The programme, which is open to pharmacy technicians working in community pharmacy, involves a combination of self-directed study, e-learning and practice-based activities with the support of employers.

In a statement released last week (August 2), CPPE said that the programme is designed to assure employers that pharmacy technicians who have completed the course are “able to undertake the role and have the appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviours to deliver high-quality, consistent checks of medicines”.

It added that the course will support pharmacy technicians “in meeting a range of competencies during their training in order to deliver safe and effective patient care”.

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And it said the course varies in length depending on the individual trainee, lasting between three and 12 months. A CPPE representative told C+D that while completing the training in three months is “just about manageable”, six to 12 months “is more the average”.

Ten of the total 60 places funded by NHSE will be available every month from August 1, meaning each staggered cohort will be made up of 10 trainees. CPPE confirmed to C+D that the first 10 funded spaces have already been filled, and said that the next 10 would be released on August 21 “due to this demand”.

The funded places will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis until all 60 places are allocated, or by the end of March 2024.

 

Eligibility criteria

 

Eligible trainees must be registered as a pharmacy technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and must work in a dispensary that dispenses NHS prescriptions that have been clinically screened by a pharmacist.

To complete the course, they will need support from their senior pharmacy manager and must have an educational supervisor to support their training in order to take part in the programme.

Read more: HEE to fund 3,000 independent prescribing places in 2023/24

This educational supervisor must meet all of CPPE’s criteria, which include being a qualified accuracy checking pharmacy technician or pharmacist and having experience of facilitating staff training.

See the full criteria for trainees and educational supervisors here.

Self-funded places will remain available for pharmacy technicians who do not work in community pharmacy, health and justice or in an NHS hospital for a cost of £330 including VAT.