The University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich has become the first UK higher education institute to offer an accredited course for pharmacy technicians.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has formally accredited UEA’s School of Pharmacy to accept pre-registration pharmacy technicians for training from September 2020 towards a ‘Certificate of Higher Education in Pharmacy Technician Practice (Level 4)’.
Until recently, pharmacy technicians were the only regulated healthcare professionals to be educated outside of a university. This course, therefore, sets a new higher standard for the profession.
The program meets apprenticeship standards and can be accessed by any employer seeking to train pharmacy technicians via this route.
At the core, the course aims to develop pharmacy technicians, not only as experts in medicine supply, but as leaders and managers and to prepare them for the expanding clinical role.
Predominantly delivered online and through virtual study days, there will be a number of face-to-face days planned for elements best delivered in this manner, providing opportunity for practical and peer learning, plus expert tuition.
“This is a truly exciting moment for my profession and for the School of Pharmacy,” said course leader Melanie Boughen of the UEA.
“As a pharmacy technician who has worked hard for our profession to be recognised for the contribution it can make to health, patient care and pharmacy generally, the culmination of training within the University and a high quality School of Pharmacy is most definitely a career highlight and a huge, positive step for the profession and its future role.”
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