Ultimate Guide to Working as a Locum Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians are essential members of the pharmacy team. They work under the pharmacist's supervision and can work in both community and hospital pharmacy settings. There are several steps to becoming a pharmacy technician. Once you complete them, you can decide whether to find a permanent role or fill in on a temporary, locum basis. As a pharmacy technician locum agency, Clarity Locums helps you make that choice. Start your journey by reading this comprehensive guide on becoming and working as a locum pharmacy technician in Ireland.

What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who plays a crucial role in supporting pharmacists in various pharmacy settings, such as retail pharmacies and hospitals. Technicians have a variety of responsibilities within the pharmacy, from ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the dispensary to providing excellent professional care and advice to patients. 

 

What are the Duties and Responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians

Technicians are responsible for many tasks in the pharmacy, including the following:

• Medication Dispensing: Pharmacy technicians assist in preparing and dispensing prescription medications to patients. They may measure, mix, count, and package medications accurately under the supervision of an experienced and licensed pharmacist.
• Preparing Prescriptions: Pharmacy technicians will receive, confirm, prepare and fill prescriptions, ensuring that they are accurate.
• Customer Service: As one of the first people customers meet in a pharmacy, technicians will respond to patient inquiries and recommend over-the-counter medications, as well as offer advice on proper medication use.
• Inventory Management: Technicians will help to manage the pharmacy's inventory by ordering medications and supplies, checking for expired products, and maintaining proper storage conditions.
• Other General Duties: Full-time or locum pharmacy technicians may also be involved with training new staff, organising paperwork, maintaining a clean and tidy workspace, and more. 

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Ireland

What qualifications or requirements do you need?

The best way to become a great pharmacy technician is to enrol in a higher education program and get a Higher Certificate in Science (Pharmacy Technician). There are good schools in Ireland, such as the Institute of Technology Carlow, where you can get your Pharmacy Technician Certificate or the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies, which are recognised by all Irish pharmacies.

What traits do employers seek in pharmacy technicians?

Personal skills such as attention to detail, good communication skills, ability to work in a team, professional ethics, problem-solving skills, good memory and the ability to keep learning will greatly increase your chances of success as a pharmacy technician.

Working as a Locum Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians can work as pharmacy employees, but also as pharmacy locums working in different pharmacies and locations. This is a great option for pharmacy students who are near the end of their studies, as it allows you to become acquainted with working in a fast-paced pharmacy environment before you become fully qualified.

Benefits of Locuming as a Pharmacy Technician

• Higher Rate of Pay: As a locum pharmacy technician, you can get a higher hourly rate depending on the pharmacy. In 2023, we generally see shifts going for €15 to €20 an hour.
• Flexibility: Locuming allows you to choose what days you want to work, which ultimately allows for a better work-life balance. This is great if you're working around a college schedule. As a locum pharmacy technician, you also have the opportunity to work in different locations, allowing you to travel around Ireland while earning some extra cash along the way!
• Gain Experience: As mentioned, locuming allows you to choose what stores you want to work in, which in turn will allow you to gain more experience and hone your skills in different areas. Some stores may use different dispensary software systems, or be in a busier location than others. By working alongside experienced pharmacists and other pharmacy technicians, you also have the chance to learn from their expertise!
• Develop Your Network: Moving from store to store will allow you to meet new people, whether they are patients or pharmacy staff! This is a great way to make connections and grow your network for the future.

Working as a Pharmacy Technician with Clarity

Whether you are looking for full-time or locum pharmacy jobs, Clarity can help. Use the buttons below to visit our locum and permanent recruitment sites:

Locum Positions Permanent Positions

Locum as a Pharmacy Technician 

If you're planning on working as a locum pharmacy technician, don't miss out on our latest locum jobs available through the Clarity Locums app or website. Simply sign up, upload the necessary documents, and start booking shifts!

• Click ‘Register’ on the Clarity Locums website or app.
• Input your country of registration and choose ‘Technician / Pre-Reg’ as your profession.
• Insert your name, email and phone number.
• Receive and input a verification code to confirm your registration.
• Upload a reference to say you’re eligible to work as a technician, your CV and your ID to your account.

Need help? Please feel free to contact us!

Have some questions before you sign up? Get in touch with a member of our team by calling 01 532 5441 or email us at [email protected].