Careers in UK Pharmacy Industry without Licensing Requirements.

First, I must tell you that you cannot practice as a pharmacist in the United Kingdom without your GphC pharmacy registration number. However, there are several pharmacy-related jobs you can delve into while preparing for the pharmacists’ assessment programme. There are job opportunities within the NHS and private sectors. Most require pharmacy work experience in the United Kingdom.

Since work experience is needed, there are a couple of things you can explore;

• Update your CV to fit the job description
• You can reach out to health agencies for health-related jobs to help build your work experience
• Make use of nhs job website (trac jobs), indeed, and other job websites

This post will highlight a few job opportunities, and work culture in the pharmacy industry. Let’s get into it!

Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer (ATO)

This was my first job in the UK. ATOs are needed in private clinics and NHS trusts. The requirement for this is an NVQ level 2 certificate in pharmacy services or previous experience in pharmacy. In my case, I didn’t have to get the level 2 certificate because I was a pharmacist in Nigeria and they were happy with my CV and the interview. In the NHS, a band system is used. Do not be surprised when you see bands 2, 3, 4 upwards. The band system is a way of determining the pay and responsibilities of NHS workers. 

Pharmacy Assistant (Aseptic Services)

This is a more complicated unit. Some find it interesting while others do not. I’ll tell you why. As the title implies, “Aseptics” in pharmacy means the process of manufacturing in a clean room. It is hard work, a lot of training, and very different from dispensing. If you have worked as a production pharmacist, you might find this interesting as I did. I worked as an aseptic pharmacy assistant in chemotherapy for a year and I enjoyed it. If you are on the search for something different and more exciting, I think this unit is for you.

Pharmacy Dispenser

I have never worked as a pharmacy dispenser but I have friends that have. Pharmacy dispensers majorly work in community pharmacies and the pay is not as high as the above listed job titles. The role of a pharmacy dispenser is to support a registered pharmacist with the preparation and dispensing of prescription medications. Just like the ATOs, NVQ level 2 certificate is required. Some employers will expect good literacy, numeracy, and IT skills.

Rotational Pharmacy Assistant

The job description for a rotational pharmacy assistant is similar to that of the ATO. It is rotational because you rotate in different units and sometimes hospitals within the NHS. Check out this band 2 pharmacy ATO job on Indeed (Whittington Health NHS Trust). Even without a pharmacy degree, you can get this job. Apply today!

Pharmacy Technician

This is on the list because some people find it stressful and expensive to go through the OSPAP program. Trust me, OSPAP is a lot of money. However, it takes time, and also GPhC registration as a technician to work as a pharmacy technician in the UK. Even with your overseas pharmacy degree, you will take the technician course or training. The training consists of two years of consecutive work-based experience under the direction of a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician. The pay is quite juicy. Now, I do not advise this if you want to do the OSPAP program. Most people go this path because it’s way cheaper and less demanding.

With the above, you can start your job search. Goodluck colleagues!