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Pharmacy Tech Trainee Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Pharmacy Tech

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Job ID: 185168 Overview Inpatient- Pharmcacy Technician Trainee Allen Hospital, Waterloo,Iowa Part-time- 20 hours/week Hours: mix of 1st shift, 2nd shift and weekend rotation Functions as a Pharmacy ...

Pharmacy Tech

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

... technician trainee if not yet certified) • Registered Pharmacy Support • Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: • Strong ...

Certified Pharmacy Tech

Mason City, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

... trainee). ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY: A. Reports to: Retail Pharmacists, Lead Retail Pharmacists, Pharmacy Management B.. Key Working Relationships: Pharmacists, other technicians and pharmacy support ...

Certified Pharmacy Tech

Mason City, IA

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

... trainee). ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY: A. Reports to: Retail Pharmacists, Lead Retail Pharmacists, Pharmacy Management B.. Key Working Relationships: Pharmacists, other technicians and pharmacy support ...

Certified Pharmacy Tech

Mason City, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

... trainee). ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY: A. Reports to: Retail Pharmacists, Lead Retail Pharmacists, Pharmacy Management B.. Key Working Relationships: Pharmacists, other technicians and pharmacy support ...

Certified Pharmacy Tech

Mason City, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

... trainee). ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY: A. Reports to: Retail Pharmacists, Lead Retail Pharmacists, Pharmacy Management B.. Key Working Relationships: Pharmacists, other technicians and pharmacy support ...

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Pharmacy Tech Trainee information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$15

$18

How much do pharmacy tech trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmacy tech trainee in Iowa is $15.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pharmacy Tech Trainee vs Pharmacy Technician?

AspectPharmacy Tech TraineePharmacy Technician
Required CredentialsUsually in training, may need high school diploma or equivalentCertified or registered, with completed training or education
Work EnvironmentSupervised training in pharmacies, hospitals, or retail settingsFull responsibilities in dispensing medications under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position, often part of training programsLicensed or certified professional working independently or with supervision

In summary, a Pharmacy Tech Trainee is an entry-level role focused on learning and training, while a Pharmacy Technician is a fully qualified professional responsible for dispensing medications and supporting pharmacy operations.

Can you get a pharmacy tech trainee job with no experience?

Pharmacy tech trainee positions often do not require prior experience, as training is provided on the job. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete a pharmacy technician training program or certification within a certain period. Strong attention to detail and good communication skills are also important for success in this role.

What is a pharmacy tech trainee?

Pharmacy Tech Trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning the skills and knowledge required to become certified pharmacy technicians. They typically work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and may assist with tasks such as filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and providing customer service. During their training period, they gain hands-on experience and may be required to complete formal education or certification programs, depending on state regulations. The role is an entry point into the pharmacy field and offers opportunities for career advancement upon completion of training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pharmacy tech trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pharmacy Tech Trainee, you need a basic understanding of pharmacy operations, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pharmacy management software, prescription processing systems, and, in some states, completion of a certified training program are typical technical requirements. Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work accurately under supervision are important soft skills. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient medication dispensing and support to pharmacists, directly impacting patient care and pharmacy workflow.

How to be a pharmacy tech trainee?

To become a pharmacy tech trainee, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a pharmacy technician training program or gain on-the-job training. Some states require passing a certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), to advance to a pharmacy technician role. During training, you will learn medication management, pharmacy software, and customer service skills in a pharmacy environment.

What are some common challenges pharmacy tech trainees face during their initial training period?

Pharmacy Tech Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to accurately process prescriptions while maintaining strict attention to detail and adhering to legal regulations. Balancing customer service with the fast-paced demands of inventory management and medication preparation can also be demanding. Additionally, trainees must quickly become proficient with pharmacy software systems and collaborate effectively with pharmacists and other team members. With proper guidance and a willingness to ask questions, most trainees adapt successfully within the first few months.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmacy Tech jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Pharmacy Tech jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Pharmacy Tech Trainee jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Pharmacy Tech Trainee jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Pharmacy Tech Trainee jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Pharmacy Tech Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Pharmacy Tech Trainee job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,794 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Pharmacy Technician Trainee 100%- North Liberty Hospital

University of Iowa

North Liberty, IA • On-site

$19.09/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Pharmacy Technician, Trainee

University of Iowa Health Care - Medical Center North Liberty department of Pharmacy is seeking a 100%, Pharmacy Technician, Trainee. Under general supervision performs activities associated with drug distribution and control for outpatient and clinic patient dispensing.

