Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technicians are essential to the smooth running of Pharmacies, making sure people get the most out of their medicines.

Pharmacy Technicians work with patients and other healthcare staff in primary care (for example, GP surgeries and care homes) and secondary care (NHS hospitals) to support the safe and effective use of medicines. They can work in a variety of job roles from the purchasing, manufacture, preparation, supply and final check of medicines: to supporting the review and the administration of medicines. They can also be found working in prisons, ambulance services and the armed forces.

Role Characteristics

Prepare prescription drugs
Make sure prescriptions are legal and accurate
Order new stock using computer systems
Give advice to people about medicines
Handle confidential information
Provide advice and guidance on health related issues like stopping smoking

Skills

Advice giving
Attention to detail
Communication
Following instructions
Record keeping
Team work

Day in the life

Watch Amy explain about her key role as a Pharmacy Technician.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Apply directly

GCSEs

BTEC

An apprenticeship

How to become

Entry requirements can vary depending on the course provider. As a guide you will need 4 GCSEs or equivalent including maths, English language, science and one other subject to undertake the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) Apprenticeship. You will also need to be working in a pharmacy under the guidance of a Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacist.

Once you have completed the apprenticeship you will need to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council in order to work as a Pharmacy Technician.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health care.

You could become a Senior Pharmacy Technician, responsible for the management of pharmacies and the work of other Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Assistants. There are opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians to specialise in areas such as training, medicines safety, procurement and IT. You can also work in pharmacy education, the pharmaceutical industry or become a policy maker for national bodies and influence national decision making for the government and the NHS.