Foundation Practice Programme for Registered Pharmacy Technicians
Deliver exceptional patient care by developing your pharmacy knowledge and skills in line with the GPhC's latest professional and training standards.
Course overview
Ideal for professionals who wish to update their existing skill set, the Foundation Practice Programme for Registered Pharmacy Technicians is mapped to the General Pharmaceutical Council's (GPhC) standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians. The course will cover how person-centred care, teamwork, communication and professionalism can be applied to practice so you can contribute to excellent pharmacy service and offer the best possible patient support.
On completion of the Foundation Practice Programme, you will have the chance to undertake the optional Introduction to Primary Care Practice module. This provides an introduction to working as a pharmacy technician in primary care and is aimed at those who are new to a primary care role, such as working in a GP practice, primary care organisation (e.g. a Primary Care Network) or care home.
The content of the optional module has been mapped to the National Competency Framework for Primary Care Pharmacy Technicians, led by the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) in collaboration with the Primary Care Pharmacy Association (PCPA). Details of how to enrol on the optional module are included on the enrolment form.
Who is the course for?
The programme is designed for pharmacy technicians working in all sectors of practice. It is particularly aimed at pharmacy technicians who completed their initial training using the older education standards for pharmacy technicians that required an NVQ.
How the course is delivered
The Foundation Practice Programme and the Introduction to Primary Care Practice module are delivered by online blended learning, including interactive e-learning activities, videos, case studies and work-based assignments. These are hosted on our e-learning platform, the b-Hive.
You will be supported throughout your course by a dedicated Buttercups tutor and your workplace mentor.
- Course information
Duration
Foundation Practice Programme: 12 months
Optional module: 3 monthsStudy modes
Blended learning, via the b-HiveCost
Foundation Practice Programme: £200+VAT
Foundation Practice Programme + optional module: £300+VAT
Course structure
Person-Centred Care
Introduces person-centred care and how to apply the principles of shared decision making during consultations with patients. The module covers supporting and communicating with people with different needs, values and beliefs.
Evidence-Based Medicine
Discusses how evidence-based medicine is applied to clinical practice and how pharmacy professionals can ensure that they use reliable sources of medicine-related information. The module covers the use of local and national guidelines to inform clinical decisions.
Medicines Optimisation
Introduces the principles of medicines optimisation, taking a medication history, patient counselling and medication reviews.
Leadership and Management - Part 1
Introduces the knowledge and skills required for leadership, including professionalism, coaching, giving feedback, problem solving and managing conflict. The module also introduces how effective prescribing in the NHS is achieved through use of guidelines, formularies and shared-care protocols.
Leadership and Management - Part 2
This module covers various aspects of clinical governance, including safe and secure handling of medicines, stewardship of medicines, principles of audit and risk management. It introduces regulation within pharmacy, including the role of GPhC inspections.
Introduction to Primary Care Practice
This optional module introduces what happens in a GP practice, including the roles and responsibilities of the practice team. The module covers a wide range of subjects, including how to conduct an audit, clinical assessment and monitoring, medicines management in care homes, and infection prevention and control.
Course features
How to apply
To apply for the programme, please complete the enrolment form.