Pharmacy Technician Jobs in the UK- Hiring Now

In the United States, the role of pharmacy technician is important to the healthcare sector. Pharmacy technicians are vital members of the pharmacy team who help patients get the most out of their prescription drugs. They work in every aspect of pharmacy practice, from buying and manufacturing medications to preparing, supplying, and inspecting them. Also, they give medications and assist with medication use reviews. To guarantee the safe and efficient use of pharmaceuticals, pharmacy technicians in the UK work with patients and other medical professionals in primary and secondary care, playing an essential role in both the pharmacy and multidisciplinary teams. 

What Does the UK Offer Pharmacy Technicians 

The UK offers pharmacy technicians the opportunity to work in primary care networks (PCNs), community pharmacies, and NHS hospitals, Some specializes roles like managing medications (North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust) or providing aseptic services (London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust) are all part of a Pharmacy Technician’s duties. They also play a crucial role in pharmacies by helping to dispense prescription drugs and ensuring the safe supply of over-the-counter medications.

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Requirements for Pharmacy Technician Jobs in the UK

In the UK, anyone who has received training and registered as a qualified pharmacy technician in another nation is still eligible to work in the same capacity. However, foreign candidates will need to finish extra coursework and gain work experience before they can register and work as pharmacy technicians in the UK. Since January 2021, applicants from EEA nations have also been subject to these requirements.

The extra UK work experience, which is typically two years, is not required for foreign pharmacy technicians who are qualified to work in their home country. You will need to present proof of your prior training, such as an academic transcript from your course provider, to get the work experience requirement lowered. Additionally, you must prove that you are qualified to work as a pharmacy technician in the nation where you received your initial certification. Before applying to work as a pharmacy technician in the UK, you must complete the full two years of work experience if you are unable to produce the required documentation.

Are Pharmacy Technician Jobs In Demand in the UK?

There is a strong demand for pharmacy technicians in the UK, and this demand is only expected to grow continually, especially after the pandemic. Due to a lack of government assistance, several pharmacies have had financial difficulties in the past year. Nonetheless, the majority of analysts concur that it is unthinkable that the UK government would permit the pharmacy industry to fail. The future appears dubious for several pharmacies. However, the future is still promising for the industry as a whole. This has brought a high demand for Pharmacy Technicians in the UK. 

Pharmacy Technicians have not only remained open despite other limitations, but they have also always been in demand, especially for distributing and delivering vaccines. There is no reason to believe that their importance will decrease because they are always in high demand, especially in the UK.

Can  Foreigners Work in the UK as Pharmacy Technicians?

Yes, foreign pharmacy technicians can work in the UK after registering. Although they are not immediately allowed to work as pharmacy technicians. Certified pharmacists from other countries are permitted to work as pharmacy technicians in the UK. Only individuals who are registered as Pharmacy Technicians with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) may use the protected title of Pharmacy Technician. A foreign Technician pharmacist must finish the Pharmacy Technician Diploma for foreigners to register as a pharmacy technician. Internationally qualified individuals can register with the GPhC after completing the Pharmacy Technician Diploma. 

Undoubtedly, foreign Pharmacist who received their training outside of the UK  are not allowed to practise in the UK. However, they must pass the pre-registration exams and complete the Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP), which usually takes many years, to be eligible for registration. Many foreign Pharmacy Technicians frequently work outside the pharmacy business during this transitional phase as they become ready to register. Regretfully, they will not be able to return to work in the pharmacy business until they have completed the necessary exams and had their registration approved.

How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Earn in the UK

Several things can affect a pharmacy technician’s yearly compensation in the UK. A pharmacy technician typically makes about £26,000 a year. Salary differences exist between private providers and NHS trusts. According to Indeed, the typical pharmacy technician’s pay in the UK is approximately £31,490 annually. According to NHS Jobs, pay can differ based on company, experience level, and area.

Therefore, since temporary locum jobs frequently pay more and give technicians more freedom, many pharmacy technicians opt to work in these positions. For foreign pharmacy technicians job seekers, locum roles are also perfect. Depending on the position’s location and experience level, a pharmacy technician’s hourly wage can reach £36.

