Level 2 Pharmacy Support Worker Course
Are you working in a specialist or niche pharmacy role? This flexible course is tailored to you, building the knowledge and skills needed for effective practice.
Please note: We cannot accept applications from self-funded learners. The programme must be supported by an employer.
Course overview
Our Pharmacy Support Worker Course is designed to offer maximum learning flexibility, allowing you to build a programme that matches your role and responsibilities within the pharmacy sector. Technical Modules are grouped into skill bundles aligned to National Occupational Standards (NOS), so you can select the learning pathway that’s most relevant to you.
Each skill bundle sets out the skills and competencies required, helping you develop confidence and capability in your role. This 'pick and mix' structure also makes it easier to adapt your learning if you’re moving into a new role or progressing your career within a pharmacy setting.
All learners must complete the two Core Modules, which meet the National Occupational Standard of PHARM01: Assist with the provision of a pharmacy service. These only need to be completed once – if you have already completed the Core Modules, only the Technical Modules are required.
| Skill bundle and NOS | Technical Modules to be completed | Online course cost |
| Receive prescriptions NOS: PHARM07: Receive prescriptions |
|
£27 (+VAT) |
| Assemble prescribed items* NOS: PHARM09: Assemble prescribed items |
|
£97 (+VAT) |
|
Order, receive, maintain and supply pharmaceutical stock
|
|
£38 (+VAT) |
|
Assist in the issuing of prescribed items |
|
£27 (+VAT) |
|
Provide advice on non-prescribed medicines and products |
|
£54 (+VAT) |
*Please note: for the assemble prescribed items skill bundle, you will also need to select the skill bundle for order, receive, maintain and supply pharmaceutical stock, in order to develop sufficient knowledge and skills in stock management for safe dispensing. Please contact Buttercups Training if you already have prior experience in stock management and you wish to select the assemble prescribed items skill bundle.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal if you work in a pharmacy environment in a niche, non-traditional role. For example, where:
You are only involved in receiving prescriptions
You are only involved in assembling prescribed items, such as in assembly hubs
You are only involved in handing out prescriptions
Your job does not fit into the traditional roles of dispensing, stock management or working on the medicines counter, or involve a combination of these roles
You will require a pharmacist or pharmacy technician to act as your workplace training supervisor during the course.
How the course is delivered
The course is delivered by blended learning, via the b-Hive learning system. It includes end-of-module quizzes to assess knowledge, Virtual PharmacyTM scenarios to assess competence, activity books, witness testimonies and Final Tests administered under exam conditions.
You will be supported throughout your course by a dedicated Buttercups tutor and your workplace training supervisor.
- Course information
Duration
Flexible, depending on the skill bundles selectedStudy modes
Blended learning, via the b-HiveCost
See fees section for detailsProgramme level
Level 2Accreditation
Accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
Course structure
Working in a Pharmacy Environment
This module provides an introduction to working in a pharmacy environment. It covers the key responsibilities regarding health and safety, standard operating procedures (SOPs), laws and regulations, including information governance and safeguarding the public, including whistleblowing. You will be introduced to the requirements of learning and development, and its importance in delivering high-quality care to patients.
Teamwork and Person-Centred Care
You will understand the roles of the pharmacy team, including the wider multidisciplinary team, and the importance of teamwork, and be introduced to effective communication and customer service. You will be introduced to the concept of person-centred care and the communication skills required to deliver high-quality support to patients.
Receiving and Interpreting Prescriptions
This module teaches the knowledge and skills required to accept prescriptions presented to the dispensary and interpret the information on them to ensure they're ready for dispensing.
Knowledge for Assembling Prescriptions
This module introduces dispensary equipment, resources, calculations and abbreviations which underpin the processes required to dispense or label prescription items.
Skills for Assembling Prescriptions
This module covers the practical processes and skills required to safely and hygienically dispense a prescription, including the checks each prescription will undergo.
Stock
You will understand how to order, receive, maintain and supply pharmaceutical stock, along with any administrative tasks associated with these processes.
Controlled Drugs
This module focuses on the additional legislation and procedures required for handling and dispensing controlled drugs safely.
Handing Out Prescriptions and Patient Counselling
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 them regarding their dispensed medicines.
Clinical Governance
This module introduces the concept of clinical governance within dispensaries, including error monitoring, error reduction, audits, information governance and quality payments.
Wider Pharmacy Services
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.
Your Role as an HCA
This module focuses on the considerations for selling over-the-counter medicines and providing healthcare advice, including protocols for questioning customers at the medicines counter, and the misuse and abuse of over-the-counter medicines.
Pain and Analgesia
This module is about pain, outlining the common minor ailments causing it, along with drug treatments available to treat it.
Coughs and Colds
This module covers coughs and colds, their symptoms, treatments, the questions to ask and advice you should be giving, as well as reasons to refer.
Gastrointestinal Problems
This module covers gastrointestinal problems, their symptoms, treatments, the questions to ask and advice that should be given, as well as reasons to refer.
Travel and Summer Health
This module covers the medicines required by travellers, both to treat and prevent disease.
Ears, Eyes and Mouth
This module is about problems of the ears, eyes and mouth, their symptoms, treatments, the questions to ask and advice that should be given, as well as reasons to refer.
Skin, Hair and Feet
This module is about problems associated with skin, hair and feet, their symptoms, treatments, the questions to ask and advice that should be given, as well as reasons to refer.
Women's Health and Men's Health
This module covers some minor ailments suffered by specific genders, how to treat them effectively and when to refer.
Healthy Lifestyles
The medicines counter assistant has an important role to play in promoting wellbeing and healthy lifestyles to the public. This module covers some of the healthy messages and advice that should be given to patients.
Course features
How to apply
To apply for the programme, please complete the enrolment form.
You will need to be employed and supported by your employer to enrol on this programme. We cannot accept applications from self-funded learners.