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Pharmacy technician
This page describes the role of pharmacy technicians and where they work.
Types of pharmacy technician
Pharmacy technicians in the NHS work mainly in one of two areas, hospital pharmacy and 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. Click on the links in the "Related Information.." section for more information on the work of hospital and community pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy assistants (who work with technicians and pharmacists as a part of the pharmacy team).Career prospects
In the hospital service, there are several grades for qualified pharmacy technicians. Senior technicians can specialise in areas such as medicines management, manufacturing, quality control, staff training, information technology, supplies procurement, clinical trials or medicines information services. An expanding role is that of clinical technician, which involves working on wards, liaising with other healthcare professionals and closer contact with patients. A chief technician is often responsible for managing a section of the pharmacy department.Entry requirements, training and registration
For information about the entry requirements for pharmacy technicians, the training involved, and details about registration, please click here.How to apply
Job vacancies appear in a range of sources. The majority of employers now advertise on the NHS Jobs website (http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/). You could also write directly to hospital personnel/human resource departments or chief pharmacists. For community pharmacy contact the company directly.Further information
For further information on a career as a pharmacy technician, please contact:Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
1 Lambeth High Street
London
SE1 7JN
Tel: 020 7572 2610
Fax: 020 7572 2503
Email: pharmacytechnician@rpsgb.org
Website: www.rpsgb.org and http://www.pharmacycareers.org.uk/
or:
The National Pharmaceutical Association
Mallinson House
38-42 St Peters Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3NP
Tel: 01727 832161.
Website: http://www.npa.co.uk/
or:
The Association of Pharmacy Technicians
4th floor
1 Mabledon Place
London
WC1H 9AJ
Tel: 020 7551 1551
Email: website@aptuk.org
Website: http://www.aptuk.org/
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