Launch Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician with the VA in Loma Linda

Are you a dedicated pharmacy professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) at the Loma Linda VAMC. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, patient-centered environment while supporting the health and well-being of America's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As an Outpatient Pharmacy Technician, you will be responsible for a variety of critical tasks, including:

Prescription Processing: Accurately interpreting, filling, and preparing medication orders for pharmacist verification.
Pharmacy Maintenance: Ensuring all stock is organized, rotated, and secured according to VA and USP guidelines.
Compounding: Performing non-sterile and sterile compounding, including work with hazardous medications.
Technology Management: Utilizing and troubleshooting automated dispensing equipment and pharmacy information systems.
Mentorship: Providing training and orientation for new staff, interns, and students.
Clinical Communication: Serving as a primary point of contact for staff and patients regarding medication distribution and resolving basic therapeutic issues.

Comparison: Standard Pharmacy Tech vs. VA Pharmacy Tech

Feature	Standard Retail Tech	VA Pharmacy Tech
Focus	High-volume sales	Whole Health/Veteran Care
Benefits	Varies by employer	Full Federal Benefits
Retirement	Varies	Pension + 401(k) Match
Growth	Limited	Opportunities for Advancement

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Certification: You must hold an active CPhT (PTCB) or ExCPT (NHA) certification.
Proficiency: You must demonstrate strong written and spoken English language skills.
Health: You must pass a pre-employment physical and adhere to the seasonal influenza vaccination policy.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary of $72,849 per year, commensurate with federal GS-07 standards. Beyond base pay, the position includes significant value in the form of federal benefits that provide long-term financial and personal security.

Benefits

Working for the VA means more than just a paycheck. Employees gain access to:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage.
Generous federal retirement packages including pension and 401(k).
Exceptional leave policies, including up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
Paid parental leave and childcare subsidy options.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly quantify your experience in compounding and automated equipment.
Highlight Mentorship: Emphasize any experience you have in training students or newer technicians.
Check Documentation: Ensure all certifications and education transcripts are clearly uploaded.

Joining the VA Loma Linda Health Care System is a rewarding way to build a stable career while providing vital services to Veterans. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to advance your pharmacy practice in a mission-driven environment, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date.

Why This Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) Job Matters

Elevate your pharmacy career while serving those who have served our country at the VA Loma Linda Health Care System.

Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) to join the VA Loma Linda Health Care System. This role is pivotal in providing compassionate, high-quality care to our nation's Veterans. You will operate within a Whole Health System, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to manage medication distribution, provide clinical support, and ensure our Veterans receive the pharmaceutical care they deserve.

Requirements for Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient)

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
Active national certification as a Pharmacy Technician (PTCB/CPhT or NHA/ExCPT).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and drug screening.
Ability to complete a background/security investigation.
Must be able to register with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
Commitment to participating in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment.
Strong communication skills for interacting with healthcare providers and Veterans.
Experience in training and mentoring staff, interns, or students.
Proficiency in computerized prescription systems and electronic medication orders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary with regular pay increases.
✓Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
✓Federal retirement pension and 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan) with employer matching.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy program eligibility for qualifying employees.
✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance options.

💡 How to Apply Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient) Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Prepare your resume and gather necessary documentation (transcripts, certifications, SF-50s if applicable).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application and all required documents before the closing date of September 11, 2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed; do not leave gaps in your work history.
Clearly highlight your experience with sterile compounding and automated equipment.
Verify that your pharmacy technician certification is active and listed clearly.
Double-check that all required supporting documents are uploaded before submission.
Check your USAJOBS dashboard frequently to track the status of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence at the VA Loma Linda Health Care System.

What is the certification requirement?

You must hold an active national certification through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this is an onsite position located in Loma Linda, California.*

Can I apply if I am not yet certified?

*A: Certification is a mandatory requirement for this grade level.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Loma Linda Health Care System is committed to the "Whole Health" philosophy. This approach goes beyond treating symptoms; it empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being in partnership with their care providers. By joining our team, you become part of a national network dedicated to honoring those who have served our country through compassionate, innovative healthcare.