Pharmacists are responsible for providing safe and effective pharmacotherapy while supporting centralized and decentralized medication-use systems. They also interpret physician orders, dispense medications, and provide drug information to healthcare professionals and patients.
If you are a Pharmacist looking to start or continue your career in a hospital setting, we invite you to apply to UPMC Altoona today! The schedule is full-time, Night shift, every other weekend, and holidays. We are offering a $15,000 sign-on bonus for a 2-year commitment or a $30,000 sign-on bonus for a 3-year commitment! UPMC’s Monthly Loan Repayment program: UPMC’s Monthly Loan Repayment program, for eligible Pharmacy graduates, offering $36,000 in loan repayment paid over three years.
Pharmacists are responsible and accountable for providing safe, effective, and cost-effective pharmacotherapy. They support centralized and decentralized medication-use systems to deliver optimal medication therapy. Pharmacist Specialists participate in all necessary aspects of the medication-use process and pharmacy operations and services. Pharmacy services include but are not limited to assessing patient parameters, incorporating age and disease-specific characteristics into drug therapy and patient education, and participating in detecting, mitigating, and preventing medication-related adverse events. Pharmacists serve as resources and liaisons to other departments, healthcare team members, or external groups. They also support and lead patient care quality and regulatory compliance initiatives designed to improve medication-use processes or pharmacy practice. Pharmacists provide medication and practice-related education/training and actively serve as preceptors for pharmacy students and pharmacy residents. If applicable, participation in quality initiatives is expected to improve clinical pharmacy services by monitoring processes, analyzing data, implementing interventions, and evaluating the effectiveness of those interventions.
Interpret and evaluate physician orders and prescriptions to prepare, calculate, and dispense appropriate medication dosage forms for inpatient and outpatient treatment by the Pennsylvania Pharmacy Practice Act, Federal Drug Laws, and other regulatory organizations. Identify and report suspected adverse drug reactions accurately and promptly. Sustain the formulary by minimizing non-formulary procurements, utilizing therapeutic interchange protocols, and promoting rational drug therapy selection. Review, maintain, and screen patient medication records and profiles for allergies, drug interactions, and therapeutic duplications while entering orders and verifying medications. Organize daily operational duties and assist in supervising pharmacy technicians, pharmacy aides, student interns, and other ancillary personnel involved in providing pharmaceutical care. Adhere to all regulatory requirements, professional standards of practice, and hospital quality management policies and procedures in providing pharmaceutical care. Communicate with physicians and nurses to promptly clarify orders that are unclear, illegible, or incomplete. Provide drug information and/or educational programs to healthcare professionals and pharmacy students. Utilize all available computer systems and technologies in the provision of pharmaceutical care. Fill prescription orders by State and Federal regulations, utilizing technological resources and equipment. Prepare and dispense intravenous admixture solutions, as required, using an aseptic technique in an accepted sterile product preparation area.
Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy. B.S. in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
Current licensure as a Pharmacist in a practicing state.
Entry
Level: no previous experience is required; pharmacist experience is preferred.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: Pharmacist Act 34
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Candidates must hold a B.S. in Pharmacy or a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited college. A current pharmacist license in a practicing state is required, with no previous experience necessary.
Market context
Hospital pharmacist roles in Pennsylvania are typically driven by ongoing needs in inpatient medication management, order verification, and clinical support. These positions are competitive because employers usually want current state licensure, an accredited pharmacy degree, and may prefer supervisory experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your Pennsylvania licensure status and prepare examples of hospital-based workflow or leadership experience before applying.