Welcome
Pharmacy Technicians
What is a pharmacy technician?
Pharmacy technicians are registered healthcare professionals with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) who work closely and under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Depending on where they work, they may be patient facing or non patient facing.
Pharmacy technicians may supervise other members of staff such as pharmacy assistants, students and other pharmacy technicians. They are an essential part of the pharmacy team and play a key role in ensuring patient safety and improving health.
Did you know that Pharmacy is one of the fastest growing sectors of healthcare.
How to become a pharmacy technician
To become a Pharmacy Technician you must complete a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician course.
This is a two year, full time course, which involves a mix of practical work experience and study. Students are usually employed via a Level 3 Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements include: GCSE’s in Mathematics, English and a Science with grades A*-C/9-4 or equivalent.
Skills required:
- Good communication skills
- Able to work as part of a team
- To be accurate and pay close attention to detail
- Be organised and able to prioritise own workload
- A genuine interest in helping others
- Able to maintain confidentiality and act responsibly.
Find out more about being a Pharmacy Technician ….
Upon successfully completing the course you will then be able to be register with the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) as a Registered Pharmacy Technician.
Click on the link to find the current standards for pharmacy professionals, further resources or to watch the video below.
Standards for pharmacy professionals | General Pharmaceutical Council (pharmacyregulation.org)
Discover pharmacy as a career
Love science and want a rewarding career? Study pharmacy and open up a world of opportunity.
Click on the find out more button to view the HEE pharmacy careers map. Move around the map by dragging your mouse and click on the different sectors to view an overview of the role in that sector and to access further information and resources.
Pharmacy technicians can work in a vast range of healthcare settings. They manage the supply of medicines for patients by issuing medication on prescription or over the counter. They can offer advice to patients on their medication and on their lifestyle.
Pharmacy technicians help support patients to get the best from their medication and can help review medication with the patient as well as their compliance and device technique.
Pharmacy technicians carry out routine and specialist services using their professional judgement.
They can work in the following sectors:
- Primary Care (GP Practice)
- Secondary Care (Hospitals)
- Community Pharmacies
- Mental Health
- Training and Education
- Health and Justice (Prison Service)
- Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Care Homes
- Armed Forces
- Homecare
- Commission Support Units (CSU)
- Professional Bodies and Organisations
Pharmacy Technicians WhatsApp Group
We have a WhatsApp group for Pharmacy Technicians. If you would like to be a part of this WhatsApp group please complete the short form using this link: WhatsApp Group Chat Consent Form
Please note that the Pharmacy Technicians WhatsApp group is for Pharmacy Technicians working in Birmingham and Solihull only. There are other forms of communication for other roles – please view the relevant website page to see what is available for each role, or email us at bsol.traininghub@nhs.net.
By completing this form you consent to your details being held on record by BSOL Training Hub. Details will never be shared without your express consent to do so.
This is a professional working group. Please ensure that all conversations are work related and respectful to your colleagues.
The administrators of this WhatsApp group reserve the right to remove members that share inappropriate content.
As part of our information governance responsibilities we are required to remind members of the purpose of the group which is to discuss and share relevant professional information. Please consider the following:
Whilst most of the guidance or information provided by colleagues is relevant and accurate, we do not provide governance of it so sourcing response through these established routes is essential to maintain safe practice.
Working in BSol – click on the link for the WhatsApp group invite: WhatsApp Group Chat link
Training needs analysis
If you would like to suggest any future training click the link: training needs analysis form
Recommended groups to join
Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK)
Why Join APTUK?
We provide advice, information and support to our members, championing and safeguarding the Pharmacy Technician profession and enhancing education opportunities and scope of practice. https://www.aptuk.org/
Primary Care Pharmacy Association (PCPA)
About the PCPA
The Primary Care Pharmacy Association (PCPA) was established for the benefit of all primary care pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with an active interest in primary care pharmacy. It is the largest and longest standing independent organisation dedicated to supporting pharmacy professionals working within primary care.
The PCPA supports primary care pharmacists and pharmacy technicians through a network of leading practitioners, sharing best practice and inspiring innovation. Our mission is to promote clinical excellence for the benefit of our patients, our members and the profession. https://pcpa.org.uk/
Useful Resources
Thinking about a career or new opportunities in Pharmacy – these resources are available to help you.
National Pharmacy Association (NPA) for Professional indemnity insurance Click here for further information
PIA The Pharmacy Insurance Agency for Professional indemnity insurance click here for further information
