NHS Opportunity: Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technician Current Vacancies

2006-11-27:

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist.

They prepare and supply medicines which includes weighing out required ingredients, counting tablets, measuring liquids and selecting correct items to make up prescriptions.

Pharmacy technicians working in hospitals are also responsible for making sure all departments have sufficient stocks of drugs.

Senior technicians may specialise in specific areas, such as radio-pharmacy or ward pharmacy.

Community pharmacists working in retail outlets may advise customers on the use of medicines or on general health issues, referring them to a pharmacist if necessary.

Technicians in the community are likely to work a shift pattern that includes Saturdays and some Sundays.
Part-time work is often available.

In some cases pharmacy technicians work in sterile or radioactive areas which necessitates the wearing of special protective clothing.

In hospital and community pharmacies they may be required to wear a uniform.

There is ongoing demand for pharmacy technicians in both the health service and the retail community sector.

Hospital technicians seeking promotion usually undertake further study.
There are five grades of technician in NHS hospitals.

Some technicians move into research, development and production work in hospitals or the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmacy technicians may receive additional payments for working shifts or overtime.
Technicians with experience are likely to earn around 15,000 to 16,000 a year. (Permalink)