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. To register as a pharmacy technician with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain an NVQ/ SVQ in Pharmacy Services at Level 3 is required