Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Pharmacy Services

This Apprenticeship is suitable for learners who work in, or who are intending to work in (by the time the course starts), the role of pharmacy support staff within a pharmacy setting, in Northern Ireland.

Course Code: P10845
Campus: Holywood
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Bio Sciences

Available Sessions

We have 1 sessions available for application on this course in Holywood.

Why Study This Course

This course is suitable if you are working as a dispensing assistant in the community pharmaceutical sector in Northern Ireland.  It is aimed at those who want to achieve the requirements for the education and training of pharmacy support staff as set out by the General Pharmaceutical Society.

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

Students will benefit from the balance of on-the-job and off-the-job training, as well as the range of teaching and learning methods used to deliver the training effectively, while still meeting varying learner needs.

You will learn the knowledge, understanding and practical skills that are needed to prepare for employment, in the role of a dispensing assistant. The qualification gives learners the opportunity to:

  • develop the fundamental technical skills and underpinning knowledge and understanding to perform their particular role safely and effectively
  • develop appropriate attitudes and behaviours that will support personal success in their job role and the long-term success of their organisation
  • develop a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, to support progression to, and success in, further study and career advancement
  • achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification, recognised by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Course Overview

You must be employed in a suitable role within a Pharmacy, in N.Ireland, for at least 21 hours per week. 

The course will be delivered through a combination of face to face teaching and online teaching (averaging 4 hours per week).  It will be assessed by a combination of assignment work (knowledge based) and assessment in the workplace (skills based).

On successful completion of this apprenticeship you will meet the statutory requirements for working as a pharmacy assistant.

You must complete both the combined competence and knowledge based Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Students without Grade C in Maths and English or Level 2 in Essential skills Literacy or Numeracy, will be required to complete Level 2 in Essential skills Literacy or Numeracy as part of the apprenticeship.

For this framework, the apprentice is required to complete the Pharmacy specific ERR workbook provided by Skills for Health.  This qualification confirms competence in a range of skills undertaken by a Pharmacy assistant, including:

  • Person-centred Care and Communication
  • Principles of Health and Safety for Pharmacy Support Staff
  • Effective Teamwork within Pharmacy Services
  • Personal Development for Pharmacy Support Staff

You will need:

  • to be employed in a suitable role in the Pharmacy sector
  • 5 GCSEs (Grades D/3-G/1) including at least Grade D/3 in English and Maths (or an equivalency, such as Level 1 Essential skills)

Learners undertaking this qualification will need access to a pharmacy, with a minimum placement of at least 21 hours per week, and to a registered pharmacy professional to act as a supervisor or mentor.

Pearson BTEC Level Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff

The learner will need to complete a total of 5 units. Four of these units are mandatory.

Mandatory Units (all 4 to be completed):

  1. Person-centred Care and Communication
  2. Principles of Health and Safety for Pharmacy Support Staff
  3. Effective Teamwork within Pharmacy Services
  4. Personal Development for Pharmacy Support Staff

Optional Units (one to be completed) will be chosen from the following options, depending on workplace:

  1. Dispensing and Supply of Prescribed Medicines and Medicinal Products
  2. Managing Pharmaceutical Stock
  3. Principles of Safe Preparation and Manufacturing of Medicines and Pharmaceutical Products
  4. Selling Over the Counter Medicines and Medicinal Products

In the longer term, learners can progress to a role of trainee Pharmacy Technician, within the sector.

Please note: the entry requirements for L3 Pharmacy Services include 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and Science.

Available Sessions

We have 1 sessions available for application on this course in Holywood.

Enquiries Information

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

Available Sessions

Title Campus Start Spaces Apply or get more information
Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Pharmacy Services
Y10845HF1A-25/26-FT
Holywood
01/09/2025
 15
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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.

Further Education

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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