A pharmacy technician (in Slovenian: farmacevtski tehnik / farmacevtska tehnica) is a healthcare worker who carries out professional work in pharmacy. They most often work in a community pharmacy, but also in hospital pharmacies, laboratories, the pharmaceutical sector, specialised shops and other settings where pharmaceutical knowledge is used.
A pharmacy technician’s work includes dispensing certain medicines and medical devices, advising users, helping to prepare magistral and galenic preparations, looking after stock and the correct storage of medicines, and other professional tasks.
The pharmacy technician is a regulated healthcare profession. Practising independently in healthcare requires the relevant vocational education, a traineeship, the professional examination, entry in the register of healthcare workers and associates, and a licence.
Pharmacy technician – a short description of the profession
A pharmacy technician works mainly in pharmacies, but also in hospital pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, laboratories and other settings. They dispense certain non-prescription medicines, medical devices and other products, give instructions for their use and help prepare magistral and galenic preparations. Practising in healthcare requires the relevant education, a traineeship, the professional examination, entry in the register and a licence.
What does a pharmacy technician do?
A pharmacy technician works mainly in a pharmacy setting and helps ensure the safe and correct use of medicines, medical devices and other health products. Their tasks may include:
- dispensing non-prescription medicines,
- giving instructions on how to use non-prescription medicines,
- dispensing medical devices,
- advising on the correct use of care and health products,
- dispensing other pharmacy goods,
- helping to dispense prescription medicines within their competence,
- helping to prepare magistral preparations,
- helping to prepare galenic products,
- purchasing and storing medicines under the supervision of a pharmacist,
- arranging and managing stock of medicines,
- checking expiry dates,
- taking part in the preparation and testing of medicines within prescribed procedures,
- working with pharmacy documentation and information systems,
- keeping the pharmacy premises and stock in order,
- working with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
The official SPOT description of the profession also includes helping to prepare magistral and galenic products and purchasing and storing medicines under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Where does a pharmacy technician work?
A pharmacy technician can work in many areas of pharmacy and healthcare. Possible workplaces include:
- public pharmacies,
- private pharmacies,
- hospital pharmacies,
- specialised shops,
- pharmaceutical laboratories,
- the pharmaceutical industry,
- social care institutions,
- public health and other fields where pharmaceutical knowledge is needed.
SPOT lists pharmacy services at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, as well as social medicine, hygiene, epidemiology, environmental health and social care institutions, among the areas where pharmacy technicians work.
Pharmacy technician in a pharmacy
The most common workplace is a pharmacy. There the technician deals with users of medicines, medical devices and other health products. The work requires accuracy, professionalism and responsibility.
Cooperation with the pharmacist is an important part of the job. A pharmacy technician does not take on tasks that are reserved by law or professional rules for the pharmacist (master of pharmacy).
Can a pharmacy technician dispense medicines?
Yes, but what they can dispense depends on the type of medicine and the competences set by law.
A pharmacy technician who has passed the professional examination can be an authorised person for dispensing non-prescription medicines in a pharmacy or a specialised shop. In a pharmacy, they can dispense certain non-prescription medicines under the supervision of a pharmacist.
With prescription medicines, a pharmacy technician can help with dispensing within their competence, but their competences cannot be equated with those of a pharmacist.
Can a pharmacy technician dispense prescription medicines?
A pharmacy technician can help with dispensing prescription medicines, but the law sets out which medicines each authorised person may dispense and under what conditions.
Medicines on special prescriptions or special order forms, and other medicines for which special competences are set, are not part of a pharmacy technician’s independent work.
That is why it is important to distinguish between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist.
Is a pharmacy technician a healthcare worker?
Yes. The pharmacy technician is classified among healthcare workers or healthcare professional profiles. Conditions are set for practising the profession in healthcare, including a traineeship, the professional examination, entry in the register and a licence.
This distinguishes it from support roles such as a cleaner in healthcare or a ward attendant in healthcare.
Is the pharmacy technician a regulated profession?
Yes. Conditions are set for practising the profession. SPOT states that before starting to practise, a pharmacy technician must:
- complete a traineeship,
- pass the professional examination,
- be entered in the register of healthcare workers and associates,
- obtain a licence.
What education is required?
The profession requires upper secondary vocational education in the Pharmacy Technician programme. SPOT explicitly lists secondary vocational education for the occupation of pharmacy technician as the relevant qualification.
The programme normally takes four years and ends with the vocational matura.
Training to become a pharmacy technician
Training focuses on knowledge in:
- pharmacy,
- chemistry,
- biology,
- medicines,
- pharmaceutical dosage forms,
- preparing medicinal products,
- laboratory work,
- healthcare legislation,
- safety and quality,
- communication with users,
- pharmacy practice.
The programme also includes practical training.
