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Dispensing Assistant Course
The Dispensing Assistant Course offers in-depth knowledge in customer service, teamwork, health & safety, assembly and supply of medicines and working with pharmaceutical stock across the community, hospital and dispensing practice. This course meets the GPhC minimum training requirements for dispensing assistants.
- Develop confidence in the dispensary
- Provides a strong foundation for a knowledgeable and professional dispensing assistant
Related Courses
Medicines Counter Assistant Course
The Medicines Counter Assistant (MCA) Course covers retail skills, the classification of medicines, the use of 2WHAM questions, handling prescriptions, abuse and misuse of medicines, referral to the pharmacist and product knowledge.
Healthcare Assistant Course
The Healthcare Assistant Course has been designed for colleagues whose role requires them to undertake a number of activities within the pharmacy.
Entry Criteria
This course is for those working in a dispensary in a patient facing role. The learner will require a pharmacist, pharmacy technician or accountable GP to act as training supervisor during the course. Additional modules are available for those rotating into a manufacturing unit.Course Overview
This course meets the following units of the GPhC minimum training requirements:
- Assist with the provision of a pharmacy service to meet individuals' needs
- Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety
- Contribute to the effectiveness of teams
- Receive prescriptions
- Assemble prescribed items (includes in-process accuracy check)
- Assist in the issuing of prescribed items
- Receive pharmaceutical stock
- Maintain pharmaceutical stock
- Order routine pharmaceutical stock
- Assist in the issuing of pharmaceutical stock
How is the Course Delivered?
All our courses are delivered by blended learning, via the b-Hive learning system. The course comprises 10 modules, end-of-module quizzes to assess knowledge, Virtual Pharmacy tasks to assess competence, activity books to be signed off by the training supervisor and a Final Test administered under exam conditions.
Support
As well as online access to results and our FAQ section, learners can talk to dedicated tutors year-round, including at evenings and weekends, via our out of hours helpline. In addition, learners are supported throughout their course by a workplace training supervisor who is nominated on enrolment to review and invigilate work based activities and assessments, ensuring the learner is competent in the workplace. To aid them in this role the training supervisor will have access to the b-Hive Learner Analytics dashboard through which they can easily filter and view the progress and expected progress of their learner(s). This dashboard will display real-time data to provide a snapshot of whether a learner is on target or requires further support on a particular area of the course.
Additional Modules for Pharmacy Manufacturing
Additional modules are available for those rotating into a manufacturing unit. Please indicate select the correct enrolment link if you would like to study these modules.
Course Features
Online learning on any device allowing learners to study at home, work or on the go
Interactive quizzes and content throughout the course
Print friendly - our online courses are optimised for printing, even allowing completion of interactive content using QR codes on a smartphone
Accessibility mode enabling those with additional needs to work through the course online
New online end of module tests with instant feedback
New Final Test in our online Test Zone
Real-time course tracking in b-Hive Analytics for the training supervisor
Course Content
Covers the key responsibilities with regards to health and safety, SOPs and safeguarding the public. Learners will understand the roles of the wider team and the importance of team work, and be introduced to effective communication and customer service.
This module teaches the knowledge and skills required to accept prescriptions presented to the dispensary and interpret the information on the prescription to ensure it is ready for dispensing.
This module introduces dispensary equipment, resources, calculations and abbreviations which underpin the dispensing processes required to dispense or label prescription items.
The module covers the practical processes and skills required to safely and hygienically dispense a prescription, including the checks each prescription will undergo.
Learners will understand how to order, receive, maintain and issue dispensary stock, along with any administrative tasks associated with these processes.
This module focuses on the additional legislation and procedures required for handling and dispensing controlled drugs safely.
This module teaches the knowledge and skills required to understand the role of the dispensing assistant in issuing prescriptions to patients and communicating effectively with patients regarding their dispensed medicines.
This module introduces the concept of clinical governance within dispensaries, including error monitoring, error reduction, audits, information governance, whistleblowing and quality payments.
Learners will understand importance of team work, including the wider multidisciplinary team, and develop communication skills and personal practice to deliver high quality care to patients.
This module explores the services offered by pharmacies and other healthcare providers, to improve patient access to medicines, screening, services and advice, and how the dispensing assistant can support the wider team with this.
Additional Modules for Pharmacy Manufacturing - Please Indicate on Enrolment
Covers legislation and guidance in relation to aseptic manufacture, including cGMP, audits, inspections and documentation required to provide quality assurance.
Covers the key processes for labelling, preparing, dispensing and packaging aseptic products in both licensed and unlicensed units.
Covers the processes that are used in the preparation and manufacture of medicinal products, alongside the requirements for packaging, documentation and storage.