Basic Salary for Pharmacy Technicians and Their Levels

The Salary for Various Levels of Pharmacy Technicians in the UK varies. Pharmacy technicians have various incomes depending on their level of experience, where they work, and the years of experience. Level III pharmacy technicians get the most money, but they also need to finish the most training. Pharmacy technician pay is broken out by level here:

• Level 1

Typically, level I pharmacy technicians maintain the organisation and undertake primarily administrative duties. These pharmacy technicians are closely supervised by a pharmacist and require strong customer service abilities. The PTCB’s CPhT exam is the most popular certification test that level I pharmacy technicians must pass after completing a training program. Certain states do not require certification. The salary for level I pharmacy technicians starts at about $18.06 per hour, or $37,565 annually, on average, and they usually make less than level II technicians.

• Level II

 Compared to level I,  level II Pharmacy technicians receive additional training, often have one or two years of experience, and can practise a wider range of tasks. Training level I pharmacy technicians is frequently the responsibility of level II technicians. Level II technicians may be in charge of producing more complicated prescriptions, keeping intricate medication files, and recording statistical data for the pharmacy in addition to their Level I duties. The majority of businesses demand that level II pharmacy technicians pass the PTCB certification exam. Other certifications, like a billing and reimbursement certificate or a prescription history certificate, may also be necessary. They earn  $22.98 per hour, or $47,798 annually, on average.

• Level III

The highest-paid pharmacy technicians are level III. They earn an hourly wage of up to $28.84. In addition to passing the PTCB certification exam, these pharmacy technicians’ Jobs in the UK often possess four or more qualifications and at least three years of experience.

Pharmacy Technicians Jobs in the UK –  Underrated or Overrated?

Now, without mincing words, the Pharmacy technician job in the UK is classified as a Heavy workload, insufficient personnel, and a lack of support in their profession.  Research has it that Policymakers have taken immediate measures to retain the 26,500 pharmacy technicians in England, as the data serve as a clear warning. Following the role’s official acknowledgement in the early 2000s, registration became required in 2011 and required two years of education.

Pharmacy technicians are increasingly considered licensed pharmacy professionals, and more of them are working in general practice and assuming more responsibilities in hospitals and the community. To free up pharmacists’ time, pharmacy technicians will need to take on greater responsibilities as a result of government plans to let newly qualified pharmacists register as independent prescribers starting in 2026 and to provide community pharmacies with higher levels of clinical services.

9 Best Pharmacy Technician Jobs in the UK 

Pharmacy technicians can operate in a variety of settings. Although a fundamental understanding of drugs is required of all pharmacy technicians, each category has distinct duties and skill sets. While some spend much of their time mixing various medications, others work more closely with customers. Advanced pharmacy technicians can even receive training in administering vaccines and combining sterile substances. 

• The Retail Pharmacy Technician

Their responsibilities include organising medications, processing payments and invoices, and filling prescriptions for patients. Retail pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are where they work. Hourly wage: $17 to $19 on average. Depending on the state, a PTCB CPhT may be required. Level I pharmacy technicians with little to no experience on the job work in retail pharmacies, and some even provide on-the-job training.

• Hospital Pharmacy Technician

The Hospital Pharmacy Technicians have a variety of tasks. Some of which include handling chemotherapy drugs, arranging medicine drawers, delivering drugs to various hospital units, and compounding medications. In addition, they combine, arrange, and transport drugs to the nurses who are caring for patients in a hospital setting. They also collaborate with hospital pharmacists. These pharmacy technicians must hold a sterile compounding certification, handle a lot of regulated chemicals, and frequently work with chemotherapy drugs.

Their average salary is often  $23 per hour.  Some hospitals exclusively employ advanced or level III pharmacy technicians, while the majority demand certification.

• Private Pharmacy Technician

Their task include preparing prescription drugs, compounding drugs, and completing bulk drug orders for institutions such as prisons and hospitals. Their workplaces are private pharmacies.  They have fewer duties related to client interaction but carry out many of the same duties as retail pharmacy technicians. Their Average pay is $20 per hour; depending on the state, PTCB CPhT may be required.

