Orientation and Certification
The Pharmacy Technician orientation program provides the newly hired technician with a comprehensive introduction to pharmacy practice at UAB.
New Employee Orientation
All UAB employees attend a 1 ½ day general orientation which includes the following:
- Benefits
- Parking
- General Hospital Policies
- Broad orientation to the Hospital and surrounding campus
- Issue of Employee Identification badge
Pharmacy Department Orientation
A newly hired pharmacy technician will have approximately six weeks of orientation both in a didactic setting as well as in patient care areas. Orientation continues in the assigned area of practice under the guidance and leadership of a Senior Pharmacy Technician.
Topics include:
- Aseptic Technique (Sterile Product Compounding)
- AMMS (Automated Medication Management System)
- Communication
- Risk Management
- Patient Safety
- Medication Security and Storage
- Heartsaver AED / Code-10 and MET Response
- Medication Error and ADR Reporting
- IMPACT Training (CPOE system)
- Work Area Specific Competency Validations
- National Certification (PTCB)
UAB Pharmacy Technicians are strongly encouraged to become certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This board develops, maintains, promotes and administers a high-quality certification and recertification program for pharmacy technicians. Tutorial classes are offered to technicians interested in certification. Technicians who complete certification will have their positions reclassified and will receive a pay increase. www.ptcb.org