70% pharmacy technicians feel 'well prepared' for practice post-training, new GPhC research reveals

For aspiring pharmacy technicians, the most important motivation is to work in a job with good career opportunities. 

The implementation of the 2017 standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians (IETPT) has improved the performance and preparedness for practice among recently registered pharmacy technicians and the wider workforce, according to a new study.

Results of the 2023 research study commissioned by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) showed that 72 per cent of pharmacy technicians felt “well prepared” for practice after training. More number of pharmacy technicians in the community pharmacy expressed readiness for practice (82 per cent) than their peers in the hospital pharmacy (64 peer cent).

Led by the Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies (CPWS) at the University of Manchester and the consultancy service, ICF, the study involved 142 recently registered pharmacy technicians and 21 employers and supervisors of trainees.

Overall, 96 per cent of the surveyed respondents believed that the course effectively covered person-centred care, professionalism and professional knowledge and skills.

The current standards also led to higher job satisfaction among pharmacy technicians compared to the 2010 standards, as the study reveled that 94 per cent of recently registered pharmacy technicians had continued to stay in the profession.

A significant 86 per cent of respondents agreed that the most important motivation for aspiring pharmacy technicians was to work in a job with good career opportunities.

The Chief Strategy Officer at the GPhC, Mark Voce, emphasised the need for continuous improvement in education and training of pharmacy technicians. He said: "Given the importance of the work carried out by pharmacy technicians, it is essential that their education and training keeps up-to-date and reflects changes in pharmacy practice.

"We therefore welcome this research and will use the findings and recommendations to inform our ongoing regulatory work around the initial education and training of Pharmacy Technicians and assurance of practice for those already registered."

The study recommended greater involvement from community and primary care employers to address inconsistencies in pre-registration trainee pharmacy technicians’ experiences between sectors.