Level 3 Pharmacy Technicians will gain the skills to support the daily operations of the pharmacy, from managing business processes to supervising other staff. You'll even have the opportunity to train new team members and help maintain a high-quality service by auditing processes and responding to feedback.
Learners will also gain a nationally recognised qualification at Level 3, equivalent to A-level, which will enable them to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as a Pharmacy Technician.
Qualifications Required
To enrol on this course, learners must meet one of the following entry criteria:
Option 1: Hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or an equivalent qualification).
Or
Option 2: If these qualifications are not already held, applicants must complete an initial assessment or diagnostic prior to enrolment to confirm their current ability is at GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
If the assessment indicates that the applicant is not yet working at that level, they will be required to complete Functional Skills in English and/or Maths at Level 2 alongside the course. These English and Maths qualifications can be completed separately through Skills4, with full funding and support provided.
Personal Qualities
Pharmacy Technicians consistently demonstrate a high level of professionalism and integrity, upholding ethical standards and acting with honesty and respect in all situations, working as excellent team players, collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals and ensure the best outcomes for patients.
Skills Required
Learners will need to have a keen interest in pharmacy and healthcare, with previous experience in the industry being a plus. Excellent communication and customer service skills are a must, along with the ability to work both independently and as a valued member of a team. Finally, a strong willingness to learn and develop your skills and knowledge is essential for success in this role.
Training to be Provided
Level 3 Pharmacy Technician, and Functional Skills if required.
Future Prospects
After finishing a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship, learners could:
With experience, become a departmental supervisor or manager
Move into a specialist area like Oncology, Paediatrics, or Clinical Trials
Take on a specialist role like a Clinical Pharmacy Technician, working with healthcare professionals and patients in hospital wards
Possibly go into research and development
Work or move into pharmaceutical production, sales or marketing
Become a pharmacy tutor working with Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians (PTPT)
Become a branch manager of a community pharmacy or launch a variety of services
Band 4
Band 4 Pharmacy Technicians can work across a wide variety of sectors, applying their newly attained knowledge and skills from the Level 3 Apprenticeship.
A Band 4 role is an excellent opportunity for Pharmacy Technicians to build on their skills and work towards a career pathway in pharmacy that further challenges and builds on these skills, with a focus on moving towards a more specialist, senior role
Band 5+
Medicines Management Technicians, Education and Training Technicians, Supervisory Roles
Specialist Pharmacy Technician
ICS-based, e.g., in a GP surgery
Specialist Pharmacy Technician within an ambulance service