The Pharmacy team play a vital part in patient care and recovery as well as public health, by using their expert knowledge of medicines and their uses. They work with colleagues in the wider healthcare team such as doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and in a range of settings within GP practices, hospitals and on the high street.
Pharmacy roles
Read about each role in more detail.
Pharmacy assistants work as part of a pharmacy team under the direction of a registered pharmacist. The work includes:
- taking in and handing out prescriptions
- delivering medicines to other parts of a hospital or health centre.
Training
- Level 2 Pharmacy services assistant apprenticeship or
- Level 2 NVQ Pharmaceutical pharmacy service skills
Your pathway options
Pharmacy Technicians members of the pharmacy team who manage and prepare the supply of medicines and give advice to patients and customers.
Training
- Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship or
- Accredited checking pharmacy Technician
- (ACPT) and MOC Module 2 Med Rec and Transcription for supply
- Registration with GPhC
Your pathway options
As a Senior Pharmacy Technician you support the Pharmacy Technicians in your team. You have specialist responsibility such as practice supervisor role in training and development, project management and carrying out medicines audits.
Training
- Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship or
- Accredited checking pharmacy Technician
- (ACPT) and MOC Module 2 Med Rec and Transcription for supply
- Registration with GPhC
- Management qualification such as Level 5 Operations Departmental Manager or Level 6 Chartered
Your pathway options
A pharmacist is an expert in medicines and their use. Their knowledge of medicines and the effect they have on the human body is critical for the successful management of every type of medical condition.
Training
- Foundation degree in pharmacy or
- Certificate in Pharmacy practice and consultation skills
- Registration with GPhC
Your pathway options
A specialist pharmacist is an expert in a specific area such as paediatrics and oncology and may a non-medical prescriber.
Training
- Non-medical prescribing
- Relevant training for area of speciality
- Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) apprenticeship
Your pathway options
As a Lead Pharmacist, in addition to your expertise in medicine, its use and area of speciality, you will be responsible for leading the team. You will oversee the work and carry out direct line management of the team. You are responsible for multi-disciplinary and collaborative working across multiple interfaces.
Training
- Diploma/ MSC in pharmacy practice or equivalent
- Prescribing qualification
- Senior Leader level 7 apprenticeship
- Registration with GPhC
Your pathway options
As the Chief Pharmacist leads the pharmacy team and responsible for the medicines budget while reporting to the Medical Director and Executive Board. You are responsible for delivering national targets and NHS guidance ensuring they are implemented locally. You are responsible for the implementation of relevant legislation and regulations in your organisation.
Training
- Registration with GPhC