Pharmacy Technician vs. Pharmacist: Duties, Skills, and Salaries

Do you know the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist? While both ensure patients get the right medication, their responsibilities, education, and salaries are quite different. So, let’s explore what makes each profession unique so you can understand them better.

What Is a Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare worker who helps pharmacists with their daily tasks. Typically, they work in places like retail pharmacies, hospitals, or care homes. Moreover, their main job is to manage medication supplies, assist customers, and make sure the pharmacy runs well.

For example, pharmacy technicians handle tasks like preparing prescriptions, organising inventory, and handling payments. However, it is important to note that they don’t have the authority to give medical advice or make decisions about treatments.

What Is a Pharmacist?

A pharmacist is a healthcare expert who specialises in medication. They are highly trained to prepare, dispense, and ensure the safe use of medicines. Additionally, pharmacists advise patients and healthcare providers about the best ways to use medications.

In many cases, they work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, or research labs. Beyond simply filling prescriptions, pharmacists educate patients, manage drug therapies, and offer consultations to support better health outcomes.

Pharmacy Technician vs. Pharmacist: Key Differences

Here’s a closer look at the key differences between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist, helping you understand each role more clearly.

Duties

Pharmacy Technician Duties

Pharmacy technicians handle the operational side of the pharmacy. Their tasks typically include:

• Preparing and packaging medications under the supervision of a pharmacist.
• Labelling and organising prescriptions.
• Managing inventory and restocking medications.
• Processing insurance claims and handling billing issues.
• Assisting customers with over-the-counter medicines and answering non-clinical questions.

Pharmacist Duties

Pharmacists have a broader scope of responsibilities, which include:

• Reviewing and approving prescriptions to ensure accuracy and safety.
• Advising patients on how to take medications correctly and explaining potential side effects.
• Monitoring patient health and outcomes to optimise medication use.
• Working with doctors to adjust drug therapies when needed.
• Providing vaccinations and other clinical services, such as health screenings.

Education and Training

Pharmacy Technician Education

Pharmacy technicians require less formal education compared to pharmacists. Most start with a high school diploma and then complete a certification or diploma programme in pharmacy technology, which typically lasts one to two years. Moreover, these programmes cover basic pharmacology, customer service, and pharmacy operations. In some regions, on-the-job training is also an option. However, obtaining a recognised certification can enhance job prospects and career advancement.

Pharmacist Education

Becoming a pharmacist requires extensive education and training. In the UK, this includes:

• Completing a five-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree.
• Undertaking a one-year pre-registration training programme.
• Passing a final assessment conducted by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Credential Requirements

Pharmacy Technician Credentials

While requirements vary by country, most pharmacy technicians need certification to work. In the UK, registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is mandatory. Certification ensures that pharmacy technicians meet industry standards and can handle the responsibilities of their role.

Some employers may also require additional certifications in specialised areas like chemotherapy or sterile compounding, depending on the job.

Pharmacist Requirements

Pharmacists in the UK must complete their education and training before they can register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). After that, they need to engage in continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain their licence. Moreover, if they wish to specialise in fields like clinical pharmacy or oncology, they have to pursue additional certifications. These requirements ensure that pharmacists remain up-to-date with the latest practices and continue to provide the best care to their patients.

Required Skills

Both pharmacy technicians and pharmacists require a range of skills, though their focus differs based on the role.

Pharmacy Technician Skills

• Organisation: Pharmacy technicians need to stay organised to handle many tasks and keep the pharmacy running smoothly. Additionally, this skill helps prevent delays and mistakes.
• Attention to Detail: Being detail-oriented is especially important when preparing and giving out medicines to prevent errors. Furthermore, it ensures patient safety and builds trust.
• Communication: Communicating clearly with customers and coworkers is crucial to avoiding confusion. Moreover, it helps create a friendly and efficient workplace.
• Problem-Solving: Problem-solving skills are essential for fixing issues like insurance problems or prescription errors. As a result, this keeps everything running smoothly and ensures customer satisfaction.
• Customer Service: Good customer service is necessary to assist people and answer their non-medical questions. Consequently, it makes the pharmacy a more welcoming place.
• Pharmaceutical Knowledge: Knowing about medicines, doses, and drug types helps technicians perform their work more effectively. In addition, it allows them to better support pharmacists in their tasks.

Pharmacist Skills

• Analytical Thinking: Analytical thinking is essential for assessing side effects and dosages and ensuring patient safety. As a result, pharmacists can identify potential risks and prevent harm to the patient.
• Communication: Effective communication is key when interacting with patients, doctors, and other healthcare providers. Moreover, it ensures that everyone is well-informed and on the same page about treatment plans.
• Critical Thinking: Critical thinking allows pharmacists to make decisions and adjust treatment plans based on patient needs. Therefore, they are able to provide more personalized care that improves health outcomes.
• Leadership: Leadership skills are crucial for those in supervisory or specialised roles. Furthermore, strong leadership ensures the smooth operation of the pharmacy and the delivery of high-quality care.
• Pharmaceutical Knowledge: Advanced pharmaceutical knowledge is necessary to understand drug mechanisms, effects, and interactions. In addition, this knowledge allows pharmacists to offer tailored advice that ensures patient safety and optimal treatment.

Average Salary

Pharmacy Technician Salary

The salary of a pharmacy technician can vary based on location, experience, and workplace. In the UK, pharmacy technicians typically earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year. However, those with specialised certifications or who work in hospital settings may earn at the higher end of the range.

Pharmacist Salary

Pharmacists have significantly higher earning potential due to their advanced education and responsibilities.  On average, pharmacists in the UK earn between £35,000 and £60,000 per year, depending on their level of experience and the type of setting in which they work. Moreover, pharmacists in specialised roles or managerial positions may earn even more.

Conclusion

Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists have different but connected roles. Pharmacy technicians handle day-to-day tasks to keep the pharmacy running smoothly. On the other hand, pharmacists focus on patient care, making important decisions about medications and health.

If you’re thinking about a career in pharmacy, it’s important to consider what interests you most. For example, do you enjoy hands-on, practical tasks? Or are you more interested in helping patients and making clinical decisions? Ultimately, your choice will depend on what excites you most about working in healthcare.

If you’re considering a career in pharmacy, the Pharmacy Technician Course offered by Wise Campus is an excellent way to gain the practical skills and expertise needed to excel in this dynamic field.