What is the path to becoming a Pharmacy Technician?

[Janita]

Hi,
Am new to this forum.
Was interested to do NVQ level 3 Pharmacy Services thro distance learning...but after reading a few threads...am getting the understanding that first step is to get a job in a Pharmacy as a Dispenser...is this right?...or can i go ahead and do NVQ 3?

[Sir_Dispensalot]

you can go right ahead to do an nvq3 if you want but you would find it very tough if new to the trade - the nvq3 relies fairly heavily on exisiting knowledge built up as a dispenser. if applying for a tech position having the nvq2 is pretty much a given.

[dizzyb23]

I don't know of any NVQ providers that will do a course without the person not working within the industry, having a tutor and assessors. Also, the NVQ3 in Pharmacy services is not a distance learning course (I could be wrong on this!!!!). The first year is generally just knowledge which I guess you could do on line or distance learning but the 2nd year is all about the practical stuff, you know the sort of thing......manufacturing, dispensing, stores, health and safety, customer service. None of which you could do at home.

I'm repeating myself here but this is the usual "path" to being a Pharm Tech.......Saturday bod---complete Healthcare assistant course (HCA)----complete dispensers course or NVQ 2 in dispensing----complete NVQ 3 in Pharmacy services. This can take from five years to a hell of a lot longer depending on who you work for. Sorry if this isn't quite what you want to hear but i'd rather be honest about the reality of working on the Support Staff side of things.....

[sparkybw]

Or you apply for a vacancy such as this one. NHS Jobs - Job Details

I assume that similar vacancies will occur in your local hospitals. Though you may have missed the boat for this year and a Saturday job might be the best option for the short term and you could do the NVQ level 2 while you wait for next year.

[dizzyb23]

Does that happen??? Someone without any Pharm experience going straight on to do a NVQ 3?? If anyone has done this, you deserve a medal.....

[sparkybw]

Does that happen??? Someone without any Pharm experience going straight on to do a NVQ 3?? If anyone has done this, you deserve a medal.....

Here's the person specificiation for the job. This specification is the same for all of the Trainee Pharmacy Technician jobs which were advertised a month or so back. All of the posts were in Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham and Teesside.

REQUIREMENT
ESSENTIAL
Requirements necessary for safe and effective performance of the job
DESIRABLE
Where available, elements that contribute to improved/immediate performance in the job

KNOWLEDGE

• Understand the roles of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in hospital/community (Desirable)

SKILLS
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Self organisational skills
• Methodical with attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise tasks
• Keyboard / computer skills
• Customer care skills

EXPERIENCE

• Work experience in hospital or community pharmacy (Desirable)
• Customer services (Desirable)


QUALIFICATIONS
4 GCSEs (grades A, B or C) in Biology* or Human Biology, Chemistry*, Maths and English (or a subject testing English)
(or equivalent - see job description)

*A dual award science at grade A, B or C will be accepted for these subjects 4 GCSEs at grade A in Biology* or Human Biology, Chemistry*, Maths and English (or a subject testing English)
(or equivalent - see job description) (Desirable)


*A dual award science at grade A will be accepted for these subjects

PERSONALITY/
DISPOSITION
• Self motivated
• Flexible approach to work
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team
• Enthusiastic
• Smart & professional image

[dizzyb23]

I think I saw the jobs advertised.....so, technically someone without ANY pharmacy experience could apply for the NVQ 3 student job??????? Wow.....

[LeftArm]

person specificiation

How awful!