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Support Staff Course for Dispensing Assistants

The Support Staff Course for Dispensing Assistants offers in-depth knowledge in person-centred care, teamwork, health & safety, assembly and supply of medicines and working with pharmaceutical stock across the community and hospital pharmacies and dispensing practice.

  • Develop confidence in the dispensary
  • Provides a strong foundation for a knowledgeable and professional dispensing assistant
Course Details
Online Course Cost
£162 (+VAT)
Duration
12 Months
Accredited by
The content of this course is accredited by the GPhC
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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 the workplace training supervisor during the course.

Important Information

We cannot accept applications from self-funded learners. The employer is required to support this programme.

Course Overview

This course meets the GPhC (2020) minimum requirements for the education and training of pharmacy support staff and the following National Occupational Standards:

  • PHARM01: Assist with the provision of a pharmacy service
  • PHARM07: Receive prescriptions
  • PHARM09: Assemble prescribed items
  • PHARM12: Order pharmaceutical stock
  • PHARM13: Receive pharmaceutical stock
  • PHARM14: Maintain pharmaceutical stock
  • PHARM15: Supply pharmaceutical stock
  • PHARM32: Assist in the issuing of prescribed items

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 PharmacyTM scenarios to assess competence, activity books to be signed off by the workplace training supervisor and Final Tests 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 at 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 workplace training supervisor will complete a workplace training supervisor course on the b-Hive, to provide them with support and resources to guide and assess their learner(s). They 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). The 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.

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
Online end of module tests with instant feedback
Final Tests in our online Test Zone
Real-time course tracking in b-Hive Analytics for the workplace training supervisor
Course Content

Provides an introduction to working in a pharmacy environment. This module covers the key responsibilities with regards to health and safety, SOPs, laws and regulations including information governance, and safeguarding the public including whistleblowing. Learners will be introduced to the requirements of learning and development, and its importance in delivering high quality care to patients.

Learners 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. Learners will be introduced to the concept of person-centred care and the communication skills required to deliver high quality care to patients.

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.

This 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 supply pharmaceutical stock, along with any administrative tasks associated with these processes.

This module focuses on the additional legislation and procedures required for handing 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 and quality payments.

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.