Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Pharmacy Technician- from: Youtube Search
- Pharmacy Technician- from: icould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working Life
Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, such as community pharmacies, in the hospital pharmaceutical services, in the pharmaceutical industry, and in the wholesale sector.
In a community pharmacy, the technician works under the supervision of a pharmacist. The work includes the proper storage of medicines, stock control and rotation, receiving and preparing prescriptions, printing and affixing labels, pricing and GMS coding, and maintaining records.
In the pharmacy department of a hospital, the term pharmaceutical technician is generally used. In addition to the tasks of a technician in a community pharmacy, they also assists with the assembly and issuing of stocks to wards and theatres in the hospital.
In the pharmaceutical industry, technicians may assist in the manufacturing of sterile and non-sterile products and may also be called upon to provide customer related services. Their training equips them to carry out appropriate tasks for wholesalers.
Every member of staff who deals with customers’ 'personal data', such as names and addresses, or who process payment card transactions, need to have some knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). It is the responsibility of the employer to give job-specific information on GDPR in their organisation. You can read more about data protection in the workplace here.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Enter prescription information into computer databases.
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
- Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
- Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
- Mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.
Further Information
- Pharmacy Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Pharmacy Technician
A good aptitude for chemistry and an interest in studying chemical compounds and structures is needed if you want to pursue a career as a pharmacy Technician.
In both hospitals and shops, you have direct contact with patients, customers and health care professionals. Therefore, you will need good communication skills. You will also need the confidence to talk about a wide range of general health matters. When liaising with doctors and other health care professionals, you will need to use tact and discretion.
Interests - Pharmacy Technician
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Pharmacy Technician
There are many pathways towards a career as a Pharmacy Technician. The most relevant qualification is the Pharmacy Technician courses at level 6, offered in various Institutes of Technology, and in some Colleges of Further Education. Courses are typically 2-years in duration.
The term used in the HSE is Pharmaceutical Technician, and the specific eligibility criteria can be found here.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: pharmaceutical manufacturing, life sciences skills, laboratory assistant.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: pharmacy technician, applied science, pharmacy, biomedical, pharmaceutical science, manufacturing operations.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Retail Supervision, Sales, Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: pharmacy technician.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: business, management, pharmacy.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) Pharmacist is a regulated occupation which requires a 5 year qualification. You can find up-to-date information about the approved pharmacist . If you enjoy the work you may want to progress by qualifying as a pharmacist.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Pharmacy Technician
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €27k - €49k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Excel/ Indeed/ Talent/ HSE/ Brightwater
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Pharmacy Technician
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians, Electrical and electronic technicians, Engineering technicians, Quality assurance technicians, Planning, process and production technicians, Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
Employment growth was below average for this occupation with employment levels remaining almost unchanged between 2022 and 2023. A half of those employed were in industry, with the remainder spread across most other sectors. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were particularly prevalent for lab technicians followed by electrical/electronic technicians, while vacancies advertised through DSP were notable for mechanical, maintenance and electrical technicians.
Employment permits were issued across a number of technician roles including manufacturing, mechanical and maintenance. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance and lab technicians as difficult-to-fill, while Skills for Growth data indicated issues with sourcing lab analysts and maintenance, QA/QC and process technicians. Skills in demand included environmental awareness and monitoring as well as health and safety. With output from new apprenticeships (e.g. lab analyst/technician, OEM engineer, wind turbine maintenance technician) along with other apprenticeship awards for these roles (e.g. manufacturing technology), supply may soon be sufficient to meet demand for these roles, particularly without any employment growth.
While output from new apprenticeships has begun to emerge, demand for this occupation remains strong with shortages persisting in the short term.
Useful Contacts - Pharmacy Technician
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Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
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Irish Pharmacy Union
- Butterfield House, Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
- (01) 493 6401
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Pharmacists in Industry, Education and Regulatory (PIER
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The Irish Institute of Pharmacy
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Smart Futures
- Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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- Click Here
