pharmacy technician apprentice shall identify themselves as pharmacy technicians by wearing a type of identification badge that is clearly visible which specifically identifies the employee by name and by status as a “pharmacy technician apprentice.”

2. Collaborate with other technicians in the same environment as well as with multiple pharmacists.

3. All pharmacy technician apprentices shall state their names and verbally identify themselves as pharmacy technician apprentices in the context of telephone or other forms of communication.