Student technician training has evolved significantly over recent years since the introduction of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in pharmacy services in 1997.
Technician training
Student technician
training has evolved significantly over recent years since the introduction of
the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in pharmacy services in
1997. This is a competency-based training programme, consisting of a total of
nine (seven core and two optional) units that the student undertakes in the
workplace. The student must demonstrate consist-ent competence in a range of
activities and undergoes assessment by local work-based tutors. The tutors must
gain formal qualifications that help to ensure that they are able to judge
evidence fairly and consistently.
In addition to the
work-based units, students must also gain evidence of their underpinning
knowledge. This may be achieved in several ways – some hospitals use
distance-learning packages, such as those provided by the National
Pharmaceutical Association or the Buttercups scheme. Others attend Further
Education Colleges to undertake specific Business and Technology Council (BTEC)
courses in order to attain the required under-pinning knowledge.
After qualification,
many hospital pharmacy technicians take up further structured postqualification
training in order to develop new roles within and take on additional
responsibilities. The need for formal training and accreditation to perform
these new roles is well developed.
The first major
development for technician training was the introduction of technician checking
schemes, which have allowed technicians to perform the final accuracy check of
dispensed items. Most NHS regions have now developed accredited schemes that
specify the training that an individual must undergo, and the mechanisms for
assessment. Upon completion of all stages they gain formal accreditation, which
can be recognised by other NHS employers.
Pharmacy technicians
also develop other roles working more closely with patients to improve
medicines management. A range of schemes to enable accreditation of technicians
in medicines management, technical services and medicines information is
available.
In tandem with the
developing roles of pharmacists and pharmacy techni-cians, pharmacy assistants
are offered appropriate support to underpin the roles that they are now
performing within the pharmacy. This staff group undertake training relevant to
their roles and to meet the requirements of the RPSGB for training of support
staff,
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