• Informatics Pharmacy Technician

They assist with maintaining pharmaceutical equipment such as distribution machines, lock boxes, barcoding, and medication scanners. Their workplaces include retail pharmacies, private pharmacies, and hospitals. Managing a pharmacy’s equipment and technology falls within the purview of a pharmacy technician informaticist. They will assist with the upkeep and troubleshooting of devices like automated dispensing machines, lockboxes, and computer programs that store patient data and prescription drug records. Their average salary is $45 per hour. 

• Compounding Pharmacy Technician

A compounding pharmacy technician includes preparing drugs for patients to use (usually sterile intravenous drugs). Their workplaces include private pharmacies and hospitals. Some of their requirements are Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) and CPhT. Their average pay is  $22 per hour.

• Mail Order Pharmacy

The responsibilities of the mail-order pharmacy include organising prescriptions and making sure they get to patients promptly and correctly. Their workplace is a mail-order drugstore. Their Average pay is $17 to $27 per hour, depending on the state. PTCB CPhT may be a requirement.

• Pharmacy Benefits Manager Technician

This Pharmacy Technician keeps thorough records, confirms insurance coverage, and makes sure prescriptions are legitimate and accurate. Their workplaces include hospitals, retail pharmacies, and private pharmacies. They are important in regulatory compliance, billing and reimbursement, and the prevention of controlled substance diversion. Their average salary is $25 per hour. 

• Lab Pharmacy Technician

They organise, store, and discard ingredients needed in medication manufacturing.  Pharmaceutical laboratories are where they work. A Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) and a CPhT are prerequisites. The average hourly wage is $23.98.

• Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician

The duties of a chemotherapy pharmacy technician include distributing, labelling, organising, and mixing chemotherapy drugs. Hospitals and chemotherapy infusion clinics are their places of employment. Advanced pharmacy technician certification and a hazardous medication management certificate are prerequisites. The average hourly salary is $17.

How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Technician Jobs

It can be difficult to decide which kind of pharmacy technician jobs to do in the UK. The decisions to choose the best when there are so many possibilities available can be difficult.

 Before making a decision, take into account the following factors:

Priority for a work environment

Think about the kind of workplace you want to work in when you’re looking for a job. Consider whether working in a retail establishment would be enjoyable for you or if you would prefer a quiet laboratory. Before you commit to a training program or a job, try to spend some time exploring several workplaces.

Desire for patient engagement

Nearly constant patient involvement is necessary for certain pharmacy technician occupations, such as those in retail pharmacies. Some, such as those in hospital pharmacies or compounding, let pharmacy technicians work alone.

Comfort Space With  Fast-Paced Work 

While some pharmacies have moments of relaxation interspersed with hectic times, others expect their staff to work consistently throughout the shift. If at all possible, visit various work locations and observe the workflow.

Readiness to Work Irregular Hours

 Employees in hospitals may have to work on weekends, holidays, evenings, and nights. While some people attempt to avoid working unusual hours, others love it. It’s more likely that retail pharmacies will merely need regular hours.

A Desire To Combine Drugs

Most drugs can only be compounded by more experienced pharmacy workers. Before committing to a career or a pharmacy technician training program, consider whether that is something you have an interest in.

Deep Desire for a More Practical or Administrative Position 

You must examine job descriptions carefully to see if your company anticipates more hands-on or administrative work from pharmacy technicians. While some pharmacy technicians prefer more hands-on work, others choose to manage more responsibilities, such as insurance and payments.

Long-term Career Purpose

 When selecting a pharmacy technician specialty, take your long-term professional objectives into account. Level 1 positions are acceptable for individuals who want to become office administrators, but more advanced positions are preferable for those who want to become chemists.

Requirements for Specialization in Education

Level III pharmacy technicians must invest more time and effort in their studies, even if they earn more money and have a wider range of practice. You might want to select training that you can finish faster if you need to start working straight away.

Avail Yourself of Job Opportunities in your Neighbourhood

Look through local employment listings for specific pharmacy technician positions as you start your training. Find out if the facilities in your area need advanced training or specialisation. 

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Conclusion

The nationalised health service in the UK is a blessing. The NHS is one of the most well-liked national organisations among the British population, even though most people think that it is still severely underfunded. It will be political suicide if Pharmacy Technicians do not get good pay, regardless of the current government’s ideological stance. In addition to the thousands of employment opportunities available in private pharmacies around the nation, there will always be a consistent supply of pharmacy technician jobs inside the NHS in the UK