Top 12 Pharmacy Technician Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the competitive field of pharmacy technicians, standing out to potential employers hinges on showcasing a robust set of specialized skills on your resume. Highlighting your proficiency in critical areas not only demonstrates your capability to handle the demands of the role but also positions you as a valuable asset to any pharmacy team.

Pharmacy Technician Skills

1. Rx30
2. NextGen
3. Compounding
4. Pyxis
5. Inventory Management
6. Meditech
7. Pharmacology
8. Cerner
9. HIPAA Compliance
10. Omnicell
11. Prescription Processing
12. McKesson

1. Rx30

Rx30 is a pharmacy management software designed to streamline pharmacy operations, including prescription processing, inventory management, and patient record management, facilitating efficient workflow for pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.

Why It's Important

Rx30 is important for a Pharmacy Technician because it streamlines pharmacy operations by automating tasks such as prescription processing, inventory management, and patient record keeping, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in the pharmacy.

How to Improve Rx30 Skills

Improving efficiency and performance in Rx30 as a Pharmacy Technician involves a few key strategies:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update the Rx30 software to ensure you have the latest features and security patches. This can help improve efficiency and reduce potential errors.

2. Utilize Training Resources: Take advantage of Rx30's training resources to deepen your understanding of the software. This can help you navigate the system more efficiently and leverage its full capabilities.

3. Optimize Workflow: Customize the Rx30 interface and utilize its workflow management tools to match your pharmacy's processes. This can help streamline operations and improve accuracy.

4. Leverage Automation: Utilize Rx30's automation features for repetitive tasks such as prescription refills, insurance claims processing, and inventory management. This can save time and reduce manual errors.

5. Use Support and Forums: Engage with the Rx30 community and support services for troubleshooting, tips, and best practices sharing. Learning from peers can provide valuable insights and solutions to common challenges.

By focusing on these strategies, Pharmacy Technicians can enhance their efficiency and effectiveness when using Rx30, ultimately benefiting the pharmacy's operations and patient care.

How to Display Rx30 Skills on Your Resume

2. NextGen

NextGen refers to a modern, integrated electronic health records (EHR) and practice management system designed to enhance healthcare delivery, including pharmacy operations. It streamlines processes for prescribing, managing medication records, and improving patient care coordination for pharmacy technicians.

Why It's Important

NextGen is important for a Pharmacy Technician because it streamlines pharmacy operations, enhances medication safety, improves patient care through efficient data management and electronic prescriptions, and facilitates compliance with healthcare regulations.

How to Improve NextGen Skills

To improve NextGen for Pharmacy Technicians, focus on these key areas:

1. Training: Enhance proficiency with comprehensive NextGen training specifically tailored for Pharmacy Technicians.
2. Customization: Utilize NextGen's customization options to streamline pharmacy workflows and improve efficiency.
3. Integration: Ensure seamless integration with pharmacy management systems to reduce errors and save time.
4. Automation: Adopt features that automate routine tasks, like prescription refills and medication history updates.
5. Compliance: Stay updated with NextGen's compliance tools to effortlessly meet regulatory requirements.

By focusing on these areas, Pharmacy Technicians can leverage NextGen more effectively, enhancing both productivity and patient care.

How to Display NextGen Skills on Your Resume

3. Compounding

Compounding in a pharmacy context is the process of preparing personalized medications by mixing, altering, or combining ingredients as per a prescription to meet a specific patient's needs.

Why It's Important

Compounding is important for a Pharmacy Technician because it allows for the customization of medications to meet individual patient needs, ensuring the right dosage, form, and ingredients when commercially available drugs are not suitable.

How to Improve Compounding Skills

Improving compounding skills as a Pharmacy Technician involves practice, understanding guidelines, and continual learning. Here are concise tips:

1. Follow USP Guidelines: Strictly adhere to USP Chapter <797> and USP Chapter <795> for sterile and non-sterile compounding practices, respectively.

2. Continuous Education: Engage in continuous education through platforms like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) for courses and certifications in compounding.

3. Practice Aseptic Technique: Regularly practice and improve your aseptic technique to ensure safety and sterility.

4. Accuracy in Measurements: Enhance your skills in measuring, weighing, and mixing through practice and the use of precise tools.

5. Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest in compounding by subscribing to reputable sources like the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding (IJPC).

6. Join Professional Forums: Participate in forums and groups, such as the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT), for peer support and knowledge sharing.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your compounding skills and contribute more effectively to your pharmacy team.

