Role and Responsibilities of an Accuracy Checking Technician

Accuracy checking technicians have various roles and responsibilities, including:

• Performing a final accuracy check on any medication before it’s given to patients.
• Returning prescriptions to the pharmacist or dispenser if an error is identified.
• Monitoring the dispensary workload in cooperation with the responsible pharmacist to ensure it remains at a safe level.
• Supervising the work of pharmacy assistants and more junior pharmacy technicians.
• Reviewing dispensing incidents and errors to help prevent future occurrences.

In addition to these specialized tasks, ACTs also carry out the regular duties of a pharmacy technician.

ACT’s will also carry out the regular duties of a pharmacy technician alongside their accuracy technician roles and responsibilities. Find out more about what pharmacy technicians do in our post about how to become a pharmacy technician.

Essential Checklist for Pharmacy Accuracy Checking

Accuracy checking pharmacy technicians should follow a checklist to ensure thoroughness:

• Verify patient information matches the prescription.
• Check the medication name, dosage, and quantity against the prescription.
• Ensure correct labeling and packaging.
• Confirm any special instructions are clearly communicated.
• Document any errors and communicate them to the responsible pharmacist.

How to Become an Accuracy Checking Technician

To become an ACT, pharmacy technicians must undertake an ACT course. Eligibility requirements include:

• Being registered as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
• Having worked at their current workplace for at least six months as a pharmacy technician.
• Demonstrating the ability to accurately dispense medication (with references confirming this).
• Identifying a facilitator at their current workplace. The facilitator must be a pharmacist or an experienced accuracy checking pharmacy technician who can offer support, guidance, and feedback throughout the course.

Pharmacy accuracy checking technician courses typically take three to nine months and cover common dispensing and medication errors, the psychology of errors, how to perform thorough dispensing checks, and a refresher on pharmaceutical calculations. The course usually includes an exam and assessments through end-of-module MCQ tests.

Where Can I Do An Accuracy Checking Technician Course?

There are several approved providers of Pharmacy Accuracy Checking Technician courses, including:

• Buttercups Training

• National Pharmacy Association

• City and Guilds

• Pearson/Edexcel

Job Opportunities for Accuracy Checking Technicians

Accuracy checking technicians often take on more responsibility within their pharmacy. As the person responsible for the final checks of prescriptions, you may assume a more senior role, supervising the work of junior members. This experience can broaden your skillset and enhance your CV. To explore roles available across the UK right now click here.

Benefits of Becoming an Accuracy Checking Technician

While the additional study and exams may seem daunting, the benefits of becoming an ACT are significant. You'll have greater responsibility, potentially higher pay, and more opportunities for career advancement. The role allows you to contribute significantly to patient safety and the efficiency of the pharmacy.

By understanding the role, responsibilities, and the path to becoming an accuracy checking technician, you can make an informed decision about pursuing this rewarding career.