Certified Pharmacy Technician

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Certified Pharmacy Technician for the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Pharmacy. You will join a team ensuring accurate medication preparation, distribution, and patient-focused care.

Work closely with pharmacists, veterinarians, faculty, students, and staff to support operations, inventory, and client communication in a dynamic teaching hospital.

Qualifications

• Registered with the Pharmacy Board at the time of hire.
• National certification through PTCB or NHA and maintain ongoing education.
• High school diploma or the equivalent.
• Any combination of two years post-high school science experience or completion of an accredited pharmacy technician program.

Responsibilities

• Medication preparation and distribution for inpatient, outpatient, and clinic patients.
• Prepare sterile and nonsterile compounded products using approved techniques.
• Use pharmacy software to enter orders, maintain dispensing records, and support safe distribution.
• Provide customer service, explain procedures, and coordinate with hospital departments.
• Support inventory management and controlled substance accountability.

Skills

Pharmacy registration

Board certification (PTCB/NHA)

High school diploma or equivalent

Post-high school science coursework or

Education

Registered with Pharmacy Board

PTCB certification

NHA certification

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Title:

Certified Pharmacy Technician

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Registered with the Pharmacy Board at the time of hire.
• National certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Must meet ongoing education requirements and maintain certification.
• High school diploma or the equivalent.
• Any combination of two years of post-high school experience and/or education in the natural sciences or satisfactory completion of an accredited pharmacy technician training program.

Job Description:

Are you an animal lover looking for a new way to utilize your pharmacy technician skills? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where each day brings new challenges and opportunities to care for patients? We are seeking a Certified Pharmacy Technician to join our Veterinary Teaching Hospital Pharmacy team and play a critical role in medication preparation, distribution, inventory management, client communication, and pharmacy operations.

In this position, you will work closely with pharmacists, veterinarians, faculty, students, staff, clients, and fellow pharmacy team members to ensure medications are prepared and delivered accurately and efficiently while supporting exceptional patient care.

Why You'll Appreciate This Position:

• Meaningful Work: Help clients navigate their pets care journey and play a vital role in their health and happiness.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside pharmacists, veterinarians, faculty, students, and support staff in a veterinary teaching hospital.
• Unique Responsibilities: Combine pharmacy expertise with customer service, student support, medication preparation, and inventory management in a specialized healthcare setting.
• Professional Growth: Gain experience in a teaching environment that supports learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do:

Medication Preparation and Distribution:

• Process, prepare, package, label, and distribute medications for inpatient, outpatient, and clinic patients while maintaining accuracy and compliance with pharmacy regulations.
• Prepare sterile and nonsterile pharmaceutical products using approved compounding techniques and specialized pharmacy equipment.
• Utilize pharmacy software systems to enter and process medication orders, maintain dispensing records, and support safe medication distribution practices.

Customer Service and Client Communication:

• Answer client phone calls and obtain information necessary to complete medication orders and prescription requests.
• Explain pharmacy and hospital procedures, policies, and payment processes to clients.
• Manage incoming communications, respond to inquiries, and coordinate calls with appropriate hospital departments.
• Collaborate with pharmacists, healthcare professionals, clients, students, and support staff to provide exceptional service and support pharmacy operations.

Inventory and Pharmacy Operations:

• Maintain medication and supply inventories, receive shipments, manage stock levels, and assist with controlled substance recordkeeping and accountability.
• Assist with inventory replenishment to ensure medications and supplies are available to meet patient care needs.

Administrative and Educational Support:

• Support communication efforts among faculty, students, clinicians, and staff.
• Train and assist veterinary students in pharmacy processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide pharmacy-related information and support to veterinarians, faculty, staff, and students as needed.

Additional Information:

• Regular standing, walking, lifting, and movement throughout patient care and pharmacy areas is required.
• Employees must maintain required certifications and continuing education requirements throughout employment.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

About the Department:

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital Pharmacy is dedicated to providing safe, accurate, and patient-centered medication services for animal patients. Our team works collaboratively with veterinarians, pharmacists, faculty, students, and hospital staff to support exceptional patient care, education, and operational excellence. Team members have the opportunity to work with advanced pharmacy technologies while contributing to the health and well-being of animals and the people who care for them.

Work Schedule:

The position requires working Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. There may also be occasional Saturday shifts from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Pharmacy Technician work experience in a hospital, health system, ambulatory care, or specialty pharmacy setting.
• Experience preparing sterile compounded medications.
• Experience preparing nonsterile compounded medications.
• Experience using pharmacy information systems or electronic me