Everything you need to know about pharmacy apprenticeships

Pharmacy requires extensive training and knowledge of a wide range of medications and health products.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy, a pharmacy apprenticeship can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the field.

Pharmacy is a lucrative industry with many opportunities for growth and professional development. Research shows, in 2021, UK consumers spent around 11 billion pounds on pharmaceutical products.

Many people are familiar with the university route to enter the pharmaceutical industry, but have you heard of apprenticeships in pharmacy? Read more to find out everything you need to know.
 

What is pharmacy?

Pharmacy is a practice in the field of medicine. It involves preparing, dispensing, and reviewing drugs for patients. This field requires extensive training to ensure pharmacists are qualified and align with ethical and responsible practices to ensure the health of their patients.

Pharmacists are required to have knowledge on a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as health and wellness products. Pharmacists work closely with healthcare providers to ensure the health and wellbeing of the patient.
 

Why do a pharmacy apprenticeship?

Pharmacy is a rewarding career path that allows you to make a significant impact on people's lives. As a pharmacy apprentice, you will work closely with experienced pharmacists to ensure the safe and effective use of medications.

As a pharmacist, you will provide essential support to patients and work with other healthcare professionals to optimise patient outcomes. This can be incredibly fulfilling and provides a sense of purpose in your work.

Pharmacy also offers a competitive salary and many career development opportunities. Your increased knowledge and expertise in the field can open up opportunities for career advancement, increased earning potential, and the ability to work in various fields of pharmacy.

You can get your foot in the door of a lucrative industry with a pharmacy apprenticeship.
 

What careers can a pharmacy apprenticeship lead to?

Here are some of the roles in the pharmacy industry:

Pharmacy technician

A pharmacy technician is someone who works under the supervision of a registered pharmacist to dispense medication and provide advice to patients. Their role consists of preparing and dispensing medications, handling inventory, undertaking administrative tasks and learning about the professional standards for pharmacy technicians.

Pharmacy assistant

Pharmacy assistants work as pharmacy support staff, assisting customers with their needs and carrying out administrative tasks. They assist customers in locating products and answer questions about medication use or other health-related concerns. Pharmacy assistants ensure that the pharmacy runs smoothly and that customers receive the highest level of care.

Registered pharmacists

A pharmacy apprenticeship can also provide a foundation for pursuing further education and training in pharmacy to become a registered pharmacist or pursue a higher-level degree in pharmacy.
 

What will you do as a pharmacy apprentice?

Here are a few things you may do as a full-time pharmacy apprentice:

• Assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Learn about different types of medications
• Receive prescriptions from patients or healthcare providers
• Handle administrative tasks
• Organise pharmacy inventory
• Gain customer service work experience
• Record-keeping tasks
• Participate in training programmes
• Measure medication doses
• Label and package medications
• Learn about health and safety
• Provide person-centred care.
   

What skills do you need to be a pharmacy apprentice?

To be a pharmacy apprentice, you need the following key skills:

• Good with people
• Clear communicator
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Keen and willing to learn
• Punctuality
• Proficient maths and English skills
• Good at prioritising.
   

Why choose Total People for a pharmacy apprenticeship?

At Total People, we have amassed two decades of experience in providing apprenticeships. Our instructors are there to help you along the way, providing all the necessary support and guidance you need to help you succeed in your apprenticeship and career goals.

Throughout the years, we have established ourselves as one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the North West of England, culminating in a wealth of knowledge and resources that can be leveraged for your benefit.

With our guidance, you can rest assured that you will have access to our team's unwavering support and expert guidance, as well as a personal learning mentor to aid you in your journey.

If you are wanting to advance your career to the next level, take a moment to check out our vacancies page to uncover more about our pharmacy technician apprenticeships and pharmacy assistant apprenticeships.