Mental health pharmacy technicians are an important part of the healthcare system. They work with mental health pharmacists and mental health professionals to ensure that individuals suffering from mental illness receive the medications they need, as well as help them get the best outcome from their medicines ensuring the effective and safe use of medicines.
Mental health pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and dispensaries alongside pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They help prepare and dispense medications prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists, or other mental health practitioners. They also may be responsible for performing administrative tasks such as updating patient records and stocking shelves. Additionally, they may assist with patient education regarding their medications or their condition.
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist and are registered healthcare professionals who are responsible and accountable for their own accurate and safe practice.
Becoming a mental health pharmacy technician is an excellent career choice for those interested in helping people get access to the medicines they need in order to manage their illness. The training required to become certified is rigorous but can open up exciting opportunities within the healthcare industry. If you have an aptitude for science and medicine and want to make a difference in others’ lives then consider becoming a mental health pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy technicians must be able to communicate effectively with the wider healthcare team, patients and the public, whilst ensuring and maintaining confidentiality and privacy.
In addition, as a pharmacy technician you need to be:
To practise as a pharmacy technician in England, Scotland and Wales, you'll need to complete an accredited course and register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
GPhC-approved courses/qualifications are also available through a level 3 pharmacy technician apprenticeship. To apply, you'll need to be employed and working in a pharmacy to meet the required minimum number of experience hours working within the pharmacy environment, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
In order to become a mental health pharmacy technician, one must complete a level 3 pharmacy technician course, or a level 3 course in pharmaceutical sciences. The curriculum typically includes classes in medical terminology, pharmacology, drug regulation laws, and customer service. After graduating from the program students must register with the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council). Once qualified, mental health pharmacy technicians can apply for employment at hospitals that deal with patients suffering from mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders.
GPhC-approved courses/qualifications are also available through a level 3 pharmacy technician apprenticeship. To apply, you'll need to be employed and working in a pharmacy to meet the required minimum number of experience hours working within the pharmacy environment, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
Mental Health pharmacy technicians work within a wide of employment locations including hospitals and secure units where you could be involved in the aseptic preparation of medicines, taking medication histories from patients, reviewing medicines, providing advice to patients about how to make the most of their medicines and giving advice on different treatment options. Your role will support the relationships between the wards and clinical areas, patients and pharmacy services.
In community pharmacy, as well as managing the supply of medicines, you may offer advice to patients and carers on public health initiatives such as stopping smoking, and provide expertise on different treatment options for patients in a specialist area, such as mental health or general practice.
Many pharmacy technicians work in primary care roles in general practice and care homes. These roles involve reviewing and recording the medication the patients should be taking, ensuring sufficient supplies, administering medicines, and counselling patients to support their understanding of how to use their medicines safely.
Pharmacy technicians typically work a 9-5pm shift.
In NHS hospitals, band 3 pharmacy technicians can earn from £18,000 to just over £19,000. Band 4 can earn just under £24,000 to just under £26,000 a year. This can rise to Band 5 earning around £26,000 to just under £33,000.
With experience and undertaking the relevant qualifications, it is possible to progress to a senior pharmacy technician role and then onto a lead pharmacy technician role.
The following organisations may be able to help provide you with further information:
Telephone: 0203 713 8000
E-mail: info@pharmacyregulation.org
Website: http://www.pharmacyregulation.org
Twitter: @TheGPhC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGPhC
Telephone: 01727 858687
E-mail: npa@npa.co.uk
Website: http://www.npa.co.uk/
Twitter: @NPA1921
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Supportyourlocalpharmacy/
Website: http://www.careers.nhs.scot
Website (2): https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/
Twitter: @NHSScotCareers
Telephone: 0845 257 2570
E-mail: scotinfo@rpharms.com
Website: http://www.rpharms.com
Twitter: @rpharms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royalpharmsoc/
