Pharmacy Services Assistant (Level 2)
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Description
The Pharmacy Services Assistant (PSA) works under the supervision of a Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, or other accountable healthcare professional. The PSA provides a variety of pharmacy and medicines services to patients, the public and other professional healthcare teams. The PSA supports the delivery of pharmacy services in a variety of pharmacy environments. A PSA will be involved in supporting the supply, preparation and assembly of medicines and products; issuing them to patients and other healthcare professionals and assisting in providing advice to patients to help them to make effective use of their medicines. They will be responsible for ordering and receiving medicines, as well as their storage, disposal and return. They will have an understanding of healthy lifestyle choices and relevant screening services. They will understand and work to standard operating procedures (SOPs), a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by their organisation to help staff carry out routine operations. SOPs aim to achieve efficiency, quality output and uniformity of performance, while reducing miscommunication and failure to comply with pharmacy regulations.
Duration
15 months
Most Suitable For
Those who wish to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a Pharmacy Services Assistant.
Award
Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant Intermediate Apprenticeship, accredited by GPhC.
Additional Funding
For all Employers:
- If apprentice is under the age of 25, Employer may not have to pay Class 1 Employer National Insurance. Full details and criteria are found here.
- For apprenticeships starting between 1 August 2024 - 31 July 2025, employer may be eligible for £1,000 if apprentice is aged 16 - 18 years old, OR aged 19 - 24 years old and has either an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan provided by their local authority and / or has been in the care of their local authority. Full details and criteria are found within the ESFA Funding Rules.
- Some Councils are providing incentive payments to local small employers who recruit and employ young apprentices. To find out more, including eligibility and how to apply for an incentive, please visit Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub (details within the GRANT presentation)
- Lancashire County Council incentive is £3,000 for 100 Lancashire employers
- Chorley Council incentive is £1,500 for Chorley employers
- Fylde Borough Council incentive is £5,000 for Fylde employers recruiting a new apprentice who is a Fylde resident.
Start Date
Anytime
Teaching Delivery
Online
Key Learning Requirements
Apprenticeships require learners to achieve specific new knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs), which are detailed in the Apprenticeship Standard. These are achieved by;
1) Programme Teaching; 2 hours bi-weekly online teaching sessions plus online resources.
2) Independent study; such as assignment/project research and write up
3) Learning in the workplace; shadowing colleagues, completing programme assigned work based projects, day-to-day development within your current role duties/work activities, reflections with mentor, relevant training sessions.
Modules
This programme has fixed module delivery (you are unable to choose the modules studied). A list of modules is available on the course webpage or course materials. Dispensing of Medicines and Medicinal Products is a mandatory part of this programme. Medicines Counter Assistant learning is optional.
Placements
This programme does not require external placements to be completed, although varied experiences are beneficial.
Assessments
Apprentices will be assessed throughout the programme by assignments, observations, evaluations, work-based learning domains and End Point Assessment.
Key Candidate Entry Requirements
• Employed 30 hours or more per week for the duration of the apprenticeship. The apprenticeship duration may be extended to support staff who work less than this (but no lower than 21 hours).
• Working in an appropriate clinical setting to meet the requirements of the programme. This programme is able to support learners from all areas of pharmacy practice, including community pharmacies, hospitals, dispensing practices and prisons.
• Preferably, evidence of English and Maths at GCSE C/4 or above/Functional Skills Level 2/Equivalent. If the candidate does not have evidence of Maths and English at the relevant level, there are two options;
1. via NHSE funded online revision and exams. Contact Training Hub Apprenticeship Team for more details.
2. Or, Training Provider will support the learner through the relevant learning and exams, alongside their apprenticeship. An initial diagnostic assessment will be completed by the Training Provider at application stage to determine suitability for this option.
Full requirements and details are found on the course webpage/information.
Key Employer Entry Requirements
• Ensure Learner has the support and opportunities to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship
• A registered healthcare professional, pharmacist or pharmacy technician to oversee and support the apprentice’s training
Listed as an Approved Provider under an NHS Procurement
Yes
Application Timescale
It takes on average 2 months to complete all application stages for this programme.
If recruiting to this position, additional time will be required for recruitment and advertising stages.
Additional Training Hub Support
Primary Care Employees:
• Have access to all resources provided by the L&SCPC Training Hub such as Digital training, Health and Wellbeing support and events.
• Visit our
Pharmacy Professionals webpage for more information on Pharmacy roles in Primary Care, plus further training, support and resources.
Pathway
On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Pharmacy Technician.
HASO Apprenticeship pathway tool is available
here Career progression does not have to be linear. Entry criteria may differ per provider and varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience.
Information Last Updated
22/11/24
Programme Resources
If you would like to know anything further about the programme itself, please contact: Skills4Pharmacy on [email protected] or 0161 7940528.
How to Apply
If you would like to discuss or apply for an apprenticeship either for yourself, a member of staff or a vacancy for a new recruit, please complete the appropriate Training Hub Expression of Interest Form from the following options. This allows the apprenticeship team to complete basic pre-checks and to ensure the advice and guidance provided to you is tailored to your service. When relevant, application instructions (including tuition fee and funding instructions) will be sent.
Primary Care Online Expression of Interest Form. If you would like to discuss anything first, please email [email protected] or call Olivia on 07735161775
Social Care Online Expression of Interest Form. If you would like to discuss anything first, please email [email protected] or call Dawn on 07796 060023
