Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing healthcare demands, the need for Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians has become more crucial than ever.
As the healthcare sector expands, there is a growing demand for skilled individuals who can efficiently manage, dispense, and ensure the safety of medications in long-term care settings.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the scope of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of long-term care pharmacy,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Duties and Responsibilities
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians perform a range of tasks related to medication management for patients in long-term care facilities, like nursing homes.
They work closely with pharmacists to ensure patients receive appropriate medication and dosage on time.
The daily duties and responsibilities of Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians include:
- Assist pharmacists in preparing and distributing medications to patients in long-term care facilities
- Receive and verify prescriptions to ensure accuracy and completeness
- Maintain and update patient medication profiles
- Fill and label medication bottles or blister packs with correct medication dosage and information
- Prepare intravenous (IV) mixtures or other sterile products when required
- Organize and maintain inventory of medications and supplies
- Communicate with healthcare providers and nursing staff regarding patient medication orders and potential interactions
- Package and ship medications to long-term care facilities
- Process insurance claims and handle administrative tasks such as answering phones and filing paperwork
- Adhere to safety procedures and regulations in handling and dispensing medications
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a diligent, detail-oriented Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician to join our team.
The primary responsibility of this role is to assist in the daily operations of the pharmacy, including preparing and dispensing medications, updating patient records, and interacting with healthcare providers and patients.
Our ideal candidate has a thorough understanding of pharmacy procedures and experience in a similar role.
Proficiency in handling sensitive information and good organizational skills are essential in this role.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation and dispensing of medications
- Receive and verify prescriptions to ensure accuracy
- Update patient records and ensure all information is current and accurate
- Handle patient queries and provide appropriate solutions
- Follow all established procedures for processing receipts and assisting with inventory management
- Ensure compliance with all pharmacy laws and regulations
- Collaborate with healthcare providers for medication reconciliation
- Maintain a clean, organized and safe pharmacy environment
Qualifications
- Previous work experience as a Pharmacy Technician, preferably in a long-term care setting
- Pharmacy Technician certification is required
- Strong knowledge of pharmacy law and medical terminology
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Proficient in maintaining detailed and accurate patient records
- Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially
- High School Diploma or equivalent
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Continuing education opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician
- Work Environment: This position is based in a long-term care pharmacy setting.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pharmacy Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Do?
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians typically work in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospice care centers.
They are an integral part of the healthcare team, working closely with pharmacists and healthcare providers to ensure the optimal medication management for the patients.
Their primary role is to prepare, package, and distribute medications to patients in these facilities.
They are often responsible for filling and refilling prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist, and ensuring that medications are accurately dispensed.
They also maintain patient medication profiles, update prescription information, and perform medication inventory.
It’s their job to ensure that the facility is adequately stocked with necessary medications and medical supplies, and that all medications are stored properly to maintain their efficacy.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians may also be involved in the administration of medication to patients, monitoring and reporting drug interactions, and documenting medication administration records.
Due to the nature of their job, they interact closely with patients, often providing them with medication education and answering their queries regarding their medication regimen.
Their role involves not just dispensing medication but also ensuring the safety and well-being of the patients they serve.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Qualifications and Skills
A qualified Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:
- Technical expertise in pharmacy operations, understanding of various medication types and their uses, and proper procedures for medication distribution.
- Exceptional attention to detail to ensure that patients receive the correct medication and dosage.
- Strong organizational skills to manage inventory, maintain accurate patient records, and fulfill prescriptions efficiently.
- Excellent communication skills to interact with healthcare providers, long-term care patients, and other pharmacy staff.
- Customer service skills to address patient concerns and provide educational information about medications and proper usage.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with all health information privacy laws.
- Strong mathematical skills for calculating medication dosages and understanding medical measurements.
- Ability to work well as part of a healthcare team, coordinating with other medical professionals to provide holistic care to patients.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Experience Requirements
Entry-level Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians often have 1-2 years of experience, usually gained through an internship or a part-time role in a pharmacy, hospital, or healthcare facility.
Formal training in accredited programs may also count toward this experience.
In these roles, they can gain hands-on experience in areas such as medication dispensing, patient care, pharmaceutical inventory management, and the use of pharmacy management software.
They can also learn about the specific needs and challenges of long-term care patients.
Pharmacy Technicians with 3-5 years of experience may have more advanced knowledge and skills, such as compounding medications, managing medication therapy, and communicating with healthcare providers about medication orders and patient conditions.
They may also have experience working with specific populations, such as geriatric patients or patients with chronic illnesses.
Those with more than 5 years of experience often have significant expertise in long-term care pharmacy operations and may be ready to take on supervisory or managerial roles.
They may also have experience in specialized areas such as palliative care or geriatric pharmacology.
In addition to job experience, Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians need to be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or a similar certifying body.
Continuing education is also important in this role, due to the ever-evolving nature of pharmacology and long-term care practices.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Education and Training Requirements
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent as a minimum educational qualification.
Many employers prefer candidates who have completed a post-secondary pharmacy technician program, which can be found at many community colleges and vocational schools.
These programs usually take less than a year to complete and provide the technician with a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Courses cover areas such as pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, medical and pharmaceutical terminology, and recordkeeping.
Hands-on experience is usually offered through internships or externships at local pharmacies.
All pharmacy technicians, including those in long-term care settings, must be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Certification requirements usually include a high school diploma, completion of a formal education program, and a passing score on a certification exam.
Some employers may also require Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians to have prior work experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
Ongoing education may be necessary to keep up with changes in pharmacy technology and the drugs used in long-term care facilities.
Additional skills that are beneficial for this role include strong customer service skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Salary Expectations
A Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician earns an average salary of $35,100 (USD) per year.
The actual income can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, the employing organization, and geographical location.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician need?
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians should have excellent attention to detail to ensure accurate dispensing of medication.
They should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with healthcare professionals and patients.
Additionally, they need to have excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and maintain patient records.
Do Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians need a degree?
While a degree is not always required, Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technicians typically need to have completed a pharmacy technician program or have equivalent job experience.
They must also be registered with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or another similar body.
What should you look for in a Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician resume?
A Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician resume should display a valid certification and any relevant work experience, particularly in a long-term care setting.
Look for knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology, experience with pharmacy software systems, and a track record of accuracy in medication dispensing.
Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work in a team are also important.
What qualities make a good Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician?
A good Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician is one who is patient-oriented and understands the unique medication needs of long-term care patients.
They are compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to providing the best care.
They must also be detail-oriented, accurate, and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
What are the daily duties of a Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician?
The daily duties of a Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician include preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining patient records, interacting with healthcare professionals to clarify prescriptions, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with all pharmacy laws and regulations.
They also provide medication counseling to patients, their families, and healthcare providers.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we unveiled the nitty-gritty details about being a long-term care pharmacy technician.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about dispensing medications.
It’s about providing quality healthcare, one prescription at a time.
With our comprehensive long-term care pharmacy technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to embark on this fulfilling career path.
But why stop there?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every prescription filled is a step towards better healthcare.
Let’s improve lives. Together.
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