Pharmacy Technician Role

Claire Murray followed her A Levels with a degree in History from Ulster University.   But securing a role in community pharmacy took her on a new career path.

Claire, 37, from Rathfriland said, “I have worked in community pharmacy for over 13 years. I completed the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles & Practice for Pharmacy Ssupport Staff and followed this with the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.   The course is literally one full day a week from 8.30 in the morning to 8.30pm, so it is hard work.”

Asked why she decided to enrol on the course, Claire said, “The pharmacy courses were promoted in my workplace, and I had heard about them from colleagues who had previously completed the Level 3 Diploma and are now working as pharmacy technicians, so with the support of my employer, I decided to apply.”

Claire continued, “You are constantly learning new things working in the pharmacy setting alongside studying. Combined, you are gaining the skills, knowledge and qualification required to be employed as a pharmacy technician. The course is a lot of hard work alongside full-time work, and it does require a lot of discipline to complete assignments and study in your own time, but I know it will be worth it."

“The tutors for the course have years of experience so they have shared what it has been like for them and what we should expect.   Also, it has been great to meet other people from different health and social care trusts who are also completing the course and to share our experiences. Everyone is very supportive in the classroom and the workplace.”

Claire concluded, “I would recommend the course if working as a pharmacy technician is your goal. I would recommend SERC as it offers so many great opportunities.”

Join us on Thursday 29 August between 5pm and 8pm, in Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn & Newtownards campuses for our Part-Time Enrolment Evening.