How to become a pharmacy technician

A pharmacy technician prepares medicine and advises patients. There are lots of opportunities for development. Find out how to become a pharmacy technician.

In this guide we'll cover:

What is a pharmacy technician?

A pharmacy technician prepares medicine for patients. This includes prescription medicine or over the counter. You will talk to patients about taking medicine and possible side effects. You may also advise patients on treatment for common illnesses, such as colds.

You will also complete medication reviews. This could include checking what medication patients are taking to make sure none of them react with each other. It could also include checking whether a patient has been on medication for longer than they're supposed to.

You will work under the supervision of a pharmacist. If a patient has a complicated issue, you can refer them to the pharmacist for further advice.

Key facts

  • Wage - £27,000 - £36,000
  • Hours - 35- 40 hours a week, including weekends
  • Qualifications - Level 3 pharmacy technician apprenticeship

What does a pharmacy technician do?

  • Prepare medication
  • Fill prescriptions
  • Medication reviews
  • Order medication
  • Access patient data
  • Use NHS systems
  • Advise patients about taking medication
  • Refer patients to a pharmacist or GP

How to become a pharmacy technician

You will need to complete a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship. This is a two-year course that combines theory with the practical experience of working in a pharmacy. It will teach you everything you need to become a pharmacy technician.

You will learn to understand information about medicine. This includes filling a prescription and the legal considerations around this. You will also learn about the side effects of medication and potential complications. You'll be able to explain this to patients, in a way that they understand.

You'll also learn about the processes that keep a pharmacy running. This includes checking prescriptions, ordering medication and using NHS systems.

You could also study our Pharmacology BSc (Hons) degree to further your knowledge and skills. You'll learn how drugs fight disease and affect the human body. This knowledge can help you advise patients on medication. You'll also learn how drugs are developed and made. This will help you understand the business of pharmaceuticals. 

Progression opportunities

There are lots of opportunities to progress as a pharmacy technician. You could become a senior pharmacy technician over time, as you take on more responsibilities. You could also progress to team leader or management position. This would include people management, assigning tasks and setting work shifts.

You could also undertake a Diploma in Advanced Pharmacy Technician Practice. This will allow you to specialise in certain areas, such as diabetes. You will be the go-to source of knowledge for medication for this. Find out more about further training for pharmacy technicians.

You might choose to progress into the pharmaceuticals industry. A Pharmacology BSc (Hons) degree could help you develop and research jobs. Alternatively you could go into the marketing or sales. As a salesperson, you would build relationships with organisations and encourage them to stock your medication.

You could also choose to become a pharmacist. This will increase how much money you earn and allow you to run your own pharmacy. You will need to complete a Master's of Pharmacy degree. This will take 4 years.

Our MPharm degree is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council. You will learn all about the human body and how medicine fights disease. You'll develop the decision-making skills to resolve complex patient needs. This includes the use of multiple medicines. You'll also develop the clinical skills to provide person-centred care.

Where next?

We hope this has helped you understand how to become a pharmacy technician. You can complete a two-year apprenticeship where you'll learn how to prepare medicine and advise patients. If you'd like to progress further, you could study a degree in pharmacology or pharmacy.