How to Display Compounding Skills on Your Resume

4. Pyxis

Pyxis is an automated medication dispensing system used in healthcare settings, designed to securely store, manage, and dispense medications, improving accuracy and efficiency for pharmacy technicians and healthcare providers.

Why It's Important

Pyxis is important for a Pharmacy Technician because it automates medication dispensing, enhances medication safety, improves tracking and inventory management, and ensures accurate and timely delivery of medications to patients.

How to Improve Pyxis Skills

Improving Pyxis for a Pharmacy Technician involves enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and safety in medication management. Here are some concise strategies:

1. Training: Regular, up-to-date training sessions for Pharmacy Technicians on Pyxis system updates and best practices ensure proficient use.
2. Inventory Management: Utilize Pyxis inventory management tools to maintain optimal stock levels, reducing waste and shortages.
3. Integration: Strengthen integration with hospital information systems for real-time data exchange, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.
4. Error Reporting and Feedback: Encourage the use of error reporting mechanisms to identify and rectify system flaws or user errors promptly.
5. Customization and Updates: Customize Pyxis settings to meet specific workflow needs and regularly update the software to incorporate the latest safety features and efficiency improvements.

By focusing on these areas, Pharmacy Technicians can significantly contribute to optimizing Pyxis system performance, ultimately improving patient care and pharmacy operations.

How to Display Pyxis Skills on Your Resume

5. Inventory Management

Inventory management in the context of a pharmacy technician involves overseeing, controlling, and managing the stock of medications and healthcare products to ensure that the pharmacy maintains an optimal inventory level—neither understocked nor overstocked—while minimizing costs and avoiding expired or out-of-stock medications, to ensure efficient and effective patient care.

Why It's Important

Inventory management is crucial for a Pharmacy Technician because it ensures the timely availability of medications, minimizes stock shortages or overages, helps maintain medication safety and efficacy by monitoring expiration dates, and supports cost-effective operations by reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.

How to Improve Inventory Management Skills

Improving inventory management, especially for a Pharmacy Technician, involves precise strategies to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Here are key steps:

1. Implement an Automated System: Utilize pharmacy management software for real-time inventory tracking. Capterra offers a list of pharmacy software options.

2. Regular Stock Reviews: Conduct frequent inventory checks to identify fast-moving items and avoid overstocking. NCPA provides resources and guidelines for effective inventory reviews.

3. Optimize Inventory Levels: Use a demand forecasting method to maintain optimal stock levels, reducing waste and shortages. The American Pharmacists Association offers insights on demand forecasting in pharmacy settings.

4. Establish Strong Vendor Relationships: Work closely with suppliers for better purchase terms and stock availability. Healthcare Purchasing News discusses strategies for managing vendor relationships.

5. Implement FIFO (First In, First Out): Ensure older stock is sold before newer stock to minimize expired products. Pharmacy Times has articles on best practices for inventory rotation.

6. Leverage Technology for Expiry Management: Use software to track expiry dates efficiently and reduce losses due to expired products. Software Advice lists pharmacy management tools with expiry tracking features.

7. Educate Staff: Regular training on inventory management best practices ensures that all team members are aligned and competent. ASHP offers training resources for pharmacy staff.

Implementing these strategies requires commitment and continuous improvement, but significantly enhances inventory management in a pharmacy setting.

How to Display Inventory Management Skills on Your Resume

6. Meditech

Meditech is a healthcare information system used for managing electronic medical records, including pharmacy operations, to streamline workflows and improve patient care.

Why It's Important

Meditech is important for a Pharmacy Technician because it streamlines medication management and ordering processes, ensuring accuracy, safety, and efficient patient care.

How to Improve Meditech Skills

Improving Meditech for a Pharmacy Technician involves enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and user experience. Here are concise strategies:

1. Training and Education: Continuously update your knowledge through Meditech's official training resources to improve proficiency.

2. Customization: Personalize Meditech settings and shortcuts to streamline your workflow. Utilize the Meditech customization guide for optimizing the interface and functionalities according to your pharmacy needs.

3. Integration: Ensure seamless integration with other systems (e.g., inventory management) for real-time data exchange. Explore Meditech's interoperability solutions for more efficient operations.

4. Feedback and Updates: Regularly provide feedback for system improvements and stay updated with the latest Meditech releases to leverage new features and fixes.

5. Utilize Support and Community: Engage with the Meditech user community and support forums to share insights, troubleshoot issues, and learn best practices from peers.

By focusing on education, customization, system integration, proactive feedback, and community engagement, you can enhance your Meditech experience and efficiency as a Pharmacy Technician.

