Counterculture 34: Training and qualifications

Millie, a school student who recently had a week's work experience at the OTC Pharmacy, has now been taken on as a Saturday assistant. Senior medicines counter assistant Amanda and pharmacy technician Claire are talking about her during a break in the staff room.

Amanda says, "Millie's really bright – she asked some very intelligent questions and made some useful suggestions when she was on work experience here. And she's told me that she enjoyed it here so much that she wants to be a pharmacist. She's studying for her A-levels now."

Claire replies: "Yes, I was thinking about pharmacy as a possible career for my Olivia if she's good enough. She's taking her GCSEs next year and she's very good at maths and science."

"What about you, Claire?" says Amanda, "You're an accredited checking technician (ACT) now. Couldn't you go on to become a pharmacist? It's just one step up, isn't it, and you'd earn a lot more?"

"No, there's a lot more to it than that. And I think I'm too old now to take it on. Anyway, I'm quite happy here as I am."

"Me too," replies Amanda. "I've never really been academic and this job is interesting and suits me fine. And there is a range of roles you can train for in community pharmacy."


Questions
 

1. What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and an ACT, and how do their responsibilities differ from a pharmacist's?
2. What would Claire have to do if she wanted to become a pharmacist?
3. What are the other roles available in community pharmacy and what are the training requirements?

Answers

1. Pharmacy technicians are trained to undertake the technical functions involved in the preparation and supply and dispensing of medicines. They are also qualified to sell OTC medicines and provide information to customers on symptoms. They are trained to S/NVQ level 3. They have to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in the same way as pharmacists. An ACT has had additional training and experience to allow them to check the accuracy of prescriptions dispensed by another staff member before the medicines are given out to patients. Pharmacists are always responsible for making sure that medicines on prescriptions are suitable and safe for a patient to use and for the dispensing process overall.
  
2. Get a degree in pharmacy at the end of a 4 year full-time university course, followed by a year's practical training and passing a registration exam. University entry requirements are normally three A-levels, including chemistry, at high grades. A mature student like Claire might get some concessions on these.
 
3. Medicines Counter Assistant (MCA): trained to S/NVQ level 2 on a course approved by the GPhC, to assist in the sale of non-prescription medicines, receipt of prescriptions, handing out of completed dispensed items and giving advice on health matters. Dispensing/pharmacy Assistant: trained as for MCA to assist in the functions involved in dispensing.