Pharmacy Assistants and Technicians
The Pharmacy Team is made up of registered and unregistered healthcare professionals, who all play a vital role in medicines management.
Pharmacy Assistants
Pharmacy Assistants are a core member of the team when it comes to delivering patient care. They work under the direction of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, ensuring there are enough medicines in clinical areas, ordering, preparing and dispensing medicines.
They work with patients every day - helping with their prescriptions and answering their questions, either face-to-face or over the phone. Pharmacy Assistants also support the storage and distribution of medicines by receiving and managing stock deliveries. We also have a small pharmacy shop where pharmacy assistants supply medicines over the counter under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Pharmacy Procurement and Contracting is an important role within the team, ensuring that medication does not go out of stock, is purchased at the agreed price and that supply chains are resilient. Sourcing medicines that are in short supply is challenging and this team play a pivotal role in the supply of medicines to the Trust.
Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy Technicians hold positions in a range of areas including clinical, operational and management. Typical duties include medicines reconciliation, preoperative care, dispensing, patient counselling and final checking medicines for supply.
They work closely with Pharmacists delivering medicines optimisation support to ensure safe and effective medicine treatment across the service.
The role of the Pharmacy Technicians is continuing to develop and evolve. Many Technicians are advancing their qualifications enabling them to take on additional responsibilities and diversify their roles. Digital innovations and operational responsibilities within the department are examples of the progression within the role.
Training and earn while you'll learn opportunities
Trainee Pharmacy Technicians (Level 3) and Pharmacy Assistants (Level 2) are required to complete training that consists of:
- On-the-job training, assessed by a trained in-house expert witnesses and external assessors
- Assessment of underpinning knowledge by formal exams and assignments coordinated by external provider.
- End point assessment, professional discussion and portfolio review, conducted by an external examining board
Trainees and Assistants are supervised by the Education and Training Lead and supported by mentors from the Technical Team.
There are plenty of other opportunities for on-the-job training for Assistants, provided by Edward Jenner:
- Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant
- Level 3 Improvement Technician Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship
- Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply
Registered Pharmacy Technicians are required to complete a Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians. Upon completion, they are then able to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and begin practising.
Pharmacy Assistants and Technicians have plenty of opportunities to continue to expand their practice and knowledge once qualified.
Pharmacy Technicians are also able to apply for and access courses post-registration, which include:
- Clinical Diploma
- Advanced Pharmacy Procurement
- Leadership and Management
Career prospects
There are clear career pathways for the Pharmacy Technical Team.
Depending on qualifications, an individual can either join the team as a Pharmacy Assistant or Apprentice Pharmacy Technician.