How to Display Meditech Skills on Your Resume

7. Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the human body, focusing on how medications work, their interactions, side effects, and how they are used to treat diseases, essential knowledge for a Pharmacy Technician in dispensing medication and advising patients.

Why It's Important

Pharmacology is crucial for a Pharmacy Technician as it provides the foundational knowledge of how drugs work, their effects on the body, and their interactions, enabling the safe and effective dispensing, management, and advising on medications to patients.

How to Improve Pharmacology Skills

Improving your pharmacology knowledge as a Pharmacy Technician involves continuous learning and staying updated with the latest drug information. Here are concise steps to enhance your pharmacology expertise:

1. Engage in Continuing Education: Participate in continuing education courses specifically designed for pharmacy technicians. These courses cover various pharmacology topics and are essential for maintaining certification and expanding your knowledge.

2. Utilize Online Resources: Explore reputable websites such as Medscape or Drugs.com for the latest drug information, including drug interactions, side effects, and mechanisms of action.

3. Read Pharmacology Books and Journals: Invest in pharmacology books tailored for pharmacy technicians. Additionally, reading pharmacology-related journals can provide insights into current research and advancements in the field.

4. Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of professional organizations like the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT) or Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). These organizations offer resources, networking opportunities, and access to educational materials.

5. Practice with Mobile Apps: Utilize pharmacology and drug reference apps designed for healthcare professionals. Apps such as Epocrates or Micromedex offer quick access to drug information and can be valuable tools for on-the-job reference.

By engaging in these activities, you can significantly enhance your pharmacology knowledge and skills, contributing to better patient care and safety.

How to Display Pharmacology Skills on Your Resume

8. Cerner

Cerner is a healthcare information technology company that provides electronic health record (EHR) systems and other healthcare solutions, which include pharmacy management systems, to help healthcare professionals manage patient care more efficiently and safely, including medication orders and dispensing.

Why It's Important

Cerner is important for a Pharmacy Technician because it provides an integrated digital platform for managing patient health records, medication orders, and pharmacy inventory, ensuring accurate and efficient dispensing of medications.

How to Improve Cerner Skills

To improve Cerner for a Pharmacy Technician, focus on:

1. Customizing Workflows: Tailor the system to match the pharmacy's specific processes for more efficient medication dispensing. Cerner Workflow Management.

2. Training and Support: Enhance proficiency through regular, updated training sessions and access to ongoing support. Cerner Learning Services.

3. Integration with Pharmacy Systems: Ensure seamless communication between Cerner and external pharmacy management systems for accurate prescription data exchange. Cerner Interoperability.

4. Utilizing Analytics: Leverage Cerner's analytics tools to monitor and improve pharmacy operations, identifying bottlenecks or areas for efficiency improvements. Cerner Health Analytics.

5. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop with technicians using Cerner to identify challenges and areas for enhancement. Utilize this feedback for system improvements. Cerner Continuous Improvement.

Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance Cerner's usability and efficiency in a pharmacy setting.

How to Display Cerner Skills on Your Resume

9. HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA Compliance for a Pharmacy Technician involves adhering to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's regulations to protect patient health information. This includes ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of patient records and communications.

Why It's Important

HIPAA compliance is crucial for a Pharmacy Technician to ensure the protection of patient health information, maintain patient trust, and comply with legal obligations, thereby avoiding potential legal penalties and safeguarding the privacy and security of sensitive health data.

How to Improve HIPAA Compliance Skills

Improving HIPAA compliance as a Pharmacy Technician involves several key steps aimed at protecting patient information effectively. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Understand HIPAA Rules: Familiarize yourself with the Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules to understand your responsibilities.

2. Regular Training: Ensure you undergo regular HIPAA training to stay updated on policies and procedures.

3. Secure Patient Information: Implement measures to secure Protected Health Information (PHI) both physically and electronically.

4. Access Control: Limit access to PHI only to individuals who need it to perform their job functions.

5. Communicate Securely: Use secure methods to communicate PHI, such as encrypted emails or secure patient portals.

6. Report Incidents: Understand the procedure for reporting any breaches or suspected violations of HIPAA promptly.

7. Maintain Privacy in Conversations: Be mindful of your environment when discussing PHI to avoid unauthorized disclosure.

By actively engaging in these practices, a Pharmacy Technician can significantly contribute to their pharmacy’s HIPAA compliance efforts.

How to Display HIPAA Compliance Skills on Your Resume

10. Omnicell

Omnicell is a healthcare technology company that provides automated solutions for medication and supply management, designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy in the dispensing and administration of medications, aiding Pharmacy Technicians in managing inventory, reducing errors, and improving workflow.

