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This position has closed. Northwestern Medicine removed this listing from their careers page on Sep 25, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Medication History Pharmacy Technician Specialist, Full-time Evening Shift

Northwestern Medicine · Chicago, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 22, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Full time evenings in Chicago. How does that fit your life?

What they are checking: The posting states the shift and the site.

What would you do

How do you get a full list out of someone who says they take a little white pill?

What they are checking: The daily reality of the interview, and the skill is patience and prompting rather than a form.

Why does an accurate medication history matter so much at admission?

What they are checking: The posting names efficient transitions in the continuum of care, and errors here follow a patient through the stay.

You find a discrepancy between what the patient says and what the record shows. What do you do?

What they are checking: The moment the role exists for, and it goes to the pharmacist rather than being resolved alone.

How do you interview a patient who is in pain or frightened and does not want to talk?

What they are checking: The posting names exceptional communication with patients and their representatives.

How do you keep to your scope when a patient asks you a clinical question?

What they are checking: The posting places the role under the direction of a registered pharmacist.

What is thinner on an evening shift, and how do you work around it?

What they are checking: The posting is full time evenings, when families and outside pharmacies are harder to reach.

About the work

Tell me about taking a medication history from a patient.

What they are checking: The posting names obtaining the most complete and accurate medication history possible.

Which sources do you go to when the patient cannot tell you?

What they are checking: The posting names reviewing secondary sources to obtain or verify a history.

How do you clarify an allergy that is really a side effect?

What they are checking: The posting names obtaining and clarifying allergy information, and the distinction changes prescribing.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

The Pharmacy Technician Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. Under the direction of a registered pharmacist, performs all technical duties associated with the daily operation of the dispensing areas; performs prescription-related, unit dose-related, and sterile product-related functions; performs manufacturing procedures that have been documented in the Department records. Responsibilities: Medication History Responsibilities: • Acts as a member of the clinical team to obtain the most complete and accurate medication history possible for patients throughout the hospital and emergency department • Obtains medication history in a timely manner to ensure efficient transitions in the continuum of care • Interviews patients, utilizing all resources to obtain complete and accurate medication history, along with obtaining and clarifying allergy information • Demonstrates exceptional communication skills with all members of the care team and the public, including patients and patients’ representatives • Reviews secondary sources of information to obtain medication histories if unable to obtain directly from patient, or to verify the accuracy of a patient-provided history • Ensures that all medication histories are of the highest quality, and communicates any potential concerns with the covering clinical pharmacist to prevent medication errors • Documents medication histories, and other pertinent information, in a clear and concise manner • Maintains a dedication to improving patient safety and reducing medication errors at transitions in the continuum of care • Attention to detail, confidentiality, and complete documentation are core responsibilities within this role • Demonstrates competency with electronic health record (EHR) documentation and medication knowledge necessary to complete the role Pharmacy Technician Specialist Core Responsibilities: • Performs the duties and responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician at advanced level. • Leads performance improvement initiatives • Liaison between pharmacy and other departments • Assists with/coordinates pharmacy technician schedule, services, prioritizing assignments and workflow, and promoting situational decision making/problem solving • Fosters a team environment by providing education and training • Maintains documentation of completion for media fill and fingertip testing • Participates in site meetings (i.e. Drug Shortage, huddles, staff meetings) • Responsible for controlled substance receiving, reconciliation, discrepancy tracking, and investigations • Performs minor repairs of ADS machines • Participates in projects as assigned by manager • Handles recalls, crash carts monitoring, and kitcheck ordering • Troubleshooting • Restocks • Performs Tech-Check-Tech (i.e. automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) runs/controlled substance in ADC; barcode scanned pills, pre-mixed IV bags) • Other duties as assigned Required : • Active Illinois Pharmacy Technician License (IDFPR) • Pharmacy Technician licenses issued after 12/31/07 must have either CERTIFIED or STUDENT designation by their second license renew in accordance with Section 9 of the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act • Licensed Technicians prior to 1/1/2008 certification requirement must meet department skill level • High School diploma or GED equivalent • 1-2 years’ technician experience • Previous experience as a Pharmacy Technician in a hospital or outpatient setting • Excellent critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, and the ability to work with minimal supervision • Specialty Pharmacy: Certified Pharmacy Technician through PTCB or ExCPT through NHA Preferred : • Minimum 5 years’ technician experience Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more. Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.