Pharmacy Technicians: 5 Key Tips for Working in the Primary Care Sector
Updated: Sep 4, 2023
Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in primary care by supporting pharmacists and the wider practice team to provide effective and safe patient care. We recognise that making the transition into the primary care sector can be daunting, and many technicians may be unsure about where to start. Inspired by our recent podcast with Pharmacy technician Mandeep Bahia, we have put together an article to share five key tips for technicians seeking a role in primary care.
1. Ensure you understand the role.
Before making the transition, it is important to fully understand the role and responsibilities involved. Individual job advertisements and the PCN DES contract outlines the roles & responsibilities of a pharmacy technician in primary care- ensure you read and understand all the particulars in the job description. Networking with other technicians through social media, online forums, organisations, or events, can also help you to gain this comprehensive understanding. Shadowing a fellow technician on the job is another great way to get an insight into the role.
2. Do not hesitate to apply for jobs.
It is only natural to feel nervous about starting your job applications. However, starting the application process is an excellent way to learn and develop your knowledge of the sector. Once you find the role that is right for you, you will also have an induction and training period which will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge to get started in your role. To find job vacancies, you can explore sites such as NHS Jobs and Indeed, and you can also search our vacancies here on our vacancies page: https://clinicalpharmacistsolutions.hiringplatform.co.uk/list/careers
3. Use interviews as experience.
It is quite common to have several unsuccessful interviews before being successfully offered a role. Receiving feedback following these interviews can help you to improve your skills and fill your knowledge gaps. Therefore, you should always ask for feedback following each interview and consider exploring interview tips and guidance documents. We have free interview tips and guidance documents here on our academy website: https://cpaweb.org.uk/courses/
4. Be open to learning.
Throughout the process it is crucial to adopt a proactive approach to your learning and to seek out opportunities to improve your clinical understanding. This is something you should continue doing even after you have secured a role, as there is always more to learn. This can be achieved either through self-study or through online training programmes and webinars. Our Pharmacy Technician Accelerator course is an excellent place to start: https://cpaweb.org.uk/courses/enrolled/1516988
5. Use your feedback.
Once you have started your first role, it is important to ask for feedback and record the feedback you receive from different practices and from various staff members such as practice managers and pharmacists. Tracking your feedback as you go along ensures you stay organised and helps you to continually improve. According to a study published in the Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, recording and reflecting on feedback can lead to improved performance and professional development.
In summary
We hope that the advice above will help pharmacy technicians to feel more confident about the application process and will help you to make a smooth and successful transition into primary care. If you would like to listen to the full podcast episode with Pharmacy technician Mandeep Bahia, please follow the link below.
Audio version of this article: