A Pharmacy Technician prepares and dispenses medicines under the supervision of a pharmacist. To become a Technician you must obtain a BTEC Level 3 qualification and must be working in a pharmacy. An Accredited Checking Technician (ACT) is responsible for checking all medicines before handing over to the patient. To become an ACT you must obtain an ACT qualification which involves an accuracy assessment. You can train as a Technician via distance learning, a part-time course or through an Apprenticeship.

A Dispensary or Dispensing Assistant performs elements of the dispensing process under the supervision of a pharmacist. They can also work on the counter, assisting in the sale of Pharmacy-Only items. To become a Dispensary Assistant you must obtain a BTEC Level 2 qualification or equivalent course and be working within a pharmacy. You can train as a Dispensing Assistant via distance learning, a part-time course or through an Apprenticeship.

A Counter Assistant does not work in the dispensary, however assists in the sale of Over-the-Counter or Pharmacy-Only medicines. Medicines Counter Assistants are required to take a number of basic training courses through the pharmacy.

A Sales Assistant does not work on the medicines counter, but may work on a perfume, photography or general sales counter

From delivering medication to care homes to collecting prescriptions from GP surgeries and delivering vital medicines to people at home, this role requires good customer care skills.

Many pharmacies have other roles including office and administrative roles, warehouse operatives, buyers, etc. Vacancies are often advertised on the pharmacy's own website or social media channels, or instore.