This publication presents a comparative European framework for pharmacy technician education and practice, developed through the PharmTech Mobility Erasmus+ project. Aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), it provides a structured reference for curricula, professional roles, and key competencies, supporting greater transparency, harmonisation, and mobility across Europe.
About the Framework
Developed through comparative research across Ireland, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, this framework reflects both shared priorities and national differences in education, regulation, and scope of practice. It defines the knowledge, skills, and competencies required across different levels of pharmacy technician education, in alignment with the EQF. The framework serves as a practical resource for educators, policymakers, professional bodies, and training providers, supporting curriculum development, system comparison, and alignment with European standards.
Structure of the Framework
The publication is organised into four main chapters:
Chapter 1: Comparative Educational Curricula for Pharmacy Technicians
An EQF-aligned curriculum framework covering scientific knowledge, pharmacy practice, and the integration of work-based learning as a core component.
Chapter 2: Comparative Roles and Responsibilities
A detailed overview of pharmacy technician roles across community and hospital settings, including progression from entry-level to advanced practice.
Chapter 3: Professional and Transferable Skills
Core competencies required for effective practice, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, and digital skills.
Chapter 4: Conclusions and Future Directions
Key findings and recommendations to support alignment and development of pharmacy technician education across Europe.
How to Use This Framework
This publication can support:
Curriculum design and programme development
Benchmarking of education and training systems
Policy and professional recognition discussions
Alignment with European standards (EQF)
Mobility and mutual recognition of qualifications
Impact
This framework supports the development of a more transparent and aligned approach to pharmacy technician education in Europe, contributing to improved professional recognition, enhanced mobility, and strengthened healthcare delivery.
Access the Full Publication
View / Download the Framework: HERE
Publication Details
Title: PharmTech Mobility: Common Educational Framework for Pharmacy Technicians
Year: 2026
Publisher: Edições Politema
Categories: Health & Open Access Publications
ISBN: 978-989-9226-09-8
Keywords:
Pharmacy Technicians, Comparative Educational Curricula, Comparative Roles, Comparative Responsabilities, Professional and Transferable Skill, PharmTech Mobility Project
Authors
Tao Zhang; Seána Hogan; Christine O’Connor; Cristiano Matos; João José Joaquim; Ângelo Jesus; Carolina Valeiro; Isabel Elguero Claramunt; María Jesús Aparicio Cabezas; Antonio Rodrigo Díaz; Alejandra Reyes Moreno
Recommended Citation
APA (7th Edition)
Zhang, T., Hogan, S., Kinsella, G., O’Connor, C., Matos, C., Joaquim, J. J., Jesus, Â., Valeiro, C., Elguero Claramunt, I., Aparicio Cabezas, M. J., Díaz, A. R., & Reyes Moreno, A. (2026). PharmTech Mobility: A comparative and EQF-aligned framework report for pharmacy technician education and practice in Europe. Edições Politema. https://doi.org/10.26537/ed.p.porto.240.
Harvard
Zhang, T. et al. (2026) PharmTech Mobility: A comparative and EQF-aligned framework report for pharmacy technician education and practice in Europe. Porto: Edições Politema. Available at: https://doi.org/10.26537/ed.p.porto.240.
Vancouver
Zhang T, Hogan S, Kinsella G., O’Connor C, Matos C, Joaquim JJ, et al. PharmTech Mobility: A comparative and EQF-aligned framework report for pharmacy technician education and practice in Europe. Porto: Edições Politema; 2026. https://doi.org/10.26537/ed.p.porto.240.
Chicago (Author-Date)
Zhang, Tao, Seána Hogan, Gemma Kinsella, Christine O’Connor, Cristiano Matos, João José Joaquim, Ângelo Jesus, Carolina Valeiro, Isabel Elguero Claramunt, María Jesús Aparicio Cabezas, Antonio Rodrigo Díaz, and Alejandra Reyes Moreno. 2026. PharmTech Mobility: A comparative and EQF-aligned framework report for pharmacy technician education and practice in Europe. Porto: Edições Politema. https://doi.org/10.26537/ed.p.porto.240.