Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency: Pharmacy Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Education or Experience: None required For all grade levels and positions that accept both education and experience to qualify, equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying
• The combined percentage is determined by adding total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level to the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level
• Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either: 1
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• OR, 2
• National Health career Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)
• Grade Determinations: Pharmacy Technician, GS-8 Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs for all GS-08 assignments and meet any additional KSAs for the assignment, if indicated: (a) Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy (such as sterile compounding, controlled substances, automation, clinical pharmacy, contact center, etc.).(b) Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures.(c) Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy
• Reference: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15PART IIAPPENDIX G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08 Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50lbs, and bending/stooping
• Grandfathering Provision
• Pharmacy technicians employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.