Who is a pharmaceutical laboratory technician and what do they do? The task of a pharmaceutical laboratory technician is to participate in the preparation, and possibly production, of medicines, and their dispensation to the patients and other clients – in part independently, in part under the direction of medical practitioners and/or pharmacists.
What are the activities of the pharmaceutical laboratory technician job? Activities of the job include: dispensing medicines prescribed by the doctor or sale of medicines that may be bought without a doctor’s prescription, or assisting the pharmacist in these activities – explaining to the patients how to take the medicines and what the effects of the drug may be – assisting in drug preparation – independent preparation of medicines that do not contain particularly strong substances – preparation of radiopharmaceuticals from generators and kits according to instructions – preparation of sterile medicaments – managing stocks of drugs to ensure they are replenished – operation of simple apparatus and facilities for the preparation of medicines – preparation of reagents for laboratory purposes – various laboratory tasks to do with the development and preparation of medicines – dispensation of healthcare technology – and drug quality control.
Where is it done and under what conditions? The job is mostly done within the setting of pharmacies, or possibly laboratories. You will of course come into contact with various chemicals.
What tools/equipment do the pharmaceutical laboratory technician use? The work is carried out using equipment such as centrifuges, mixers, sterilizers, cooling plants, scales, microscopes, and other measuring devices, and a computer.
What do you need to succeed? You need an apprenticeship or a school-leaving certificate with a specialism in pharmaceutical theory and practice. You need to be able to work with precision, concentration, reliability, have a positive attitude to people, and be able to deal with them.