The Non-Sterile Compounding Technician is responsible for accurately preparing personalised non-sterile compounded medications in accordance with Australian legislation, Pharmacy Board of Australia guidelines, USP <795> principles (where applicable), and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The role requires exceptional attention to detail, strict adherence to quality assurance processes, and a commitment to patient safety. The technician will work under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist and contribute to maintaining a compliant, efficient, and professional compounding laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
Compounding
- Prepare non-sterile compounded medications accurately according to validated formulas and pharmacist instructions.
- Weigh, measure and mix ingredients using approved techniques.
- Prepare capsules, creams, ointments, gels, lotions, suspensions, solutions, powders, troches and other approved dosage forms.
- Calculate ingredient quantities where appropriate.
- Follow Master Formulation Records and Compounding Records precisely.
- Label compounded medicines accurately.
- Assist pharmacists with formulation preparation and product development.
- Package compounded medicines according to pharmacy procedures.
Quality Assurance
- Follow all Quality Management System (QMS) procedures.
- Complete all compounding documentation accurately.
- Maintain batch records.
- Record lot numbers and expiry dates of all ingredients.
- Perform independent calculations where required.
- Participate in routine quality audits.
- Report any deviations, incidents or errors immediately.
- Assist with investigations and corrective actions.
Laboratory Maintenance
- Maintain a clean and organised compounding laboratory.
- Perform routine cleaning according to SOPs.
- Calibrate and verify balances and equipment.
- Maintain cleaning logs.
- Perform routine maintenance checks.
- Monitor environmental conditions where required.
- Ensure laboratory consumables are adequately stocked.
Inventory Management
- Monitor ingredient stock levels.
- Rotate stock using FEFO principles.
- Check expiry dates regularly.
- Receive and inspect incoming ingredients.
- Assist with stocktakes.
- Report shortages promptly.
Compliance
- Comply with:
- Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines
- State and Federal legislation
- Work Health & Safety requirements
- Privacy legislation
- Internal SOPs
- Infection prevention procedures
- Wear required PPE at all times.
- Follow hazardous substance handling procedures.
- Dispose of waste appropriately.
Documentation
Maintain accurate records including:
- Compounding worksheets
- Cleaning records
- Equipment maintenance logs
- Calibration records
- Ingredient inventory
- Temperature records
- Incident reports
- Training records
Customer Service
- Communicate professionally with pharmacists and other staff.
- Assist with patient enquiries under pharmacist supervision.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Promote a professional image of the pharmacy.
Continuous Improvement
- Participate in staff meetings.
- Attend required training.
- Maintain competency in compounding techniques.
- Suggest process improvements.
- Assist with implementation of new procedures.
Selection Criteria
Essential
- Previous experience in pharmacy or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Ability to follow detailed written procedures.
- Strong mathematical skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work independently and within a team.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Commitment to patient safety and quality.
Desirable
- Certificate III in Community Pharmacy.
- Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy.
- Previous non-sterile compounding experience.
- Experience with electronic compounding software.
- Knowledge of Australian compounding standards.
- First Aid Certificate.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Manual handling of stock and equipment.
- Fine motor skills for precise weighing and preparation.
- Ability to wear PPE for prolonged periods.
- Ability to work in a controlled laboratory environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Quality
- 100% adherence to SOPs.
- Zero preventable compounding errors.
- 100% completion of compounding documentation.
- No critical audit findings attributable to technician error.
Productivity
- Meet daily production targets.
- Complete compounds within agreed turnaround times.
- Maintain efficient workflow without compromising quality.
Compliance
- 100% completion of cleaning schedules.
- 100% equipment calibration compliance.
- Zero expired ingredients used.
- Zero unauthorised deviations from approved formulas.
Inventory
- Accurate stock control.
- Minimise ingredient wastage.
- Timely reporting of low stock.
- Accurate recording of ingredient usage.
Professional Behaviour
- Punctual and reliable attendance.
- Positive teamwork and communication.
- Compliance with workplace policies.
- Participation in mandatory training.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Solid work ethic
- Integrity and professionalism
- Reliability
- Accountability
- A commitment to continuous learning
- A quality-focused mindset
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Strong organisational skills
- Commitment to patient-centred care
Performance Expectations
Success in this role is demonstrated by consistently producing high-quality compounded medicines safely and accurately, maintaining full regulatory compliance, contributing to an efficient laboratory workflow, and supporting a culture of continuous quality improvement and patient safety.