Role of the pharmacy services assistant
Understanding the role, responsibilities and professional standards of a PSA.
Healthcare & Pharmacies
Pharmacy Services Assistant Level 2
A pharmacy services assistant will assist with the supply, preparation, and assembly of medicines and products, as well as with dispensing them to patients and other healthcare professionals and advising patients on how to utilise their medications effectively.
- Sector
- Healthcare & Pharmacies
- Duration
- 12 to 15 Months
- Level
- Level 2
- Delivery
- Work based, employer led
- Overview
A pharmacy services assistant will assist with the supply, preparation, and assembly of medicines and products, as well as with dispensing them to patients and other healthcare professionals and advising patients on how to utilise their medications effectively. They will be in charge of placing and receiving orders, as well as storing, disposing of, and returning medications.
- Off the job training
A minimum of six hours a week across 12 to 15 months, with progress reviews every 8 to 12 weeks.
- End Point Assessment
-
Three parts once on programme learning is complete. Awarded by Highfield.
- A multiple choice knowledge test of 90 minutes
- A simulated observation with questions and answers
- A professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
- What Next?
Read the full course guide, then apply online.
Course content
Fifteen applied modules
Fifteen modules, each applied directly in your pharmacy. The programme moves from the role, health and safety and teamwork, through communication, law and ethics and prescriptions, to stock management, patient counselling and person centred care.
Health and safety
Working safely and keeping colleagues, patients and the public safe.
Teamwork
Working effectively within the pharmacy team to deliver safe, quality services.
Communication
Communicating clearly with patients, colleagues and healthcare professionals.
CPD
Building habits of reflection, self development and continuous learning.
Pharmacy law and ethics
Applying pharmacy law, ethics and professional standards daily.
Receiving a prescription
Receiving and checking prescriptions accurately to SOPs.
The drug tariff
Understanding the drug tariff and its role in supply and reimbursement.
Controlled drugs
Handling, storing and recording controlled drugs safely and legally.
Calculations
Carrying out accurate pharmaceutical calculations in everyday dispensing.
Assembling a prescription
Assembling prescriptions accurately, safely and efficiently.
Dispensing errors
Recognising, reporting and learning from dispensing errors.
Managing stock
Ordering, receiving, maintaining and issuing pharmacy stock correctly.
Giving out a prescription
Handing out prescriptions and counselling patients on their medicines.
Person centred care
Delivering person centred care and supporting healthy lifestyle choices.
For employers
What your apprentice will do for you
Dispense safely
Supply, preparation and assembly of medicines and medicinal products.
Advise patients
Support that helps patients use their medicines effectively.
Manage your stock
Ordering, receiving, storage, disposal and returns handled properly.
Stay legal and ethical
Communication, pharmacy law and ethics applied every day.
Put people first
Person centred care, healthy lifestyle choices and screening services.
Work as one team
Effective teamwork with pharmacists and healthcare professionals.
Who is it for?
The Pharmacy Services Assistant is for any individual who will be willing to understand and work to standard operating procedures (SOPs), a set of step by step instructions compiled by their organisation to help staff carry out routine operations. SOPs aim to achieve efficiency, quality output and uniformity of performance, while reducing miscommunication and failure to comply with pharmacy regulations.
Key Responsibilities may include:
A Pharmacy Service Assistant will be involved in supporting the supply, preparation and assembly of medicines and products, issuing them to patients and other healthcare professionals and assisting in providing advice to patients to help them to make effective use of their medicines. They will be responsible for ordering and receiving medicines, as well as their storage, disposal, and return.
Occupations may include:
Pharmacy Assistant, Senior Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Manager.
Entry requirements
Suited to new recruits and existing staff in a community or hospital pharmacy. Apprentices work towards Level 1 English and maths in line with the funding rules.
Roles and progression
Prepares your apprentice for Pharmacy Services Assistant roles in community and hospital settings. Typical progression is Pharmacy Technician Level 3.
Ready to start, or want to talk it through first? Apply online in about five minutes, or call the team.
Apply now 01254 679998