Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician (PRPT) programme

Pre-registration pharmacy technician (PRPT) programme

HEIW deliver a Pre-registration Pharmacy Technician training programme via a Welsh Government funded Apprenticeship Framework.

The Apprenticeship Framework comprises of:

  • Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice (Level 4)
  • Essential Skills Wales Level 2:
    • Application of number
    • Communication
    • Digital literacy

Training Programme

The 'work-based' training programme is delivered as blended learning with virtual and face to face study events and controlled assessments. PRPTs are required to demonstrate application of knowledge and competency within a pharmacy setting. Attendance at study events is a mandatory element of the training programme. Progression into Year 2 is dependent on successful completion of Year 1

The Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice comprises of two overarching modules (1).

  • Safeguarding
  • Medicine disposal
  • Risk management
  • Stock management
  • Professional development
  • Medicines validation
  • Dispensing Accuracy
  • Public health
  • Professional pharmacy
  • Patient counselling
  • Critical incident
  • Professioanl practice

  • Professional development
  • Understanding the principles of audit and quality improvement
  • Medical emergencies (providing first aid)
  • Enhanced roles for pharmacy technicians
  • Leadership
  • Dealing with complaints
  • Accuracy checking
  • Medicines management
  • Advanced checking

PRPTs need to complete Essential Skills Wales Level 2 alongside the Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice unless they can demonstrate prior achievement via certification.

Entry requirements

To complete the training programme individuals must be employed within a pharmacy setting.

The entry criteria for the training programme are a minimum of 4 GCSEs grade A* - C (new grades 9 - 4) or equivalent including:

  • GCSE English at Grade C/ Level 4 or above

Equivalent - Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent English language evidence which can include Functional Skills Level 2 or Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 2

  • GCSE Maths at Grade C/Level 4 or above

Equivalent - Scottish National 5 or above, or equivalent evidence of numeracy which can include Functional Skills Level 2 or Essential Skills Wales Application of Number Level 2

  • GCSE Science at Grade C/Level 4 or above or Scottish National 5 or equivalent

Applicants will be required to prove copies of their qualifications at point of application. Replacement certificates can be obtained through the awarding body of the qualifications.

Where an applicant has achieved overseas qualifications to meet the entry it is their responsibility to prove that they meet the entry via applying from the UK National Agency for international qualifications and skills. (www.enic.org.uk)

Where existing employees within a pharmacy setting have not achieved the qualifications to meet the entry criteria HEIW provide a funded opportunity to complete those qualifications via the ‘Access To’ programme.

Commitments

The pharmacy site is required to commit to allocating the PRPT a minimum of 4 hours protected study time each week throughout the two-year programme.

The PRPT will also need to dedicate their own time to the training programme if they are to successfully achieve the required outcomes.

The training programme requires the Pre-Registration pharmacy technician to be supported by a named Educational Supervisor at the pharmacy site. The Educational Supervisor must be registered with GPHC and can a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

The Educational Supervisor is required to:

  • Work directly with the PRPT.
  • Attend a virtual one-day induction training event with the HEIW partner training organisation.
  • Attend forums and standardisation throughout the 2 years (attendance to at least one of these events is mandatory to remain as Educational Supervisor).
  • Access the PRPT's portfolio to sign off evidence uploaded by the PRPT.
  • Confirm recorded off the job learning hours.
  • Complete and record 2 weekly meetings with the PRPT.
  • Complete observations of the PRPT within the pharmacy site. The observations will be used as evidence within the PRPT portfolio.
  • Develop a training plan in partnership with HEIW to enable the PRPT to meet the requirements of the training programme.

PRPTs and the Educational Supervisor are supported by named individuals at HEIW and their partner training organisation. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians within the pharmacy setting can also support the PRPT in the role of a Clinical Supervisor. Clinical Supervisors. Clinical Supervisors need to attend a virtual half day induction training event with the HEIW partner training organisation.

The named HEIW individual will visit the pharmacy site throughout the training programme to complete observation of PRPT practice. They will also complete mandated Apprenticeship reviews within every 61 days with the PRPT and Educational Supervisor or line manager.

Applications

HEIW recruit to the training programme biannually for start dates in February and September.

Opportunities within NHS Wales are advertised via NHS Jobs (www.jobs.nhs.uk)

NHS contractor employees can apply directly to HEIW (Community Employed Application Form)

NHS contractor applicants must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours each week to meet the requirements of the training programme. Community pharmacy contractors are allocated a bursary to the branch the PRPT is based to support the allocation of protected study time.

References

(1) Referenced from the University of East Angelia student handbook

Related links