Pharmacy Technician, Trainee

UPMC; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Career ladder

Professional development

Committee involvement

Collaborative environment

Job summary

UPMC Hamot is seeking a Full-Time Pharmacy Technician, Trainee. Schedule options include 5:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with occasional off-shift support and weekend/holiday coverage. Training advances within a structured ladder, exposure to pharmacy automation, and regulatory compliance programs.

The role offers a pathway to develop pharmaceutical care skills under licensed pharmacists in a collaborative environment across the UPMC Health System.

Responsibilities

• Assist with filling medication orders using accurate labeling, counting, stocking, and documentation practices.
• Prepare oral medications for the correct patient and ensure timely availability for administration.
• Support medication distribution processes, including medication cassettes, emergency medication carts, and controlled substances in accordance with departmental policies and state and federal regulations.
• Retrieve discontinued medications and return them to the appropriate pharmacy area, processing credits when applicable.
• Develop and maintain positive, professional service relationships with patients, visitors, and healthcare team members during medication distribution activities.
• Communicate effectively with hospital personnel, patients, and visitors in person, by telephone, and in writing, referring all medication and drug information questions to a pharmacist.
• Ensure medications are safely and securely stored in compliance with Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and State Board of Pharmacy regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and adequately stocked work environment.
• Adhere to appropriate hand hygiene and infection prevention practices in both pharmacy and patient care areas.
• Utilize pharmacy information systems and computer applications to process, maintain, and document patient information and records.
• Complete and maintain required documentation, including eyewash station logs, refrigerator temperature logs, perpetual inventory records, and other departmental records.
• Process pharmacy sales transactions using cash registers and follow established cash-handling policies and procedures.
• Comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA), CMS requirements, and PBM contractual obligations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and teamwork while contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Perform duties in accordance with UPMC system-wide competencies and behavioral expectations.
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Job description

Full-Time Pharmacy Technician, Trainee | UPMC Hamot

Schedule

• Shift times: 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Occasional schedule flexibility required to support operational needs
• Participation in departmental meetings, projects, and initiatives as needed
• Ability to provide occasional off-shift support and coverage when necessary
• Weekends and holidays as assigned

Why Join UPMC Hamot?

At UPMC Hamot, you'll have the opportunity to build a rewarding career while making a meaningful impact on patient care. As a Pharmacy Technician, Trainee, you'll work alongside experienced pharmacy professionals in a collaborative and supportive environment while developing the skills needed to advance your career.

What We Offer

• Qualified candidates are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus with a two-year work commitment. $3,000 is paid within the first 90 days of employment, and the remaining $2,000 is paid upon successful promotion to Pharmacy Technician.
• Career growth opportunities through a structured pharmacy career ladder
• Exposure to pharmacy automation, medication safety, inventory management, and regulatory compliance programs
• Opportunities to participate in departmental committees, strategic initiatives, and operational projects
• A collaborative work environment with strong pharmacist and technician partnerships
• The ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives and departmental excellence

About the Role

The Pharmacy Technician, Trainee provides pharmaceutical care to patients throughout the UPMC Health System by assisting with the organization, stocking, preparation, and distribution of medications under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Services are provided in compliance with Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and State Board of Pharmacy regulations.

Title and compensation will be determined based on education, certification, and relevant experience.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with filling medication orders using accurate labeling, counting, stocking, and documentation practices, including initialing and dating products as required.
• Prepare oral medications for the correct patient and ensure timely availability for administration using proper medication preparation techniques.
• Support medication distribution processes, including medication cassettes, emergency medication carts, and controlled substances in accordance with departmental policies and state and federal regulations.
• Retrieve discontinued medications and return them to the appropriate pharmacy area, processing credits when applicable.
• Develop and maintain positive, professional service relationships with patients, visitors, and healthcare team members during medication distribution activities.
• Communicate effectively with hospital personnel, patients, and visitors in person, by telephone, and in writing, referring all medication and drug information questions to a pharmacist.
• Ensure medications are safely and securely stored in compliance with Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and State Board of Pharmacy regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and adequately stocked work environment.
• Adhere to appropriate hand hygiene and infection prevention practices in both pharmacy and patient care areas.
• Utilize pharmacy information systems and computer applications to process, maintain, and document patient information and records.
• Complete and maintain required documentation, including eyewash station logs, refrigerator temperature logs, perpetual inventory records, and other departmental records.
• Process pharmacy sales transactions using cash registers and follow established cash-handling policies and procedures.
• Comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA), CMS requirements, and PBM contractual obligations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and teamwork while contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Perform duties in accordance with UPMC system-wide competencies and behavioral expectations.
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.