Compare STEM careers
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| Dispensing optician | Pharmacy technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. starting salary | £28,000 | £28,000 |
| Degree requirement | Usually required | Not usually required |
| Typical route | GCSE, A levels, Degree, Apprenticeship | GCSE, Apprenticeship, Other routes |
| Work environment | Healthcare | Healthcare |
| People interaction | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-on work | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Less so | Less so |
| Career progression | With experience you could supervise trainees, train as a contact lens optician, work in a hospital or teach. Other options include studying to become an optometrist or running your own practice. | You could become a lead pharmacy technician or department manager, or specialise in clinical work, oncology, paediatrics or clinical trials. Other options include pharmaceutical production, research and development, or training others. Becoming a pharmacist needs further study. |
Salary figures are approximate guidance only.
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