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A day in the life
- Prepare and dispense prescriptions
- Check medicines and stock levels
- Advise patients on using their medicines
- Support pharmacists with clinical checks
- Keep accurate records
Your career roadmap
Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.
- 1Usually 2 years at school; resit times vary
GCSEs / school qualifications
educationBuild English, maths and science knowledge through GCSEs or equivalent qualifications for pharmacy technician apprenticeship entry.
- 2Varies; this stage may be unnecessary
Pharmacy preparation / relevant entry
educationExplore pharmacy work and strengthen applications through relevant experience or optional introductory study.
- 3Around 24 months
Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship
qualificationJoin a paid Level 3 apprenticeship combining supervised pharmacy work with study towards a GPhC-approved pharmacy technician qualification.
- 4Usually at least 2 years, within the apprenticeship
Work-based experience
experienceDevelop and document supervised experience preparing, supplying and managing medicines during your apprenticeship, rather than as a separate additional placement.
- 5Completed within the approximately 24-month apprenticeship
Approved qualification
qualificationComplete the GPhC-approved qualification and required assessments within your apprenticeship, using evidence from study and workplace practice.
- 6Processing times vary
GPhC registration
certificationApply to the GPhC with evidence of approved training, qualifying experience and required declarations to practise as a pharmacy technician in Great Britain.
- 7Ongoing; progression varies
Pharmacy Technician
roleWork as a registered pharmacy technician, preparing and supplying medicines, supporting patients and managing stock within your competence.
- 8Usually after several years; varies by role
Senior / specialist technician
roleDevelop expertise in areas such as accuracy checking, medicines optimisation, aseptic services or pharmacy team leadership.
Skills you'll build
- GPhC-approved Level 3 pharmacy technician qualification
- Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship (Level 3)
- GPhC registration
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