For the 2026/2027 school year, Pharmacy Technician was among the upper secondary vocational programmes, and a revised programme started with the new school year as part of the modernisation of vocational education.
Is the vocational matura required?
Yes. Upper secondary vocational education ends with the vocational matura.
The vocational matura allows students to continue into higher vocational and professional higher education programmes, and with additional conditions into some university programmes.
Does a pharmacy technician have to complete a traineeship?
Yes. SPOT states that before starting to practise in healthcare, a pharmacy technician must complete a six-month traineeship according to the prescribed programme. The aim is to gain practical experience, prepare for the professional examination and be trained for independent work.
Does a pharmacy technician have to pass the professional examination?
Yes. The professional examination is one of the key conditions for practising independently in healthcare. The professional examination for healthcare workers covers:
- selected topics in emergency medical assistance,
- basics of safety and quality in healthcare,
- basics of the legal framework of healthcare,
- professional content of the occupational field.
The exact professional content is set by regulations.
Does a pharmacy technician have to be registered?
Yes. SPOT explicitly lists entry in the register of pharmacy professionals as a condition for pharmacy technicians.
Is a licence needed?
Yes. To practise in healthcare, a pharmacy technician must meet conditions that include obtaining a licence.
The licence and continuing professional development help ensure the profession is practised professionally and safely.
What does a pharmacy technician do when dispensing non-prescription medicines?
With non-prescription medicines, correct and safe use is what matters. A pharmacy technician can:
- explain how to use the product,
- give the basic instructions,
- point out important precautions,
- advise on the correct use of the product within their competence,
- refer the user to a pharmacist or a doctor when needed.
SPOT explicitly lists dispensing non-prescription medicines and giving instructions for their use among the profession’s activities.
Pharmacy technicians and advising users
Working with users is an important part of pharmacy practice. A pharmacy technician must be able to:
- listen to the user,
- understand their question correctly,
- give clear instructions within their competence,
- recognise when a pharmacist is needed,
- follow the instructions for use of the medicine or product,
- keep a professional attitude.
With medicines, safety is especially important.
Pharmacy technicians and magistral preparations
A pharmacy technician can help prepare magistral preparations and galenic products. This work follows prescribed procedures and takes place under appropriate professional supervision.
A magistral preparation is a medicine prepared for an individual patient, on the basis of a doctor’s prescription or order, in line with the rules of pharmacy practice.
What is a galenic product?
A galenic product is a medicine prepared in a pharmacy or other suitable setting according to prescribed procedures and formulations. A pharmacy technician can help prepare it within their competence and under appropriate supervision.
Laboratory work
Depending on the post, a pharmacy technician can carry out or help with laboratory and production procedures. The work may include:
- preparing materials,
- weighing,
- measuring,
- preparing dosage forms,
- working with laboratory equipment,
- documenting procedures,
- cleaning and preparing the work area,
- helping with quality control.
More demanding procedures follow special protocols.
Pharmacy technician in a hospital
A pharmacy technician can also work in a hospital pharmacy. There they may deal with:
- medicines for hospital wards,
- preparing and distributing medicines,
- stock,
- storage,
- documentation,
- pharmaceutical preparations,
- cooperation with the hospital pharmacist and other healthcare professionals.
The work is often less focused on direct contact with users than in a public pharmacy.
Pharmacy technicians and cytostatics
Special requirements apply to working with cytostatic medicines because of the risks involved. In the Slovenian public healthcare sector there is a specific post of pharmacy technician – work with cytostatics.
Such work requires additional knowledge, special procedures and safety measures.
Pharmacy technicians and ionising radiation
The public healthcare system also defines the post of pharmacy technician – work in a controlled area of ionising radiation. Such work requires following special radiation protection rules and other safety procedures.
Storing medicines
A pharmacy technician helps store medicines and other goods correctly. Important are:
- correct storage,
- monitoring stock,
- checking expiry dates,
- respecting storage conditions,
- correct record-keeping,
- keeping products separate,
- preventing dispensing errors.
SPOT explicitly lists purchasing and storing medicines, medical devices and other goods under the supervision of a pharmacist among the profession’s activities.
Working with information technology
A modern pharmacy is highly digitalised. A pharmacy technician may use:
- pharmacy information systems,
- computerised stock management,
- electronic documentation,
- ordering systems,
- barcode scanners and other devices,
- digital records.
Digital skills are therefore also important.
Does a pharmacy technician work with patients?
Yes, mainly in a pharmacy. There they meet users of medicines and health services and help them with products they may dispense or give instructions for within their competence.
In a hospital pharmacy there is usually less direct contact with patients.
Protecting personal and health data
A pharmacy technician may come across information about users, their medicines and their state of health. They must therefore respect:
- confidentiality,
- personal data protection,
- professional ethics,
- the rules of pharmacy practice,
- the employer’s internal procedures.
