What kind of qualification I need to become a pharmacy technician and are there any online courses in this regards ?

Reply by Peter Fisher www.your-career-change.com

There are two types of these trained technicians and both can work in the NHS either in hospital pharmacy or community pharmacy although opportunities also exist in other areas such as GP practices and in primary care trusts. Pharmacy technicians are part of the pharmacy team and work under the supervision of a pharmacist. They are involved in the supply of medicines and products to patients.

The opportunities for specialisation and increased responsibility extend with experience. There are a number of management, administration and specialist roles undertaken by pharmacy technicians.

Hospital pharmacy technicians

Hospital pharmacy technicians are involved in the procurement, manufacture, dispensing and safe administration of medicines.

In most cases, manufacturers supply medicines in a form that is ready for use by the patient (e.g. tablets, capsules). In these cases, the correct product needs to be selected, an appropriate amount measured and the product labeled with instructions.

Some medicines are not routinely available from commercial sources. Technicians are trained to make medicinal products such as creams, ointments and mixtures from raw ingredients.

Not only are technicians involved in the assembly and labeling of dispensed items, they also routinely perform the final accuracy check on dispensed medicines, immediately before it is released to the patient. Therefore technicians in pharmacies need to work methodically and accurately to ensure safety at all times.

Community Pharmacy Technician

Community pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of registered pharmacists in retail pharmacies. They label and dispense prescribed medicines and provide information and advice to patients about how to use their medication. With the guidance of the pharmacist, they are also trained to advise members of the public about over the counter medicines and management of minor ailments.


Technicians have a wide range of other tasks, including:

• making simple dilutions
  
• manufacturing ointments and mixtures
  
• assisting with services to nursing homes and the supply of oxygen.
  
• helping the pharmacist in a range of other duties such as stock checking and ordering.
  
• keeping individual records of patients prescriptions, usually stored on a computer.

Technicians may also be involved in selling over-the-counter medicines and other items stocked by the chemist, such as cosmetics, toiletries, baby food and photographic supplies. Customers may seek advice and information on the use of medicines or general health issues, and the pharmacy technician must know when to refer the customer to the pharmacist or other health care professional.

Educational Requirements

To become registered as a Pharmacy Technician, you will probably have to undertake the BTEC National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Sciences award, in addition to compiling a portfolio of evidence to obtain a QCF level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills. A commitment to studying outside working hours is essential, and you will be rewarded with a pharmacy technician qualification on successful completion.

You will need to have good communication skills, both written and verbal and have proven academic ability equivalent to 4 GCSE passes grade C or above (including Mathematics & a Science subject).


The most appropriate entry would be to join as an assistant in the pharmacy and get sponsored for the right training courses. I don't see there being much possibility of studying online.

There is more information on the website at www.your-career-change.com/pharmacy-technician.html
with further information about NHS jobs plus useful addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses to help you find out more.

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