Pharmacy Career Pathway: From Pharmacy Assistant to Pharmacy Technician

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Pharmacy Career Pathway

If you’re starting a career in pharmacy, an apprenticeship can help you build practical experience while developing the knowledge and professional skills needed to progress.

At tend, our pharmacy apprenticeship pathway includes Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant and Level 3 Pharmacy Technician programmes.

Level 2: Pharmacy Services Assistant

The Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship is designed for people starting their career in pharmacy.

You’ll develop a foundation in areas such as:

• Dispensing practice
• Stock management
• Pharmacy practice
• Health and safety
• Safeguarding
• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Law and ethics

You’ll gain practical experience while working under the supervision of a registered Pharmacist or Pharmacy Technician.

The programme is suitable for people working in community pharmacies, hospitals, GP practices and other pharmacy environments where the appropriate workplace arrangements are in place.

Where can Level 2 take you?

Completing the Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship can provide a foundation for continued development within pharmacy.

One progression route is the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship.

You could also continue developing your experience within your current pharmacy support role or explore wider healthcare opportunities.

Level 3: Pharmacy Technician

The Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship is designed for people progressing towards a career as a Pharmacy Technician.

You’ll develop more advanced knowledge and skills around medicines, pharmacy practice, patient care, professional standards and working within a regulated pharmacy environment.

The programme includes an integrated Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians, aligned with General Pharmaceutical Council standards.

Can a pharmacy apprenticeship lead to GPhC registration?

The Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship is designed to support progression towards Pharmacy Technician registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Successful completion makes learners eligible to apply for registration, subject to meeting the GPhC’s registration requirements.

The Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprenticeship does not provide eligibility for GPhC registration.

Where can Pharmacy Technicians work?

Pharmacy Technicians can work across different healthcare environments, including:

• Community pharmacies
• Hospitals
• GP and primary care environments
• Other healthcare settings where suitable pharmacy practice takes place

The role involves working as part of a wider healthcare team and supporting the safe and effective use of medicines.

What can I do after becoming a Pharmacy Technician?

Once qualified and registered, Pharmacy Technicians can continue developing their careers through experience, specialist roles, further training and leadership opportunities.

You may choose to develop expertise in a particular area of pharmacy, take on additional responsibilities or move towards management, education or training roles.

Your next step will depend on your interests, experience and the opportunities available within your workplace.

Your pharmacy career pathway

For someone starting out in pharmacy, a typical progression route could be:

Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant
↓
Level 3 Pharmacy Technician
↓
Registered Pharmacy Technician
↓
Specialist, senior, leadership or training opportunities

You don’t have to decide your entire career at the beginning. Your apprenticeship can give you the experience and foundation you need to decide where you want to go next.

Explore tend’s pharmacy apprenticeships to find your next step.