Pharmacy Technician / Pharm Tech Apprenticeship (2024)

Job Description

Our pharmacy technician positions have undergone an exciting transformation, moving from a transaction-based environment to a much more patient-centric one. As a Walgreens Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Technician Apprentice, you'll be front and center – interacting with our customers and developing strong patient relationships. Pharmacy is the core of our business, and our pharmacy technicians enjoy all the tools and support – including the latest technology – to grow their careers and reach their goals.

Walgreens is proud to invest & champion an “earn while you learn” Pharmacy Technician Training Program recognized by ASHP & Department of Labor. This apprenticeship program gives you an entry point to a career in health care by guiding you in taking steps towards becoming a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technician and helping you maintain the high level of skill required in the pharmacy care industry. Arming you with a nationally recognized, portable credential that will help you advance your career.

Whether you are new to working in pharmacies or are an experienced Pharmacy Technician Apply Now! Walgreens will train you to use your skills and talents to serve and care for our patients and customers. The courses, learning activities, and resources provided to you in our pharmacy technician training program are designed to give you foundational and advanced knowledge, skills, and on-the-job experiences you need to prepare to become a certified pharmacy technician.

  • In accordance with state and federal regulations, assists the pharmacist, under direct supervision, in the practice of pharmacy. Assists the pharmacist in the performance of other Pharmacy Department duties in accordance with Company policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for using pharmacy systems to obtain patient and drug information and process prescriptions. If PTCB certified, assists with and coaches pharmacy technicians in the operation of pharmacy systems and cashiers in the operation of the pharmacy cash registers.
  • Models and delivers a distinctive and delightful customer experience.

Customer Experience

  • Engages customers and patients by greeting them and offering assistance with products and services. Resolves customer issues and answers questions to ensure a positive customer experience.
  • Models and shares customer service best practices with all team members to deliver a distinctive and delightful customer experience, including interpersonal habits (e.g., greeting, eye contact, courtesy, etc.) and Walgreens service traits (e.g., offering help proactively, identifying needs, servicing until satisfied, etc.).
  • Develops strong relationships with most valuable customers.

Operations

  • Under the supervision by the pharmacist, assist in the practice of pharmacy, in accordance with state, federal, and company policy. Reviews and complies with the Walgreen Co. Pharmacy Code of Conduct.
  • Performs duties as assigned by Pharmacy Manager, Staff Pharmacist and Store Manager including utilizing pharmacy systems to enter patient and drug information, ensuring information is entered correctly, filling prescriptions by retrieving, counting and pouring pharmaceutical drugs, verifying medicine is correct, and checking for possible interactions. Assists pharmacists in scheduling and maintaining work flow.
  • Reports, immediately, prescription errors to pharmacist on duty and adheres to Company policies and procedures in relation to pharmacy errors and the Quality Improvement Program.
  • Strictly adheres to the Walgreen Co. policy regarding Good Faith Dispensing during all applicable prescription dispensing activities.
  • Responsible and accountable for registering all related sales on assigned cash register, collects and handles cash as required. Takes customer to OTC aisle when possible to assist in locating products.
  • Handles telephone calls that do not require personal attention of the pharmacist, including those to physicians.
  • Processes (corrects and resubmits) manual claims for third party program prescription services in a timely and efficient manner, and performs other clerical duties, as assigned by the Pharmacy Manager.
  • Assists and supports Pharmacy Department on inventory management activities, such as, ordering, unpacking, checking and storing shipment of pharmaceuticals. Maintains knowledge of Company asset protection techniques, and files claims for warehouse overages (merchandise received, but not billed), shortages (merchandise billed, but not received), order errors or damaged goods involving Rx drugs.
  • May assist pharmacist in administering clinical services including the collection and proper labeling of blood/urine samples from patients and other clinical services as required; assists pharmacy staff in coordination of clinical services, Walgreens healthcare clinics and external providers.
  • Assists Pharmacy Manager and Staff Pharmacist in developing and maintaining good relationships with the local medical community, including physicians, nurses, and other health care providers, by medical provider detailing and outreach to health groups, retirement homes, nursing homes, and other forums for enhancing growth opportunities.
  • Assists with exterior and interior maintenance by ensuring the Pharmacy Department is stocked with adequate supplies, clean, neat and orderly in condition and appearance.
  • Complies with all company policies and procedures; maintains respectful relationships with coworkers.
  • Completes special assignments and other tasks as assigned.

Training & Personal Development

  • Earns and maintains PTCB certification through the designated PTCB training program and/or state required certification/registration. Otherwise, earns PTCB certification as condition of promotion to senior technician.
  • Attends training and completes PPLs requested by Manager and acquires continuing education credits. Maintains knowledge and skill in healthcare and pharmacy, including latest news and developments.
  • Through completion of the Walgreens pharmacy technician apprenticeship program, experience qualifies for eight (8) college credit hours as recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE). This course is recommended for 3 semester hours at the lower-division baccalaureate/associate degree category and 5 semester hours in the upper-division baccalaureate degree category for a total of 8 semester hours.

