Launch Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician with the VA
Are you a detail-oriented pharmacy professional looking for a career that offers both stability and a sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated Pharmacy Technician to join our team in Perry Point, Maryland. This role is an exceptional opportunity for those who want to provide essential healthcare services to our nation’s Veterans.
About the Veterans Health Administration
The VHA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, dedicated to providing world-class care to our Veterans. Working for the VA means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that values Whole Health, proactive care, and the well-being of its staff. At the Perry Point facility, you will be supported by a team of dedicated professionals in a collaborative environment.
Job Responsibilities
The Pharmacy Technician in this position will perform a wide range of duties. Responsibilities are split across two primary areas:
- Inpatient Activities: Preparing sterile products according to USP 797/800 guidelines, maintaining automated dispensing cabinets, and performing unit-dose medication distribution.
- Outpatient Activities: Processing prescriptions, managing refill requests, and providing direct support to Veterans picking up their medications.
- General Support: Ensuring pharmacy cleanliness, managing supply inventory, and training pharmacy students or less experienced technicians.
Comparison of Pharmacy Settings
| Feature | Inpatient Pharmacy | Outpatient Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Sterile Compounding | Patient Interaction |
| Environment | Hospital Units | Clinical/Retail Area |
| Core Tasks | Unit-dose prep & IV meds | Filling prescriptions & patient counseling |
Requirements
You must meet the following criteria to be considered for this GS-07 level position:
- Certification: You must hold a valid PTCB (CPhT) or NHA (ExCPT) certification.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Experience: Candidates should have one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- Physical Ability: The role requires standing for long periods and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $66,814 to $86,860 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a robust federal benefits package:
- Paid Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of total leave annually.
- Retirement: A traditional federal pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
- Health Coverage: Access to high-quality Federal Employees Health Benefits.
Working as a Pharmacy Technician at the Perry Point VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in patient care. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to support our Veterans, submit your application through the official portal before the deadline. We look forward to reviewing your credentials.
Why This Pharmacy Technician Job Matters
Join the Department of Veterans Affairs in Perry Point, MD, as a Pharmacy Technician and play a vital role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to those who have served our nation.
Pharmacy Technician Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a dedicated Pharmacy Technician to join our team at the Perry Point location. In this role, you will perform essential technical pharmacy duties in both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring that Veterans receive timely and accurate medication support. Working alongside clinical pharmacists and healthcare providers, you will be an integral part of a care team committed to the Whole Health approach.
Requirements for Pharmacy Technician
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- Possession of active national certification: PTCB (CPhT) or NHA (ExCPT).
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacy Technician
- 2 or more years of combined experience in both retail (outpatient) and hospital (inpatient) pharmacy environments.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment.
- Experience in training developmental pharmacy technicians or students.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off (Annual, Sick, and Federal Holidays).
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% matching.
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy for qualifying families.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training.
💡 How to Apply Pharmacy Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacy Technician Job
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV.
- Ensure you have digital copies of your pharmacy certification (PTCB or NHA) and relevant SF-50 forms.
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 4, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions about your previous experience.
- Ensure your certification is current and clearly documented.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before submission.
- Review your application status periodically through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Highlight both your inpatient and outpatient pharmacy experience to stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certification is required for this role?
Applicants must hold an active national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) as a CPhT or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) as an ExCPT.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, permanent change of station (PCS) or relocation assistance is not authorized for this role.
What is the work schedule?
The position requires a commitment of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with rotating requirements for holidays and weekends as determined by management.