The department intends to hire at either the pharmacy tech, certified or trainee classification based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your application materials the position you wish to be considered for.

Characteristic duties and responsibilities include:

  • Perform activities associated with inventory maintenance in satellites and dispensing areas including emergency drug supplies
  • Review pharmacy medication inventory for expired medications.
  • Maintain medication inventory levels according to established par levels when available
  • Manage inpatient Epic In-Baskets which includes printing labels for missing medications, determining the amount of medication required to prepare the intended dose, preparing and/or package of medications; preparing the label; documentation of activities and printing the discharge patient list and removing their medication from the patient care unit
  • Deliver medications to patient care areas, return medications from patient care areas that are no longer needed.
  • Ensure that medication security is maintained when working in the patient care unit medication rooms. This includes the integrity of security (door/lock etc.), security of medications inside the medication room (controlled substances locked properly), medications inside room are stored correctly (properly dated and refrigerated is needed).
  • Maintain accurate controls and security regarding controlled substances both in and out of the pharmacy area, including inventory records regarding preparation and delivery to patient care areas.
  • Generate, review and maintain (includes filing) appropriate records related to medication distribution and dispensing. (Forms 127P, 131)
  • Utilize various equipment including, laminar flow hoods, computerized label printers, pharmaceutical packaging and compounding equipment and pneumatic tube system. Utilize, AcuDose Medstations, RemStar and Med Carousel and other automated dispensing equipment.
  • Maintains cleanliness of BSC and other equipment and the clean room in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Completes quality assurance activities and quality control records for documentation of appropriate sterile compounding processes.
  • Maintain competencies in proper sterile product preparation
  • Utilize and adhere to aseptic technique when preparing and manipulating sterile products, including proper handwashing, garbing, product handling and observance of airflow issues within the clean room facility.
  • Compound sterile products including anti-neoplastic drugs in bulk supplies and single doses; utilize aseptic technique in BSC.
  • Maintain proper handling and proper worker safety precautions regarding medications that are considered hazardous (antineoplastic medications) or medications that become hazardous upon waste (EPA designated waste).
  • Package and compound non-sterile products in bulk supplies and single doses.
  • Conducts and documents monthly inspections of patient care areas
  • Assist with on-the-job training of pharmacy students and new technicians; may provide functional supervisor to student technicians
  • Perform activities involving narcotics and controlled substances including daily, weekly and monthly inventories; order replacement supplies from internal source and review documentation records for completeness and contact manager if documentation is not complete.
  • Perform tasks associated with refilling AcuDose Medstations including following proper procedures in picking correct medications to restock AcuDose Medstations, following proper procedures in restocking AcuDose Medstations
  • Assisting pharmacist in conducting inspection of all medications stored on patient care unit.

Schedule: 100% Hourly for Pharmacy Tech, Trainee: $19.09 to commensurate Hours: Rotating schedule, day/evenings Location: Medical Center North Liberty Benefits Highlights: Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life, and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits

The new University of Iowa Health Care – North Liberty Campus is a 469,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility serving as the home of UI Health Care's nationally recognized Orthopedics service line. It offers coordinated, comprehensive, and accessible care across outpatient, inpatient, and surgical settings.

In addition to world-class orthopedic care, the campus features a full-service community imaging center, laboratory services, physical therapy, a retail pharmacy, an emergency department, and a wide range of support services. Every element of the facility is thoughtfully designed to deliver an exceptional experience for patients and staff, support excellence in clinical care, education, and research, and foster meaningful community partnerships.

UI Health Care is building a welcoming, skilled, and collaborative team to help launch this innovative campus and advance our mission: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Minimum eligibility requirements:

  • Registered with the Pharmacy Board at the time of hire.
  • All pharmacy technicians must be certified within one year of employment, unless their Pharmacy Technician Trainee registration has been extended by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. In such cases, the technician may continue to work under trainee status, in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board and Iowa Code.
  • High school diploma or the equivalent.

Experience:

  • Any combination of two years of post-high school experience and/or education in the natural sciences OR
  • Satisfactory completion of an accredited pharmacy technician training program

Special qualifications:

  • Ability to calculate ratios & proportions for pharmaceutical needs as demonstrated by a work sample.

Desired qualifications:

  • Experience with inventory maintenance activities
  • Experience working in team environment
  • Experience working in detail-oriented work environment
  • Knowledge of windows-based computer programs
  • Experience working in environment requiring accuracy
  • Experience working in healthcare with one-on-one patient interaction & experience handling challenging interactions in work environment.

Application process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. For questions, contact polly-terukina@uiowa.edu.


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