Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist. They prepare and supply medicine, weigh out ingredients, count tablets, measure liquids and select the correct items to make up a prescription.

Technicians will create labels which describe the medicine inside, and instructions on its use. They keep records, check stock levels and order new stock often using computerised systems. 

Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals are also responsible for making sure all departments have sufficient stocks of drugs. Senior technicians can specialise in specific areas, such as radio-pharmacy or ward pharmacy.

Community pharmacists working in retail outlets may advise customers on the use of medicines and on general health issues. They will refer to a pharmacist when necessary. As well as making sure that prescriptions are legal and accurate, they sell a wide range of over the counter medicines and other products.

Hours and Environment

Technicians in a hospital setting may work weekends or shifts on a rota basis. Technicians in the community are likely to work a shift pattern which includes Saturdays and Sundays. Part-time work is often available.

Some pharmacy technicians work in sterile or radioactive areas which involves wearing protective clothing. As a technician in a hospital or community setting, you will usually wear a uniform.

Skills and Interests

As a pharmacy technician, you need:

• an interest in science and medicine 
• a good level of scientific and numerical ability
• a methodical and accurate approach to practical tasks
• a high level of concentration as much of the work is of a routine nature
• administrative skills for record keeping
• a friendly, patient and sympathetic approach
• tact and discretion when dealing with confidential or potentially embarrassing information
• the ability to explain complicated instructions clearly to customers
• teamwork skills
• some sales ability if working in the community retail sector.

Entry

When applying for a trainee technician post, many employers will expect you to have studied at GCSE/S level. Hospital pharmacies will usually ask for four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including science, maths and English.

You need to be at least age 16 to work as a pharmacy technician. Entry requirements may be relaxed for applicants with previous relevant experience.

You must have normal colour vision.

Training

As a trainee pharmacy technician, you will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. Many technicians combine this with studying, on a distance learning or day release basis, for a relevant qualification.

The most suitable courses for pharmacy technicians are:

• NVQ level 2 and 3 in Pharmacy Services - there are no set entry requirements, however, you need to be working in a pharmacy with experience of the dispensary. Courses are available part-time, or distance learning with the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPA), and through local colleges
  
• BTEC National Certificate in Pharmacy Services: entry requirements for this course are likely to include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3).

Some larger retailers run their own training courses.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Registration with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) will become compulsory during 2007. To register you will need NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services, and experience of working in a pharmacy. Voluntary registration has been possible since January 2005 for technicians with a variety of qualifications. For further information, please check with the RPSGB.

Opportunities

There is demand for pharmacy technicians in both the health service and the retail/community sector.

Hospital technicians seeking promotion usually undertake further study in a specialised area. There are five grades of technician in NHS hospitals.

In the community retail sector, promotion can mean moving into management, sales or marketing. Some technicians move into research, development and production work in hospitals or the pharmaceutical industry.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Pharmacy technicians in the NHS can earn between £16,500 and £19,700 a year.
With experience, technicians can earn up to £24,800.
Specialist technicians based in hospitals can earn up to £31,000.

Pharmacy technicians may receive additional payments for working shifts or overtime.

Further information

1 Lambeth High Street
London
SE1 7JN
Tel: 020 7735 9141 14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk Training Dept
Mallinson House
38-42 St Peters Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3NP
Tel: 01727 832161