Why It's Important

Omnicell is important for a Pharmacy Technician because it automates medication dispensing, improving accuracy, efficiency, and safety in pharmacy operations, thereby reducing errors and enhancing patient care.

How to Improve Omnicell Skills

To improve Omnicell usage for a Pharmacy Technician, consider the following steps:

1. Training and Education: Engage in regular Omnicell training sessions to stay updated with the latest features and best practices.

2. Customization: Customize Omnicell interfaces and workflows to match the specific needs of your pharmacy, enhancing efficiency.

3. Maintenance Routine: Establish a routine for regular maintenance checks to prevent machine errors and downtime.

4. Feedback Loop: Create a feedback mechanism to report issues or suggest improvements directly to Omnicell, fostering continuous improvement.

5. Networking: Join Omnicell user groups or forums to share experiences, tips, and best practices with peers.

By focusing on these areas, Pharmacy Technicians can enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in using Omnicell systems.

How to Display Omnicell Skills on Your Resume

11. Prescription Processing

Prescription processing is the procedure a pharmacy technician follows to prepare and dispense medication as per a doctor's prescription, which involves verifying patient information, medication details, dosage, and insurance coverage before the medication is provided to the patient.

Why It's Important

Prescription processing is crucial for a Pharmacy Technician as it ensures accurate dispensing of medications, adherence to legal and safety standards, and provision of appropriate patient care and medication counseling.

How to Improve Prescription Processing Skills

Improving prescription processing in a pharmacy setting involves enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and patient safety. As a Pharmacy Technician, here are concise strategies:

1. Leverage Technology: Utilize pharmacy management systems for electronic prescriptions to minimize errors and speed up the verification process. Implement barcode scanning to ensure correct medication dispensing. Pharmacy Times provides insights into technology's role in pharmacy.

2. Continuous Education: Stay updated on medication knowledge, pharmacy laws, and best practices through continuing education. This can improve your ability to process prescriptions accurately and provide valuable patient counseling. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers resources and certification opportunities.

3. Streamline Workflow: Organize the prescription processing workflow to minimize bottlenecks. This could involve dedicating specific areas for inputting, filling, and checking prescriptions. The American Pharmacists Association offers resources on workflow management.

4. Enhance Communication Skills: Effective communication with pharmacists, healthcare providers, and patients ensures clarity in prescription processing. This includes verifying prescription details and patient information. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) provides guidelines on medication safety which underscore the importance of clear communication.

5. Implement Quality Control Measures: Regularly review and update protocols for prescription verification and dispensing to prevent errors. This includes double-checking high-risk medications and using checklists. Joint Commission Resources offers quality improvement tools for healthcare settings.

By adopting these strategies, Pharmacy Technicians can significantly contribute to improving prescription processing, enhancing patient care, and ensuring safety.

How to Display Prescription Processing Skills on Your Resume

12. McKesson

McKesson Corporation is a healthcare company specializing in pharmaceutical distribution, providing a wide range of health care products and services, including medication and supply management, to pharmacies and healthcare providers.

Why It's Important

McKesson is important because it is one of the largest pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare companies, providing essential medications, healthcare products, and technology solutions that pharmacies rely on to operate efficiently and serve their patients effectively.

How to Improve McKesson Skills

Improving your skills and efficiency as a Pharmacy Technician at McKesson involves focusing on areas such as technology proficiency, customer service, and knowledge of pharmaceuticals. Here are concise tips along with relevant resources:

1. Enhance Your Technology Skills: Get comfortable with McKesson's pharmacy management systems. Explore online tutorials or courses that focus on pharmacy software.

2. Improve Customer Service: Attend workshops or online courses on customer service excellence. Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer relevant courses.

3. Stay Updated on Pharmaceutical Knowledge: Regularly read pharmaceutical journals or websites such as Pharmacy Times to stay informed on the latest drugs and health guidelines.

4. Focus on Accuracy: Practice and develop methods to ensure accuracy in prescription filling. Engaging in exercises that improve attention to detail can be beneficial.

5. Time Management Skills: Consider time management courses or tools to enhance efficiency. Websites like MindTools offer strategies that can be applied in a pharmacy setting.

6. Communication Skills: Effective communication with both customers and healthcare professionals is crucial. Work on building these skills through resources found on edX.

7. Understand Regulatory Compliance: Familiarize yourself with regulatory requirements through resources provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

By focusing on these areas and utilizing the provided resources, you can improve your performance and contribution as a Pharmacy Technician at McKesson.

How to Display McKesson Skills on Your Resume