Information about users must not be passed on to unauthorised persons.
What qualities does a pharmacy technician need?
Important qualities are:
- accuracy,
- responsibility,
- reliability,
- professionalism,
- communication skills,
- tidiness,
- a systematic approach,
- the ability to concentrate,
- an interest in natural sciences,
- an interest in medicines and pharmacy,
- teamwork,
- discretion.
Accuracy is especially important, because mistakes with medicines can affect the user’s safety.
Is the work demanding?
It can be demanding in several ways. A pharmacy technician must at the same time:
- know medicines and other products,
- follow regulations,
- carry out procedures precisely,
- communicate with users,
- look after documentation,
- monitor stock,
- work with other healthcare professionals.
In a pharmacy the work can also be time-pressured, especially when there are many customers.
Working hours
Working hours depend on the workplace. In a public pharmacy they may include:
- morning work,
- afternoon work,
- Saturday work,
- on-call duty or work when the pharmacy is open under a special schedule.
In a hospital, the organisation of work may include shifts, depending on how the pharmacy service runs.
Do pharmacy technicians work at night?
They may, but not in every post. Night or shift work depends mainly on how the pharmacy or hospital service is organised.
Pharmacy technician pay
Pay depends on the employer, the post, the collective agreement, length of service, allowances and other elements of the pay system.
In the Slovenian public healthcare sector, different pharmacy technician posts are defined separately. They include:
- pharmacy technician I,
- pharmacy technician II,
- pharmacy technician III,
- pharmacy technician – work with cytostatics,
- pharmacy technician – work in a controlled area of ionising radiation,
- pharmacy technician II with special skills.
An earlier annex to the collective agreement for healthcare and social care placed them in tariff class V and set different pay ranges depending on the post. Because the public sector pay system has changed since then, those historical figures should not be used as today’s net pay.
For any specific advert, check the current pay grade and the applicable rules.
Where can a pharmacy technician work?
Employment opportunities include:
- public pharmacies,
- private pharmacies,
- hospital pharmacies,
- specialised shops,
- the pharmaceutical industry,
- laboratories,
- healthcare institutions,
- social care institutions,
- other fields where pharmaceutical knowledge is required.
SPOT specifically lists pharmacy services, certain public health activities and social care institutions as areas of work.
→ Pharmacy technician: current vacancies
Pharmacy technician in the pharmaceutical industry
A pharmacy technician can also work in the pharmaceutical industry. Depending on the post, they may take part in:
- manufacturing medicines,
- preparing raw materials,
- quality control,
- laboratory work,
- packaging,
- documentation,
- monitoring production processes,
- quality assurance.
A specific post may require additional knowledge or experience.
→ Pharmaceutical industry: current vacancies
Pharmacy technician in a specialised shop
A pharmacy technician can also work in a specialised shop that sells certain medicines, medical devices and other products.
Legal conditions and rules on authorised persons apply to dispensing non-prescription medicines. A pharmacy technician who meets the conditions can be an authorised person for dispensing certain non-prescription medicines.
Pharmacy technicians and medical devices
The work is not only about medicines. A pharmacy technician can dispense and give instructions for the use of certain medical devices and care and health products within their competence.
Pharmacy technicians and veterinary medicines
The profession also includes certain activities related to veterinary medicines. The scope of competence depends on the type of medicine, where it is dispensed and the applicable regulations.
The difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist
Pharmacy technician
- has upper secondary vocational education,
- completes a traineeship and the professional examination,
- is entered in the relevant register and holds a licence,
- carries out tasks within their competence,
- may dispense certain non-prescription medicines,
- helps with dispensing certain medicines,
- helps prepare magistral and galenic preparations,
- works under the supervision of a pharmacist for certain tasks.
Pharmacist (master of pharmacy)
- has completed the integrated master’s programme in Pharmacy,
- has a much wider scope of professional competence,
- carries out more demanding professional tasks,
- dispenses prescription medicines within their competence,
- advises on the correct and safe use of medicines,
- can carry out medication use reviews,
- can take professional responsibility for more demanding processes.
The pharmacy technician and the pharmacist are therefore not the same profession.
→ Pharmacist (Master of Pharmacy): profession, degree, licence and careers
→ Pharmacist: current vacancies
Can a pharmacy technician continue their education?
Yes. After completing upper secondary vocational school and the vocational matura, they can continue their education. One option is to continue in pharmacy.
For admission to the integrated master’s programme in Pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, one of the routes is for a candidate with the vocational matura in the Pharmacy Technician programme who has also passed a general matura exam in chemistry or physics.
A pharmacy technician can therefore go on to become a pharmacist, provided they meet all admission and study requirements.
