Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Pharmacy services

The aim of this apprenticeship is that you achieve qualified status as a Pharmacy technician within the Dispensing Pharmaceutical Industry. Candidates need to be employed in a suitable role in a Pharmacy setting, for at least 21 hrs per week. Please note you need to be working in a Pharmacy in Northern Ireland.

2024/25

10645

Holywood

Full-Time

Further Education

Bio Sciences

Course Overview

The aim of this course is:

The development of the fundamental technical skills and underpinning knowledge and understanding required to become competent in the job role, of Pharmacy Technician, whilst also developing appropriate professional attitudes and behaviours that will support personal success in the learners job role along with long-term success of the employing organisation.

You will also develop a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills to support progression to, and success in, further study and career advancement.

On successful completion the learner will have achieved a nationally-recognised Level 3 qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians, which offers the opportunity to gain professional registration as a pharmacy technician, if accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Please Note:  This is a two-year programme. 

Typically you will be in class for a minimum of one day per week.

You will be required to complete the Pharmacy specific ERR workbook provided by Skills for Health.

You will be required to complete Essential Skills Literacy, Numeracy and ICT if you do not have a GCSE Grade C/4 or above in these subjects.

Course Modules for this programme are:

Principles of Person-Centred Approaches for Pharmacy Technicians
Principles of Health and Safety for Pharmacy Technicians
Personal Development for Pharmacy Technicians
Principles of Health Promotion and Well-being in Pharmacy Services
Contribute to Service Improvement in the Delivery of Pharmacy Services
Principles for the Management of Pharmaceutical Stock
Undertake Medicines Reconciliation and Supply
Principles of Health Promotion and Well-being in Pharmacy Services
Receive, Validate and Issue Prescriptions
Chemical Principles for Pharmacy Technicians
Biological Principles for Pharmacy Technicians
Medicinal and Non-medicinal Treatments for Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Conditions
Medicinal Treatments for Cardio-respiratory Conditions
Medicinal and Non-medicinal Treatments for Malignant Diseases and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Microbiology for Pharmacy Technicians
Actions and Uses of Medicines
Medicinal and Non-medicinal Treatments for Central Nervous System Conditions
Medicinal Methods for the Prevention, Protection from and Treatment of Infections
Medicinal Treatments for Endocrine, Gynaecological and Genitourinary Conditions
Medicinal Treatments for Sensory Organ Conditions
Principles of Safe Manufacture of Quality Medicines in the Pharmaceutical Environment

You are currently working in a community pharmacy environment, having secured a placement as trainee pharmacy technician, in N.Ireland.

There are 21 compulsory units on the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians:

Principles of Person-Centred Approaches for Pharmacy Technicians
Principles of Health and Safety for Pharmacy Technicians
Personal Development for Pharmacy Technicians
Principles of Health Promotion and Well-being in Pharmacy Services
Contribute to Service Improvement in the Delivery of Pharmacy Services
Principles for the Management of Pharmaceutical Stock
Undertake Medicines Reconciliation and Supply
Principles of Health Promotion and Well-being in Pharmacy Services
Receive, Validate and Issue Prescriptions
Chemical Principles for Pharmacy Technicians
Biological Principles for Pharmacy Technicians
Medicinal and Non-medicinal Treatments for Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Conditions
Medicinal Treatments for Cardio-respiratory Conditions
Medicinal and Non-medicinal Treatments for Malignant Diseases and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Microbiology for Pharmacy Technicians
Actions and Uses of Medicines
Medicinal and Non-medicinal Treatments for Central Nervous System Conditions
Medicinal Methods for the Prevention, Protection from and Treatment of Infections
Medicinal Treatments for Endocrine, Gynaecological and Genitourinary Conditions
Medicinal Treatments for Sensory Organ Conditions
Principles of Safe Manufacture of Quality Medicines in the Pharmaceutical Environment

The flexible delivery and assessment approaches, for example virtual learning environments (VLEs), online lectures, video, printable online resources, virtual visits, webcams for distance training, e-portfolios.

The balance of on-the-job and off-the-job training.

The range of teaching and learning methods used to deliver this training effectively while still meeting varying learner needs.

The opportunities to develop and practise the occupational skills of the job.

Learners who achieve the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians can apply for professional registration as pharmacy technicians.

In the longer term, learners can progress to more senior or complex job roles in pharmacy or the healthcare sector.

To be currently working in a pharmacy environment in Northern Ireland as a trainee pharmacy technician or have secured a placement as a trainee pharmacy technician, by the start of the course.
A minimum placement of at least 21 hours per week, and a registered pharmacy professional to act as a supervisor or mentor.
4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and Science. Equivalent qualifications will be considered individually.
An acceptable reference for good character and an acceptable self-declaration for health.

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Caroline Hamilton

Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Pharmacy Services

The course is a two-year apprenticeship which involves attending classes one day per week which is a fantastic option as you can gain your qualification, learn on the job and also get paid.

Available Sessions

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For more information or help with this course please complete an enquiry form.

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

In addition to the above Terms & Conditions students must also adhere to the following:

Students are required to:

Comply with College Policies and procedures
Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates, coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted
Pass all modules in each year of study in order to proceed to the next year of the programme.

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

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