Pharmacy Technician

The Role

Pharmacy Technicians at Essentia Health handle a lot of the behind the scenes work that keeps the pharmacy running. Processing medications is the core of it, but you'll also spend a good chunk of your time interacting with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff to make sure every patient gets the right medication, used the right way.

Inventory control falls on you too ; keeping track of what's in stock, managing supplies and equipment, handling non sterile and sterile compounding when needed, and working with automation systems. And yeah, the pharmacist or pharmacy leadership might throw in other tasks as they come up.

Schedule & Compensation

This is a 0.6 FTE position, which works out to three 12 hour shifts per week. The schedule rotates between day, evening, and night shifts. Pay lands between $21.08 and $31.62 per hour.

What You'll Need ; Education & Experience

Where you work determines the education path you need to take.

If you're in a MN location, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy requires one of these three:

• Previous experience as a pharmacy technician with continuous registration with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy dating back before January 1, 2013
• Completion of a board approved technician training program
• Completion of Essentia Health's employer based technician training program within one year of hire, plus continuous registration as a Pharmacist Intern with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy

If you're in a ND location, the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy requires one of these two:

• Successful completion of an ASHP accredited academic program
• Enrollment in (or completion of) an ASHP accredited on the job training program, with certification by a Board approved national certification body within 24 months of hire

For internal transfers, you need at least 1,040 hours of pharmacy tech experience, plus completion of Essentia Health's orientation, the Pharmacy Department's orientation, and the Core Sterile Compounding Training Program.

For external hires, it's also 1,040 hours of pharmacy tech experience, plus either sterile compounding experience or graduation from an ASHP accredited Pharmacy Technician Program. You'll also need to complete the Core Sterile Compounding Training Program within six months of your start date.

Certifications & Licensures

You'll need to earn and maintain certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) from the PTCB or the National Healthcareer Association within two years of hire. You must maintain your registration immediately, and your certification kicks in after two years of employment for the duration of your time here.

Alternatively, you can be currently enrolled in an accredited Pharm.D. program. For North Dakota locations only, you can be progressing toward acceptance into a Doctor of Pharmacy program.

If you hold a dual position as an Intern or Pre Intern, you don't need the state registration as a Pharmacy Technician or the PTCB/NHA certification. You do still need to maintain registration immediately and certification after one year of employment.

Ongoing continuing education and license renewal are required, per your state's Board of Pharmacy rules.

Benefits

Essentia Health backs you up with medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, plus supplemental options if you want more. There's a 401(k) with employer contributions. They also put money into your growth through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs.

Scheduling is flexible where it can be, and you get generous time off. Wellness resources cover physical, mental, and emotional health. Benefit eligibility can vary, so check your benefit summary or call the HR Service Center at (218) 576 0000 for specifics.