Further education and continuing professional development
Pharmacy is a constantly developing field. It is important to follow:
- new active substances,
- new medicines,
- changes in legislation,
- medicine safety,
- pharmaceutical technologies,
- digitalisation,
- medical devices,
- developments in self-medication.
SPOT also lists regulations on continuing professional development of healthcare workers and associates among the legal bases for the profession.
Can a pharmacy technician open their own pharmacy?
The title of pharmacy technician alone does not mean they can meet the conditions for running a pharmacy. The conditions for the head of a pharmacy include a master’s degree in pharmacy and a passed professional examination.
Under conditions set by law, a pharmacy technician may carry out certain forms of private healthcare activity, but that is not the same as running a pharmacy independently.
Advantages of the profession
- professional work with medicines,
- work in healthcare,
- employment opportunities in various settings,
- working with people,
- the possibility of further education,
- the option of working in a pharmacy or in the pharmaceutical industry,
- opportunities to gain specialised knowledge,
- varied career development options.
Challenges of the profession
- great accuracy at work,
- responsibility when dispensing medicines,
- continuing professional development,
- dealing with demanding users,
- a lot of customer contact,
- a fast pace of work,
- keeping up with changes in legislation,
- shift work in some posts.
The future of the profession
The pharmacy technician remains an important part of the pharmacy and pharmaceutical system.
The development of new medicines, the digitalisation of pharmacy, electronic prescriptions, automated storage and new technologies are changing the way the work is done, but they do not remove the need for professional staff.
In the future, professional knowledge, digital skills, accuracy, communication and the ability to adapt to new procedures will be especially important.
Frequently asked questions
What does a pharmacy technician do?
A pharmacy technician carries out professional work in pharmacy, mainly in pharmacy practice. They dispense certain non-prescription medicines, medical devices and other products, give instructions for use and help prepare magistral and galenic preparations.
Is a pharmacy technician a healthcare worker?
Yes. It is a healthcare profession with prescribed conditions for practice.
What school does a pharmacy technician need to finish?
Upper secondary vocational education in the Pharmacy Technician programme.
How long does the training take?
The upper secondary vocational programme normally takes four years and ends with the vocational matura.
Does a pharmacy technician have to complete a traineeship?
Yes. A traineeship is required for practising in healthcare. SPOT states a six-month traineeship according to the prescribed programme.
Does a pharmacy technician have to pass the professional examination?
Yes. The professional examination is one of the conditions for practising independently in healthcare.
Does a pharmacy technician need a licence?
Yes. SPOT lists obtaining a licence and entry in the register among the conditions for practising the profession.
Can a pharmacy technician dispense non-prescription medicines?
Yes, within the competences set by law. In a pharmacy they may dispense certain non-prescription medicines under the supervision of a pharmacist; in a specialised shop, a pharmacy technician may dispense certain non-prescription medicines under the conditions set by law.
Can a pharmacy technician dispense prescription medicines?
A pharmacy technician can help with dispensing prescription medicines within their competence, but does not have the same competences as a pharmacist.
Can a pharmacy technician work in a hospital?
Yes. One option is work in a hospital pharmacy or other relevant pharmacy services.
Can a pharmacy technician work in the pharmaceutical industry?
Yes. Depending on the post, they can work in production, the laboratory, quality control, documentation and other areas.
What is a pharmacy technician’s pay?
It depends on the employer, the post, the collective agreement, length of service, allowances and other elements of the pay system. In the public sector, pharmacy technicians are placed in various defined posts with different pay grades.
What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist?
A pharmacy technician has upper secondary vocational education and works within their competence. A pharmacist has a university-level master’s degree in pharmacy and wider professional competences.
Can a pharmacy technician become a pharmacist?
Yes. After completing upper secondary vocational education, they can continue to the Pharmacy degree if they meet the admission requirements.
Is the pharmacy technician a profession in demand?
Demand varies with region, employer and the current labour market. When looking for a job, it is worth following pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and job portals.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN JOBS (see current vacancies for pharmacy technicians)
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Sources and useful links
- SPOT – Pharmacy technician: official information on the conditions for practising the profession, areas of work and professional activities.
- SPOT – authorised person for dispensing medicines: conditions for dispensing non-prescription medicines and the competences of the pharmacy technician.
- SPOT – professional examination for healthcare workers and associates: conditions for the traineeship and the professional examination.
- GOV.SI – vocational and professional education: duration and completion of upper secondary vocational education.
- GOV.SI – enrolment in secondary schools 2026/2027: current information on the Pharmacy Technician programme.
- GOV.SI – modernisation of vocational education: information on the revised Pharmacy Technician programme from the 2026/2027 school year.
- Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia: defined posts for pharmacy technicians in the public healthcare sector.
- Faculty of Pharmacy: information on continuing to the integrated master’s programme in Pharmacy.
