Training to become a pharmacy technician
Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians (PTPTs) are trained in the workplace through a two-year structured programme that prepares them for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as qualified pharmacy technicians. This training combines academic study with hands-on practical experience, completed over two consecutive years of work-based learning under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
The GPhC is the independent regulator for pharmacy technicians in Great Britain. It maintains an approved list of courses and qualifications that meet the requirements for registration. Upon successful completion of one of these approved programmes, individuals must register with the GPhC to practise as a pharmacy technician in the United Kingdom.
Further details on the approved list and registration process can be found on the GPhC Website:
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements may vary depending on the course provider. However, as a general guide, you are likely to need the equivalent of four GCSEs grade 4 or above, including Maths and English Language, plus two other subjects. Some providers may also require a GCSE in Science.
In addition, you must be employed in a pharmacy setting, working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
Funding
We do not employ PTPTs or offer trainee bursaries, however, we do provide a financial training contribution to the employer to support the delivery of work-based training, support and assessments.
Education costs are paid via the apprenticeship funding route and applicants for PTPT positions must meet the apprenticeship requirements. Where training is delivered via an apprenticeship, trainees must fulfil all the relevant requirements of the apprenticeship standard and pass the End Point Assessment (EPA).
Further information regarding apprenticeships can be found on the Gov.UK website.
Training Placements
To train as a pharmacy technician, you must be employed in a pharmacy for two years while completing an accredited training programme. Employers offering a PTPT apprenticeship often advertise on the NHS Jobs website or other online recruitment platforms. You can also find local apprenticeship opportunities on the goverment's apprenticeship website or by contacting local training providers.
Once you have accepted a position, your pharmacy’s education lead will provide you with an induction and act as your primary point of contact throughout your training. As your learning will take place both in the workplace and through academic study, you will be given an educational plan that outlines how each part of your training is structured and assessed.
The two-year programme is intensive and can feel fast-paced at times, but it is also highly rewarding. To ensure you are well supported, you will be assigned an Educational Supervisor (ES) who will guide your progress throughout the training. In order to progress from year one to year two, you must successfully complete all year-one assignments and work-based competencies, so it is essential that you meet with your ES regularly.
NHS England Workforce, Training and Education (WT&E) does not set a specific amount of time for individual study. Instead, this should be discussed and agreed with your ES. Remember, learning is continuous, and you’ll have access to a wide range of healthcare professionals who can support your development. Make the most of this by asking questions and getting actively involved in your team.
Quality
We play a key role in ensuring that commissioned trainees learn in safe and supportive learning environments. Community pharmacies and NHS trusts are busy and demanding workplaces, and learning on the job is an essential part of your development. However, it's vital to strike the right balance between service provision and education. Trainees should feel supported throughout their training programme.
We are committed to improving the quality of PTPT training, and trainee feedback is vital. Feedback is gathered in several ways, including annual surveys and local educational meetings, to ensure the trainee voice is heard. If you're already a PTPT and are interested in representing your peers, speak with your ES about becoming a trainee representative.
Professional Leadership Body
The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) is the professional leadership body for pharmacy technicians and works on behalf of pharmacy technicians securing and advocating the pharmacy technician profession and advancing the professions education and scope of practice.
APTUK offers free membership to PTPTs whilst they are completing their 2-year training programme visit their website for further information of what APTUK has to offer.
Post registration
There are many career opportunities for pharmacy technicians once registered. Take a look at the Further Developmental Resources to discover further educational and training options.
You can read more about pharmacy technician roles and careers on the APTUK website and the Pharmacy Careers website.