Pharmacy Technician Trainee

Brown University Health; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health is seeking a Pharmacy Technician Trainee to join the inpatient operations team. You’ll work under pharmacist supervision, participate in a structured training program, and prepare medications in accordance with policy and regulatory standards.

The role emphasizes hands-on practice, patient safety, and accurate documentation while you advance toward CPhT certification and RI licensure. Strong math, reading, and customer-service skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; on onboarding, RI Pharmacy Technician I licensure must be obtained.
• Must obtain and maintain CPhT certification and RI Technician II licensure within required timelines.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are expected.

Responsibilities

• Complete Lifespan Pharmacy Technician Training Program with required coursework.
• Operate automated dispensing cabinets (e.g., Omnicell) under pharmacist supervision.
• Assist with delivery of medications and inventory management across departments.
• Adhere to USP/N IOS guidelines and ensure accurate documentation.

Skills

Reading comprehension

Math aptitude

Customer service

Communication skills

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Pharmacy Technician I licensure (RI)

National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT)

Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician II licensure

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

SUMMARY

Reports to Manager, Inpatient Pharmacy Operations. Under the supervision of a pharmacist and direction of a technician supervisor or technician specialist, the Pharmacy Technician Trainee will undergo comprehensive training to perform a variety of technical and supportive tasks. The trainee functions as a member of the Pharmacy Team to assist pharmacists in formulating, preparing, and delivering medications and pharmaceutical supplies in accordance with established policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations. All duties are supervised prior to delivery of medication to patients.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:

Instill Trust and Value Differences

Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in the Rhode Island, Board of Pharmacy approved Lifespan Pharmacy Technician Training Program designed to provide theoretical knowledge and practical instruction needed to prepare participants for National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT). Completes all required coursework, exams, and training on time as assigned, while maintaining a passing score.
• Coursework and training include a minimum of:
  • Didactic coursework 118 hours
  • Simulation training 50 hours
  • Hands-on training 232 hours
• Training will begin with didactic coursework and progress to simulations, allowing trainees to practice concepts in a non-patient care setting. Upon successful completion of simulations, trainees will demonstrate hands‑on application under the supervision of a pharmacist.
• Technician trainees shall perform only those tasks for which he/she has been trained and in which there is proficiency.
• Under the supervision of a pharmacist the technician trainee:
  • Performs general operations related to automated dispensing cabinets (ADC) (e.g., Omnicell) such as maintenance, generating and interpreting reports to perform assigning, refilling, and removing medications. Assists in maintaining operating room medication inventory.
  • Observes controlled substances inventory management process in the Pharmacy and throughout the hospital.
  • Participates in the delivery of medications to clinics, procedural and treatment areas, operating rooms, and patient care areas.
  • Assists with repackaging and relabeling bulk medications into unit-dose packaging for distribution once approved by a pharmacist, in accordance with existing policies and procedures, and completes and accurate documentation for Packaging and Labeling Records.
  • Aids in the refilling of various emergency medication kits for pharmacist review and verification.
  • Engages in the routine receipt of medications and other pharmaceutical supplies.
  • Aids in the processing of medication requisitions for departments and laboratories for pharmacist review and verification.
  • Observes and develops skills to execute the process for reconciliation of patient and department medication charges.
  • Contributes to routine preventive maintenance to equipment, according to standards for same.
  • Assists in maintaining the Pharmacy and medication supply areas in a neat and orderly fashion ensuring medications are stored under proper conditions for light, temperature, sanitation and segregation.
  • Understands the value of reporting actual, prevented, and near miss medication errors.
  • Answers the telephone and triages, as appropriate. Demonstrates a strong customer service presence and verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively interact with internal and external customers.
  • Demonstrates awareness of United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Chapter 797 iSterile Compounding Guidelines, USP 795 iPharmaceutical Compounding - Nonsterile Preparations, and USP 800 iHazardous Drugs - Handling in Healthcare Settings and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BASIC KNOWLEDGE

High-school graduate or the equivalent, or currently enrolled in a high school or vocational training program that awards such degree or certificate, must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

Strong reading comprehension and math aptitude. As part of the interview process, candidates will be required to complete a reading comprehension and math assessment to establish eligibility for onboarding into the training program.

Obtain and maintain Pharmacy Technician I licensure in the state of Rhode Island prior to first day of training. At conclusion of successfully completing training, must immediately sit for National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) exam and attain certification within 6 months of completing training. Upon becoming CPhT certified immediately obtains and maintains Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician II licensure.

Possesses basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.

EXPERIENCE

Experience in a customer service, healthcare, or other fast-paced service industry setting preferred.

Technician trainees who have successfully completed training shall be transferred to their permanent job code and receive commensurate pay.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Possesses physical ability to lift, carry and maneuver medication delivery equipment and pharmaceutical related inventories, including extended periods of work time spent standing and walking.

Requires the visual and manual dexterity to operate a computer and prepare medications.

INDEPENDENT ACTION

Refers specific complex problems to supervisor where clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None

Pay Range:$18.00-$27.13

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:
The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906

Work Type:
M-F 7:00am-3:30pm

Work Shift:
Variable

Daily Hours:
8 hours

Driving Required:
No