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Pharmacy Technician

As a Pharmacy Technician, you will help ensure patients receive the right medicines safely and effectively. You'll prepare and supply medications, support pharmacists, provide advice on medicines, and work with healthcare teams to improve patient care. 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. 

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
  • An apprenticeship
  • BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels

How to become

To become a Pharmacy Technician, you will usually need to complete an approved pharmacy technician qualification while working in a pharmacy or healthcare setting. There are many ways to access this career and you can explore lots of current opportunities in the section below.

You might:

  • Study A Levels, BTECs, or T Levels – useful subjects might include Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Pharmacy-related subjects. Explore some current opportunities below.

You will then be ready to study and train for the role. This can include:

  • Completing a recognised Level 3 Pharmacy Technician qualification alongside workplace training.
  • Complete an Apprenticeship – gain experience in the workplace while also studying a qualification in Pharmacy Technician Services.

Alongside education, you may also want to build some relevant work or voluntary experience in pharmacies, hospitals, healthcare settings, care services or customer-facing roles and think about developing your communication, attention to detail, teamwork, organisation and problem-solving skills.

To work in this role, you must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Where can this role lead

From your role as a Pharmacy Technician you could build on your clinical knowledge and understanding of medicines to progress towards becoming a Pharmacist.

Your communication, organisation and attention to detail skills as a Pharmacy Technician would also translate well to sideways moves such as a Science Manufacturing Technician, Clinical Coder or a Health Trainer.

Progression might look like taking on leadership responsibilities within pharmacy services, managing teams, developing specialist expertise, or progressing into a Service Manager role.


Location

  • Pharmacies
  • Hospitals
  • GP Practices
  • Care Homes
  • Prisons
  • Community Settings

Working hours

  • Full Time
  • Part Time
  • Weekdays
  • Casual Hours
  • Overtime
  • Flexible Hours

Opportunities

Two people smiling whilst working Woman in facemask working
Access to university
Access to Higher Education (Health Science Professions)
This qualification is the ideal stepping stone for those seeking to further their education and career prospects, offering a flexible and supportive route into higher learning.
Organisation
Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
View opportunity
BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses
Find BTEC, T-Level or A-Level courses in Health and Care at Leeds City College
Organisation
Leeds City College
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Volunteering
Volunteering in Health and Care
Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care
Organisation
Volunteering Opportunities
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Apprenticeships
Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship
We are seeking enthusiastic, self-motivated and practical people to join our friendly team(s) in Pharmacy Preparative Services and complete a Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship.
Organisation
Leeds Health and Care Talent Hub
View opportunity
Work Experience
Pharmacy - Virtual Work Experience
Discover how pharmacy teams make a real difference in patient care through our immersive virtual work experience. Developed by NHS pharmacy teams in the North East and Yorkshire, this programme introduces you to the wide range of pharmacy careers and pathways in health and social care.
Organisation
NHS
View opportunity
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