At Preston College, we’re committed to helping you grow, excel and progress in your pharmacy career.
If you’re a registered Pharmacy Technician looking to advance your career, this specialised 12-month online course is designed to help you take the next step with confidence.
Available to Pharmacy Technicians nationwide, this online programme blends supportive live sessions delivered by an experienced tutor with structured workplace-based mentoring, creating a highly personal and practical learning experience.
You'll benefit from dedicated mentor sessions, ensuring your mentor has the knowledge, skills and confidence to support your development., alongside engaging online tutorials packed with interactive activities. Together, these elements will equip you with the latest skills and expertise you need to stay at the forefront of the pharmacy sector.
Please note, learners are required to source their own workplace mentor who will guide them throughout the course.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Week 1: Introduction to the course and portfolio building; and Regulation & Governance in Dispensing Checking.
Week 2: Quality Assurance of Prescriptions & Products in a Pharmacy; and Checking & Interpreting Prescriptions.
Week 3: Error Detection; Reporting & Analysis in the Dispensing Process; Developing Reflective Practice; and Developing Transferable Skills.
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?
Your learning journey will consist of online course-based sessions, followed by workplace-based learning, designed to support your development throughout the 12-month programme.
As part of the course, you and your mentor will take part in an initial mentor session, ensuring your workplace mentor is fully prepared to guide and support you. You will then attend three weekly online sessions, each delivered as a half-day class by an sector-experienced tutor.
These interactive sessions include activities, presentations, group discussions, and opportunities to connect with Pharmacy Technicians from across the UK. Students join us from a wide range of settings, including hospitals and community pharmacies, giving you the chance to share best practice and gain insights from different areas of the sector.
Alongside online learning, your workplace experience forms a key part of the course. You will demonstrate your developing skills and knowledge through a portfolio of evidence, submitted via OneFile, showcasing how you apply your learning in every day practice.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You will be assessed by 4 main methods:
Completion of underpinning knowledge and a course workbook
Completion of an electronic portfolio of written assignments
Completion of a 1000 item checking log
Completion of an end checking test
You must have a work based mentor who is either a GPhC registered and a practicing accuracy checking pharmacy technician or a GPhC registered pharmacist, with at least 12 months GPhC registration. The mentor must attend a half day mentor training session every two years.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS COURSE COST?
This course has various start dates and study options, please speak to an advisor for the latest information.
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Successful completion of this qualification will allow you to practice as an Accuracy Checking Technician (ACT) and will enhance your career prospects.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
This course has various start dates throughout the year, please contact amcveigh@preston.ac.uk for further information.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must be a GPHC Registered Pharmacy Technician, have at least 6 months' experience as a qualified dispensing technician and completion of a 200 item, error free, dispensing log.
