How to Apply
The UPMC Pharmacy Technician Training program is offered at all pharmacies throughout the UPMC health system. Each hospital has a pharmacy to care for patients who are admitted. There are many outpatient pharmacies to fill prescriptions for patients who are not admitted to the hospital. There are also several unique pharmacy services that are offered through UPMC: Rx Partners and Chartwell.
Openings for training are posted frequently on the UPMC Careers page based on the staffing needs of each individual pharmacy. Training is available on a variety of shifts depending on the pharmacy site. To apply, search the careers page for:
- Pharmacy Technician Trainee
- Pharmacy Assistant.
If you are not finding either job title, that means there are currently no openings in the training program. Keep checking back on the careers page for openings to be posted. Other roles that may populate, such as Pharmacy Technician, require experience. Read the job qualifications carefully before you apply.
Hiring Process
Learn how we hire our life changing workforce.
Admission Requirements
Our Program follows the UPMC policy for employment: “It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or marital, familial, or disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status.”
To be considered for the UPMC Pharmacy Technician Training Program, applicants must complete the UPMC hiring process and meet the minimum qualifications. Special circumstances may be addressed on an individual basis.
Minimum Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- Have English language and math proficiency sufficient to fulfill the requirements of the pharmacy technician job responsibilities, demonstrated by passing the TRC Reading Comprehension and Math Assessments in three attempts or less. A minimum score of 70% is required for each assessment.
Technical Prerequisites/Essential Functions
A trainee must possess the following skills and abilities to accomplish the essential requirements of the program either with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Communication standards:
- In Standard English, read, comprehend and interpret technical, instructional, professional and informational materials in printed text, hand-written, and video-based presentation utilizing a variety of platforms, including textbooks, journals, procedure manuals, and computer graphics.
- Follow verbal/written instructions and record/report information and results legibly and accurately.
- Utilize verbal, written and social communication skills, to effectively and concisely interact with patients, physicians, health care providers, hospital personnel, fellow trainees, trainers, coworkers and leadership through both direct and indirect contact with clarity.
- Visual acuity and psychomotor standards:
- Possess the visual acuity necessary to discriminate color, intensity, fine details and characteristics with or without visual aid. Quickly read and interpret written signs, fine print and video displays, and accurately estimate depth and distance.
- Possess the auditory acuity necessary to safely interact and react in a noisy environment with or without aid-able hearing.
- Employ fine motor skills and coordination necessary to perform the intricate manipulations and repetitive tasks required to manipulate and dispense medications, utilize tools and equipment, and interact with technology and software programs with speed and accuracy without compromising the safety of self and others.
- Ability to move safely within the healthcare and pharmacy environments, reaching countertops and shelves, lifting and carrying moderately heavy objects, and sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time.
- Intellectual and cognitive standards:
- Utilize cognitive abilities and interpretive skills to analyze, apply, calculate, interpret, problem solve, and exercise sound judgement.
- Demonstrate independent judgement and critical thinking skills, including asking productive questions.
- Prioritize and complete tasks safely and efficiently in the time allotted with full comprehension of required processes and conditions.
- Complete coursework in the Pharmacy Technician University software independently or with a trainer as directed.
- Behavioral and ethical standards:
- Adhere to all UPMC policies and UPMC Pharmacy Technician Training Program policies including those related to patient confidentiality, academic honestly and professional code of ethics in all actions, conduct and required work.
- Recognize potential hazards and comply with the UPMC systemwide and pharmacy specific rules, policies and guidelines for safety including those related to working with sharp objects, potentially hazardous chemicals and infectious materials without incurring injury to self or other.
- Demonstrate personal responsibility to maintain emotional, mental and physical health.
- Possess the mental and emotional health to effectively tolerate, adapt and function within the stresses of the healthcare environment and pharmacy environment, responding with a professional attitude to everyday workplace stresses, including emergency situations, time constraints, noises, smells, various distractions, and encounters with challenging individuals.
- Embody the UPMC mission, vision, and values and the UPMC Experience. Willingly take responsibility for one’s actions and being forthcoming about errors or areas of inadequacy. Critically evaluate one’s own performance and accept constructive criticism as a mode of professional and personal growth. Respectfully interact with peers, faculty, health care members, patients and the public with compassion and understanding of diverse people and personalities.
