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Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technician

How to become 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

Explore your opportunities

People also search for

Pharmacy (729)
Pharmacology (700)
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Career progression and salary expectations for a Pharmacy Technician

1

Pharmacy Technician

| Up to £25,000
2

Senior Pharmacy Technician

| Up to £35,000
3

Pharmacist

| Up to £60,000

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

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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."

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