A pharmaceutical technician performs duties necessary for maintaining inventory and compounding medications while also providing customer service to patients and relaying information to the pharmacist. A pharmacy technician is the bridge between patients and pharmacists.
What does a pharmacy technician do?
The responsibilities of a pharmacy technician are diverse and versatile. Expected duties include looking for patient medical information, attending calls about prescription refills, assisting pharmacists with administrative tasks, including checking insurance coverage on medications or following up on shipping information, and cleaning areas in the pharmacy that are usually not seen.
What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician?
The average starting salary for a pharmacy technician in the UK is £20,266 per year, but for experienced pharmacists with a master’s degree in pharma, salaries begin from £31,533 per year.
Study a pharmacy course in the UK
If you want to learn more about pharmacy technician courses, the path towards becoming a pharmacy technician and the top UK universities for a pharmacy technician degree, keep reading below. Book a free consultation with SI-UK London today to begin your application.
How do you become a pharmacy technician in the UK?
One doesn’t always need a degree to become a pharmacy technician. Requirements include GPhC requirements, which will require either a BTEC National Diploma, an NVQ/SVQ, or a National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The basic steps to becoming a pharmacy technician in the UK are below.
1. Obtain a High School Certificate or An Equivalent Qualification
To become a pharmacy technician, a candidate must have completed at least a high school qualification or a pharmacy technician certification course. This can involve gaining experience working in various healthcare fields, such as volunteering at hospitals or healthcare centres.
Prior to the job, it’s recommended that one study physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as some formal education in genetics. It is also necessary to take on an apprenticeship role.
2. Completing Post-Secondary Education Programs In Pharmacy Technology
Pharmacy technicians attend post-secondary schooling to receive the necessary training to become pharmacy assistants.
Afterwards, some join the industry while others venture off into other pursuits. This type of schooling is typically available through technical schools and community colleges. Programs span between one and two years with a proportionate amount of classroom time versus clinical experience students receive.
3. Achieve other Entry Requirements for Pharmacy Technician
There are two ways to become a pharmacy technician. You can pursue a college degree or work your way up to the position without one. Whether you pursue a school-based education or choose not to study at all, you must meet some criteria to enter this field.
First, you must have completed high school with English, mathematics and science subjects on your transcript. Ideally, these subjects would be part of your high school’s GCE Advanced Level program.
Top 3 UK Universities for Pharmacy Courses
1. Queen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Pharmacy consistently ranks among the top UK Schools of Pharmacy in reputable league tables. Queen’s Belfast is recognised for its excellence in teaching and international reputation in research.
- Course to consider: Pharmaceutical Sciences BSc
2. Ulster University
The MSci Pharmaceutical Bioscience at Ulster University has been designed for students who have a strong interest in science and are keen to pursue a career in the medical industry.
Ulster’s Pharma courses contain all the chemistry and science required in the pharmaceutical industry. Apart from academics, the University also imparts a wider skill set to students that they will require to achieve all the necessary expertise in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Course to consider: Pharmaceutical Bioscience MSci (Hons)
3. Cardiff University
The Cardiff University MPharm programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience they will need to embark on a career as a Pharmacist. Cardiff’s School of Pharmacy is internationally renowned for its benchmark quality of teaching and research.
- Course to consider: Pharmacy (MPharm)
Study Pharmacy Technician Course in the UK
If you want to study for a pharma degree in the UK, book a free consultation with SI-UK to learn more or start your application.
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