    External Basic Qualifications

    • Must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English. (Except in Puerto Rico)

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Prefer six months of experience in a retail environment.
    • Prefer to have prior work experience with Walgreens.
    • Prefer good math skills so they can fill prescriptions accurately, including counting, measuring and weighing medications.
    • Prefer good computer skills.
    • Prefer the knowledge of store inventory control.
    • Prefer PTCB certification.
    The following information is applicable for San Francisco, CA applicants: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

    An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

    The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled. Toreview benefits, please click herejobs.walgreens.com/benefits. If you are applying on a job board or unable to click on the link, please copy and paste this URL into your browser jobs.walgreens.com/benefits

    PDN-9c1d763a-68c4-4666-9b40-fbea94474233

Pharmacy Technician / Pharm Tech Apprenticeship (2024)

FAQs

How hard is it to pass the pharmacy tech test? ›

The pharmacy technician exam can be challenging, so completing a preparation course is highly recommended. The pass rate for the pharmacy technician certification exam is 71%.

How do I pass a pharmacy technician interview? ›

In addition to technical knowledge, a large part of a pharmacy technician's job involves customer service. Interpersonal skills are every bit as important as knowledge of how to mix, count, and distribute medications. What to listen for: Demonstrated ability to defuse conflict and ensure customer satisfaction.

Can pharmacy technicians answer questions? ›

Often times, customers may ask for the definition of a certain term on their prescription or what brands of medication you have in stock. You can safely answer these questions without the pharmacist's help. In some cases, you can provide general information about a medication during a prescription refill.

How to answer why should we hire you as a pharmacy technician? ›

Example answer

“I have always been interested in medicine and love helping people. Becoming a pharmacy technician is a great way for me to learn more about medications and treatments while helping people.

How many people pass the PTCB first try? ›

According to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, in 2021, 71% of test-takers passed the certification exam. Pharmacy technicians are growing high in demand at an above-average rate of 12% by 2026. In the last decade, there has been a significant 49% increase in the number of pharmacy technicians.

How do you pass the PTCB on the first try? ›

8 Test-Prep Tips for the PTCB Exam
  1. Focus on the top 100 drugs. Yes, there might be some obscure questions on the test. ...
  2. Make sure your math skills are solid. ...
  3. Use flashcards. ...
  4. Schedule study time. ...
  5. Read all the manuals. ...
  6. Schedule in breaks. ...
  7. Sign up for a review course. ...
  8. Practice!
Mar 25, 2020

What should I say in a pharmacy apprenticeship interview? ›

Be honest about why you are choosing this career path and why it fits you. Example: I want to work as a pharmacy assistant because I care about people's health and want to learn more about how to fill prescriptions. I like to work in a customer-facing role, where accuracy and attention to detail are really important.

What is your weakness in a pharmacy technician interview? ›

You can mention a weak point that you have been working to improve. Or another option is spinning a negative into a positive. "I can be a little obsessive about triple checking everything. However, my reason for doing so is because I know there is no room for mistakes as a pharmacy technician.

What is the hardest part of being a pharmacy technician? ›

In your role, you face many demands that even the most seasoned technicians consider challenging. We understand patient care is at the top of your list of concerns. But often you have to wrestle with the challenges of (1) product knowledge and (2) inventory management.

Is there a lot of math in pharmacy technician? ›

Common math concepts that pharmacy professionals must be familiar with include: Metric conversions and forms of measurement. Basic arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing) with whole numbers and fractions. Algebraic equations.

How do pharmacy technicians answer the phone? ›

Communicating on the Telephone

t When you answer the phone, identify yourself and the pharmacy. morning” and “Thank you for calling.” t Use a natural, conversational voice and be friendly but not too familiar with the caller. to what the caller is say- ing and focus on their needs.

How stressful is being a pharmacy technician? ›

Even though you'll be working under the guidance of a pharmacist, the role of pharmacy technician comes with a degree of stress and high pressure. When dealing with medications, accuracy is of the utmost importance, with the possibility of risks to the health of patients if mistakes are made.

How to pass a pharmacy technician interview? ›

The ideal candidate can explain how they handle multitasking and how they make sure that all tasks are completed on time. Sample Answer: I make sure that I have all the necessary information before I begin working on a task. I prioritize my tasks and make sure that I complete them in order of importance.

What is your greatest strength as a pharmacy technician? ›

The role of a pharmacy technician is of vital importance in the community. To answer this pharmacy interview question, ensure you mention your attention to detail, thorough checking techniques, and efficient administrative skills. It's also critical that you're honest, transparent, communicative, and accountable.

Why should we hire you as a pharmacy assistant with no experience? ›

A: You should hire me as a pharmacy assistant because of my dedicated approach to patient care, strong organizational skills, and ability to work efficiently under pressure. My commitment to continuous learning and passion for healthcare will contribute positively to your team and the well-being of your patients.

What is the failure rate for the PTCB exam? ›

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE): New PTCB Job Analysis Study
Exam DateExams AdministeredPass Rate
201453,50857%
201556,25357%
201653,35358%
Total for 1995—2016850,45372%
3 more rows

What is the hardest part of the PTCB exam? ›

Despite being the smallest part of the test, many people find the Federal Requirements concepts the most difficult because this section requires you to understand and know how to apply federal pharmacy law.

How can I study myself for pharmacy tech exam? ›

How to study for the pharmacy tech exam
  1. Create a schedule. ...
  2. Review the exam content outline. ...
  3. Use other resources. ...
  4. Create your own study materials. ...
  5. Take practice tests. ...
  6. Review the exam process. ...
  7. Prepare for the test. ...
  8. Review your results.
Apr 1, 2024

How many questions do I need to get right on the PTCB exam? ›

The passing scaled score for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is 1,400, with a range of possible scores of 1,000 to 1,600. PTCB does not provide a percentage or number of questions that must be answered correctly in order to pass the exam due to the use of scaled scoring.

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