Hire Top Pharmacy Technicians: Essential Insights For Pharmacy Managers

By Author: John
Total Articles: 17
Comment this article

Hire Top Pharmacy Technicians: Essential Insights for Pharmacy Managers
Hiring top pharmacy technicians is crucial for maintaining a high standard of service and operational efficiency in your pharmacy or healthcare facility. Pharmacy technicians play a pivotal role in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and assisting pharmacists with various tasks. This article outlines key considerations and strategies to help you hire and retain the best pharmacy technicians for your facility.
Impact of Hiring Pharmacy Technicians on Your Facility
A skilled pharmacy technician can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your pharmacy. By handling medication dispensing and administrative tasks, they allow pharmacists to focus on more complex responsibilities and patient care. This collaboration can lead to improved accuracy in medication handling, reduced risk of burnout among pharmacists, and a more balanced workload. A well-integrated team can also foster a positive work environment, contributing to overall employee satisfaction and productivity.
Key Things to Consider When Hiring Pharmacy Technicians
...
... When recruiting pharmacy technicians, keep the following considerations in mind:
Education and Certification: Look for candidates with a postsecondary diploma from an accredited institution and on-the-job training. Ideally, they should have completed the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CphT) program, which signifies a solid foundation in pharmacy practices.
License Requirements: Licensing requirements vary by state. Ensure candidates meet state-specific licensure and examination requirements to practice legally.
Soft Skills: Essential soft skills for pharmacy technicians include organizational abilities, customer service, attention to detail, and active listening.
Job Outlook and Salary: The demand for pharmacy technicians is rising, with a projected 6% increase in job opportunities over the next decade. The median annual salary is approximately $40,300, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Hiring Pharmacy Technicians
To prevent issues and ensure a successful hiring process, consider the following:
Verify Qualifications and Experience: Thoroughly check candidates' qualifications and experience to avoid compliance issues and ensure they meet your facility's needs.
Assess Soft Skills: Evaluate their interpersonal skills, as effective communication and customer service are critical for interacting with patients.
Credentialing and Compliance: Conduct rigorous checks including license verification, drug screening, and criminal background checks to ensure candidates are eligible and trustworthy.
Competitive Compensation: Offer salaries and benefits that align with market standards to attract and retain top talent. Implement strategies for professional development and career advancement to reduce turnover.
Involve Current Staff: Collaborate with existing pharmacy staff to tailor job requirements and ensure the new hire fits well with the team.

Addressing Legal and Compliance Issues
To avoid legal complications, ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements:
Understand Regulatory Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with state-specific regulations and guidelines for pharmacy technicians.
Verify Credentials: Confirm the validity of certifications and credentials provided by candidates.
Conduct Background Checks: Perform thorough background checks to screen for any criminal records or drug abuse history.
Detailed Job Description: Provide a clear and comprehensive job description to set expectations and responsibilities.
Training on Standards: Even if candidates are aware of safety standards, provide training on your facility’s specific practices and compliance requirements.
Maintain Records: Keep up-to-date records of staff licenses, including renewal dates and compliance documentation.
Importance of Cultural Fit in Pharmacy Technician Recruitment
Cultural fit is essential for maintaining a cohesive and effective team. A good cultural fit promotes better patient care and improves overall employee satisfaction. Steps to ensure cultural fit include:
Define Your Facility’s Values: Clearly articulate your facility’s values and goals.
Behavioral Interviews: Use interviews to assess candidates' alignment with your facility’s culture and values.
Diverse Interview Panels: Involve diverse members in the interview process to ensure a balanced assessment of cultural fit.
Building a Long-Term Hiring Strategy for Pharmacy Technicians
Employee retention is as critical as recruitment. To build a sustainable hiring strategy:
Conduct Comprehensive Interviews: Assess candidates’ experience, skills, and career goals.
Offer Competitive Compensation: Provide salaries and benefits that reflect market standards.
Promote Employee Wellness: Foster a flexible work environment and emphasize employee wellness to reduce burnout.
Upskill Opportunities: Create pathways for professional development and skill enhancement.
Career Progression: Establish clear career progression opportunities to motivate and retain staff.
Cultural Fit Policies: Implement policies that ensure cultural alignment and address staff burnout.
How MedSquirrels Can Help with Pharmacy Technician Staffing
Hiring the right pharmacy technicians can be challenging. MedSquirrels offers a solution to streamline your hiring process. Our platform provides:
Pre-Screened Candidates: We use AI-based screening to match you with top candidates quickly.
Flat Fee Pricing: Avoid high markups with our transparent flat fee pricing model, allowing you to invest in top talent.
End-to-End Support: MedSquirrels handles all aspects of the hiring process, ensuring compliance and reducing risk.
To learn more about how MedSquirrels can assist with your pharmacy technician staffing needs, book a demo today.