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How to become a Pharmacy Technician

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Pharmacy Technician jobs

539

Pharmacy Technician courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician

| Up to £25,000

Senior Pharmacy Technician

| Up to £35,000

Pharmacist

| Up to £60,000

The role of a Pharmacy Technician

What does a Pharmacy Technician do?

Looking for a healthy dose of career happiness? You’re in luck…

Pharmacy Technicians collect and fulfil prescriptions in pharmacies, helping their customers pick up their medicine easily and safely.Working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, Pharmacy Technicians also sell a wide range of over-the-counter medicines, as well as providing general advice to customers on which product is right for then.

Aside from pharmacies, Pharmacy Technicians may also work in hospitals or nursing homes, helping to prepare more complex medicines.

Typical duties for a Pharmacy Technician could include:

Collecting and dispensing prescriptions
Measuring, mixing and weighing medicines
Taking inventory and ordering new stock
Noting down recommended dosages
Labelling and packaging medicines
Answering questions regarding people’s prescriptions

Is a career as a Pharmacy Technician right for me?

Being a Pharmacy Technician is a practical, hands-on role.

It also comes with a lot of pressure, especially as particularly busy times. A calm approach, not to mention excellent attention to detail, will often be absolutely key to your success.

And, as you’ll be dealing with members of the public on a daily basis, you’ll also need excellent interpersonal skills in order to survive. See also: patience…

Other key skills for a Pharmacy Technician could include:

Enthusiasm
Discretion
IT skills
Accuracy
Empathy
The ability to clearly and concisely explain instructions

What's it like to be a Pharmacy Technician?

"I’ve been working as a Pharmacy Technician in my local chemist for just under three years. I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare, and to be honest I just saw this as an entry level position to help me move to something more specialised, like working in mental health or paediatrics. But even though I’ve learned a lot, there’s so much left for me to pick up, so I’m really happy where I am. I get to work with members of my local community all day, which I love, and you do really get to know people. The hours are great, and it’s so interesting. My next step will hopefully be moving to a more technical role in a hospital – but until then, I couldn’t be happier."

Get qualified as a Pharmacy Technician

To become a Pharmacy Technician, you typically need to achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills. This qualification covers essential topics such as pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, and managing pharmaceutical stock. Upon completing the diploma, you'll need to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in order to practice legally in the UK. Continuing education and pharmacy technician training are also essential for maintaining registration and staying updated on industry developments and regulations.

Recommended Pharmacy technician courses

Level 4 Diploma in Pharmacy Technician & Pharmacy Assistant (QLS Endorsed)

Compliance Central

10 CPD Accredited Courses | 100+ Medicine & Pharmacy Topics | 10 Free PDF Certificates + Get Instant Access
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- 70 students
- Online
- 30 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 210 CPD points
- Tutor support
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★★★ Don't miss out! Limited time offer—act fast! ★★★ The demand for Pharmacy Assistant Dispensers and Pharmacy Technicians in the UK remains strong, reflecting the crucial role they play in the healthcare system. With the growing population and increased reliance on healthcare s …
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Pharmacy Technician Complete Bundle - QLS Endorsed

Imperial Academy

10 QLS Endorsed Courses for Pharmacy Technician | 10 Endorsed Certificates Included | Life Time Access
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- 45 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
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The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK, and the demand for qualified pharmacy technicians is on the rise. According to recent statistics, the employment rate for pharmacy technicians in the UK is expected to increase by 10% over the next five year …
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