Pharmacy Technician: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Pharmacy Technician
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Practice Now »What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A Pharmacy Technician is a healthcare professional who works under the guidance of a pharmacist dispensing medicines, issuing pre-packaged prescriptions, and selling over-the-counter medication. Your role could also extend to helping with spectacles and contact lenses distribution, ensuring that all customers receive the correct products effectively.
Skills
- Knowledge of pharmaceuticals and their uses
- Ability to accurately dispense medications
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Familiarity with pharmacy software and technology
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Understanding of medical terminology and prescription abbreviations
- Knowledge of pharmacy laws and regulations
- Ability to handle confidential patient information
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Knowledge of pharmaceuticals and medication management
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in dispensing medications
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Proficiency in using pharmacy software and technology
- Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with healthcare professionals
- Understanding of legal and ethical guidelines in pharmacy practice
- Organizational and time management skills for efficient workflow
- Ability to handle confidential patient information with discretion
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing healthcare environments
Qualifications & Education
- Possession of GCSEs/S grades
- On-the-job training
- Study towards vocational qualifications
- Availability of NVQs/SVQs in relevant areas and at various levels
- Availability of apprenticeships
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes two years of training to become a pharmacy technician in the UK.
Pharmacy technicians in the UK can supply medicines to patients, both with a prescription and over the counter. They also assemble medicines for prescriptions and provide information to patients and other healthcare professionals.
Pharmacy technicians in the UK work under the supervision of pharmacists to supply medicines to patients, assemble medicines for prescriptions, and provide information to patients and other healthcare professionals.
The career progression for a pharmacy technician in the UK can include becoming a senior pharmacy technician, taking on management and leadership roles, and specializing in areas such as mental health, oncology, or pediatrics.
Pharmacy technicians in the UK have various opportunities for career progression. They can move between different pharmacy sectors and develop specialist or managerial knowledge and skills to advance their careers.
To become a pharmacy technician in the UK, you will need 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and science, Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science, or equivalent qualifications. You will also need to complete on-the-job training over 2 years and work towards a Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.
To become a pharmacy technician in the UK, you typically need 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths, and science. You may also need a Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science or equivalent qualifications. On-the-job training is required for 2 years, during which you will work towards a Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Pharmacy Technician mock interview, under 10 minutes
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