I am looking for anyone willing to share information regarding different levels for pharmacy technicians. Does your facility offer different pay levels and separate job descriptions? Do you have a lead tech, a specific IV room tech, a specific tech that handles the automation/robotics? We are looking at making some changes here in order to try to keep some of our long term, experienced techs. We currently just have one pay range for all the techs, even though some of the CPhT's have many more responsibilities. Any information you would be willing to share is welcome. Thank you,
david.huntsman@heartland-health.com
Name of Facility: Heartland Regional Medical Center
I commend your efforts in trying to establish such a program at your facility. Currently this is an effort being undertaken at multiple levels across the nation with little consistency; however, there has been a repeating model surfacing as of late. The levels are I, II, III, Senior Technician, Technician Specialist, and Senior Technician Specialist.
These position are differentiated by scope of practice, education, certification, training, experience, knowledge and skills. Levels I through III are usually routine operation functions (traditional tech work); Tech I might be a new hire filling labels, Tech II same as Tech I plus additional responsibilities, Tech III might be assigned to a particular area like the IV Room or Packaging/Barcodeing. Senior Tech might be a supervisor or a Clinical Tech. Tech Specialist/ Senior Tech Specialist are designed for growing skills sets needed in the pharmacy for example, Supply Chain, IT Analyst, or Business Manager. These newer levels allow external skill sets into the pharmacy while addressing State Board of Pharmacies' requirements on access in the pharmacy department. These new levels also promote a career path within the pharmacy department for technicians, which increase satisfaction and productivity and allows for expanded services in the pharmacy.
As for compensation, I have seen a 9% variance between levels for levels I,II,III and Senior Tech. At the Specialist position these positions are at average market prices for similar positions outside the pharmacy department. Senior Specialist compensation usually exceeds average market prices for similar position outside the pharmacy.
Below are references that I have used for creating a technician career ladder program and in presentations.
ASHP Council on Education and Workforce Development. ASHP long-range vision for pharmacy work force in hospitals and health-systems. AJHSP 2007; 64:1320-1330
