Pharmacy Technician - Sterile Compounding
Pharmacy Technician - Sterile Compounding
Company Overview
At Akina Pharmacy, the shared purpose that drives us is to enrich the lives of the people in our care through compounded medications. As a people-first organization, we embrace the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to ensure our success by prioritizing the recruitment and development of exceptional talent.
Joining Akina means stepping into an environment where clear communication, pragmatic decision-making, and accountability are at the forefront. We are committed to empowering our team members and fostering a culture of growth and support. If you are driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact and seek a vibrant, compassionate workplace, we invite you to discover the opportunities awaiting you at Akina Pharmacy. Together, let's build a healthier, happier community.
Position Summary
The Pharmacy Technician - Sterile Compounding is a key member of the Akina Pharmacy team, responsible for preparing sterile medications with precision, accuracy, and adherence to the highest safety and quality standards. This role requires an exceptional commitment to compliance with USP <797> regulations and the ability to maintain an ISO-classified cleanroom environment.
As a Sterile Compounding Technician, you will perform aseptic compounding of both batched and non-batched sterile medications, complete rigorous cleaning and sanitization protocols, and follow quality control procedures to ensure patient safety and product efficacy. You will also support ancillary tasks such as inventory management, bubble point testing, and depyrogenation by dry heat oven, contributing to the seamless execution of the pharmacy’s production schedule.
Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and alignment with Akina Pharmacy’s core values of Excellence Always, Go-Getter’s Unite, Compassion For All, and Called To Serve. If you thrive in a structured, fast-paced environment where quality and compliance are paramount, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care.
You will love it here if you are motivated by Akina’s Core Identity Values:
- Excellence Always
- Go-Getter’s Unite
- Compassion For All
- Called To Serve
You’ll have success here if you value clear processes and get, want, and have capacity to do the following things:
- Sterile Compounding and Schedule Execution
- Perform sterile compounding, including proper garbing, gowning, and aseptic technique, in strict adherence to USP <797>, cGMP, and departmental SOPs to ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery.
- Execute the daily production schedule to ensure quality and on-time delivery of sterile products.
- Cleanroom and Equipment Maintenance and Sanitization
- Maintain ISO-classified cleanroom conditions through rigorous cleaning and disinfection.
- Operate and maintain compounding equipment, including calibrations and dry heat oven operation, per SOPs.
- Inventory Management and Restocking
- Monitor lab supply levels, submit warehouse requisitions, and restock PPE, supplies, devices, and equipment to support uninterrupted lab operations.
- Remove out-of-date materials, restock labs and adjacent areas with PPE, supplies, devices, and additional equipment needed to perform required tasks.
- Quality Control & Assurance
- Conduct in-process quality checks, including bubble point testing and end-product visual inspection.
- Document all processes and activities, including outcomes, per USP, FDA and Good Documentation Practices.
- Training, Competency, and Continuous Improvement
- Maintain required training and competencies in the electronic quality management system.
- Participate in LEAN initiatives (Root Cause Analysis, Operational Walkthroughs, Internal Audits) to improve operational efficiency and product quality.
We train our team to help them succeed, and everyone on our team helps with our success. In this role, you’ll be accountable for hitting the following numbers:
- Compound sterile medications (5-10 per day)
- Complete daily and ongoing tasks, including cleaning, calibration and inventory checks (20-30 per week)
- Complete ongoing self-guided trainings, and manager-led competencies and evaluations (12-15 per year)
If you want to come to work, learn, and hit those numbers, you’ll be recognized and rewarded.
Our company runs on EOS purely. That means as a member of this team, you will have a leader who:
- Gives clear directions and expectations
- Makes sure you have the necessary tools
- Delegates appropriately
- Has effective meetings
- Meets one-on-one with you quarterly or more, if needed
- Rewards and recognizes your performance
Experience and Qualifications
- Certification and Licensure: Must be registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy as a Certified Pharmacy Technician or Technician Trainee. Active pharmacy technician certification (CPhT) is preferred. Certification in sterile compounding (e.g., ACPE IV certification) is a plus.
- Sterile Compounding Expertise: 1-2 years of experience in sterile compounding or aseptic techniques (preferred but not required). Proficiency in preparing sterile medications in compliance with USP <797> and USP <800>, ensuring the highest level of precision and sterility.
- Aseptic Technique and Cleanroom Procedures: Demonstrated ability to perform aseptic manipulations, maintain cleanroom standards, and adhere to gowning and sanitization protocols. Familiarity with environmental monitoring and responding to contamination risks effectively.
- Laboratory and Equipment Maintenance: Proven ability to clean, sanitize, and maintain sterile compounding equipment and areas in compliance with USP <797> and company SOPs. Experience calibrating and troubleshooting sterile compounding equipment to maintain operational accuracy.
- Inventory Management Skills: Experience in managing sterile compounding supplies, including ordering, restocking, and ensuring proper storage of sterile products and components. Ability to identify and remove expired or damaged inventory.
- Quality Control and Assurance: Commitment to ensuring compounded sterile preparations meet stringent quality standards, including checks for sterility, particulate matter, and accurate labeling and packaging.
- Documentation and Recordkeeping: Exceptional attention to detail in documenting all compounding activities, including calculations, quality control checks, and compliance with USP guidelines and company policies.
- Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with pharmacists, quality assurance personnel, and other team members. Ability to adapt to feedback and actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Technology Skills: Proficiency in using pharmacy management systems, laminar flow hood monitoring systems, and other relevant sterile compounding technologies to streamline operations and ensure compliance.
Benefits & Perks:
- Medical and Supplementary Benefits: Akina Pharmacy offers two medical plan options with employer premium contributions up to 85%, dental and vision coverage, accident and hospital indemnity, and company paid long term and short-term disability options, available after 30 days of employment.
- Paid Time Off: Take advantage of generous paid time off to recharge, focus on personal priorities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Paid Holidays: Enjoy six scheduled paid holidays to celebrate and spend quality time with loved ones.
- 401K Match: Invest in your future with our 401K plan, featuring a Safe Harbor match up to 4%.
- Rewards & Recognition: Be celebrated for your hard work and achievements through our dedicated rewards and recognition program.
- No Cost Medication: Employees are eligible to receive prescribed compounded medications at no cost, after 30 days of employment.
Akina Pharmacy accepts applications for this position on a rolling basis.