Pharmaceutical technicians

Description

Pharmaceutical technicians work in hospitals or in the community and assist pharmacists in the preparation and dispensing of drugs and medicines.

Tasks

• Checks received prescriptions for legality and accuracy
• Prepares drugs and medicines under the supervision of pharmacist
• Prepares specialised, tailor-made drugs for intravenous administration by hospital medical staff
• Labels and checks items prior to dispensing
• Maintains records of prescriptions received and drugs issued
• Advises patients or customers on the use of drugs prescribed or medication purchased over the counter
• Checks stock levels, orders new stock from pharmaceutical companies and ensures that drugs are stored appropriately

Educational Requirements

Entrants to training usually possess GCSEs/S grades or the equivalent. Training is typically a combination of practical experience and study at a college or by open learning towards vocational qualifications. An approved competency and an approved knowledge based qualification and two years’ experience is required to register as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).