Pharmacy Technology Technical Standards

Clinical requirements

Technical standard	Examples of activities
Cognitive ability: Demonstrate critical-thinking ability sufficient for collecting, analyzing and integrating information and knowledge in order to safely and accurately process primary care provider orders and promote positive patient outcomes and professional behavior Exhibit ability to follow policies and procedures required by clinical and academic settings Exhibit ability to organize and prioritize tasks Exhibit ability to function effectively under stress and time constraints Exhibit awareness of and ability to work with diverse populations Exhibit ability to follow policies and procedures required by clinical and academic settings	Demonstrate problem-solving abilities (measure, calculate, reason, prioritize and synthesize data) Understand and recall complex information and apply to new situations Perform calculations Organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and integrate and analyze written, verbal and observed data regarding patient care Manage distractions Follow a process from start to finish utilizing sequential established policies and procedures Utilize sound judgment and safety precautions Understand the rationale for and comply with HIPAA standards, especially confidentiality Process prescriptions and/or prepare compound medications Demonstrate the ability to be familiar with and acquire a knowledge base of brand/generic names of the most commonly prescribed medications Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret handwritten prescriptions Process prescriptions in an accurate and timely manner that matches the level of training and pharmacy’s demands Demonstrate the ability to assist accurately with all patient care duties and pharmacy procedures
Communication ability: Demonstrate the ability to speak, read, comprehend and write English at a level that meets the need for clear and effective communication with instructors, peers, other health care professionals and patients Demonstrate the ability to adjust non-verbal and verbal language appropriately to meet the needs of the multilingual and culturally diverse patients, families and colleagues	Understand written and verbal English communication and follow directions explicitly Read and interpret common medical/pharmacy abbreviations Understand patient information and provide verbal feedback Interact and establish rapport with individuals, families and groups from diverse populations Read and respond to professional emails in a timely manner Provide explanations and teaching Demonstrate empathy
Interpersonal skills and behavior: Demonstrate emotional and psychological stability sufficient to function under stress and to adapt to ever-changing situations Follow a professional code of ethics	Display a caring attitude Demonstrate professional behavior in the classroom, lab and clinical settings, including appropriate personal hygiene, timeliness, preparation and concentration Demonstrate empathy for patients and peers, exhibit sensitivity to the needs of others and treat all with dignity and respect Demonstrate awareness of others’ reactions and understanding of why they react the way they do Respond calmly to and remain focused during stressful situations Respond professionally and appropriately to emergency situations Maintain composure in clinical and didactic environments Establish productive working relationships Work independently or in a team Interpret non-verbal communication
Visual ability: Demonstrate visual acuity sufficient for reading, evaluating and processing prescriptions, labels and packages of all types	Read numbers and letters in fine print, such as would appear on prescription labels and patient package inserts, accurately Differentiate solid dosage forms by size, shape and color Demonstrate the ability to accurately distinguish demarcations and be able to calibrate all equipment used to weigh, measure and dispense medication Read Roman numerals accurately Read medication labels and draw up and read syringe volumes accurately Perform visual inspections of preparations for discolorations, precipitations, bubbles, clumps, etc., on compounded sterile and not-sterile preparations
Auditory ability: Demonstrate hearing acuity sufficient to communicate and interact with patients, pharmacists and other health care professionals	Hear and communicate clearly in person and by telephone Hear conversations well enough to communicate with patients, peers, instructors and other health care providers Listen for awareness of equipment function or malfunction and/or emergency signals
Tactile ability: Demonstrate tactile ability sufficient for preparation and compounding of sterile and non-sterile products Demonstrate the ability to put on and remove personal protective equipment, or PPE.	Manipulate syringes and dispose of needles safely Manipulate vials, ampules and medication packaging Calibrate and use the equipment Demonstrate the ability to put on and remove gloves, gown, shoe covers, mask, protective eyewear and head covering.
Olfactory ability: Demonstrate olfactory ability sufficient to detect unusual odors/smells in the environment	Detect malodorous or unusual odors of medicines Distinguish smells which adversely affect the environment (fire, noxious fumes, etc.) Tolerate exposure to various chemical odors
Strength and mobility: Demonstrate physical abilities and strength sufficient to perform clinical and administrative duties Demonstrate strength sufficient to lift heavy objects Demonstrate the ability to move in tight quarters Demonstrate the ability to freely walk, stand, sit, squat, balance, climb, reach, grip, lift, pull and push as needed in the performance of clinical duties	Demonstrate the ability to maneuver in small spaces (walk, stand and bend over) Demonstrate the ability to withstand repetitive hand, fine motor movements and manual dexterity without incident Squat, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, kneel and use the standing balance to place medications in the proper place Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds safely and exert up to 100 pounds force for push/pull utilizing a cart with wheels
Motor skills: Demonstrate gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to effectively prepare, package, carry and deliver medications in a timely manner Demonstrate physical ability sufficient to maneuver in small spaces (including standing, walking, bending and range-of-motion of extremities)	Calibrate, adjust, use and clean equipment Demonstrate fine motor skills required to safely manipulate syringes and needles Manipulate vials, ampules and medication packaging Load paper and labels in the printer or automated medicated dispensing machines Demonstrate keyboarding skills sufficient to complete data entry and/or clinical duties in a timely manner Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient if needed
Physical endurance: Demonstrate sufficient physical endurance to complete assigned periods, the required shift and assigned tasks	Work 8- to 12-hour shifts on day or evening rotations Sit or stand for long periods of time, including up to 12 hours Carry at least 20 pounds while walking for extended periods of time Climb stairs
Environmental tolerance: Demonstrate the ability to work in the pharmaceutical environment Demonstrate sensitivity and ability to protect self and others from environmental risks and hazards Demonstrate the ability to tolerate prolonged periods of time amidst artificial lighting, air conditioning, dust and odors, residue from cleaning products, noise and congested workplace Demonstrate the ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time during work, educational study and labs Demonstrate awareness that the health care environment may contain latex and other allergens, including medication (topical and ingestible), chemical and mundane; tolerance of such allergens in the workplace must also be demonstrated	Wear gloves, mask, head covering, protective eyewear and gown for extended periods of time during patient treatment, educational study and labs Perform frequent evaluation and correction of the facility for vapors/fumes, excessive noise and facility cleanliness in the performance of patient care Use MSDS (materials safety data sheets) for specific drugs, chemicals and common environmental handouts
Adapted from: Cerro College. Cerritos College, n.d. Web. 1 Aug. 2017.