Newbie here looking to study Pharm Technician course

[Lotti26]

Hi

Im looking for a career change. Currently on maternity leave so have some time to study.

I am from an admin background and holistic therapies so have done anatomy and physiology etc....

Where do I start?

Buttercups looks good.
Which course first?
Technical Certificate and then Level 3 Diploma in Pharm Serv Skills?

Thanks

Lotti

[Buttercups]

Hi

Im looking for a career change. Currently on maternity leave so have some time to study.

I am from an admin background and holistic therapies so have done anatomy and physiology etc....

Where do I start?

Buttercups looks good.
Which course first?
Technical Certificate and then Level 3 Diploma in Pharm Serv Skills?

Thanks

Lotti

Hi Lotti
There are a number of ways you could start transferring over from your current background.
As a starting point for somebody completely new to pharmacy, it may be beneficial to look at Buttercups introductory course entitled 'So you want to work in Pharmacy?’ This course serves as an entry point as to what pharmacy is, what it is about and how to get involved, along with who is who in the pharmacy and what each job entails.
Another route you could take is to undertake the knowledge from the Dispensing Assistants Course. Once this is complete you could seek a voluntary placement of 2-4 hours per week in a pharmacy in order to top up to Level 2 and complete the workbooks from the Dispensing Assistants Course (Level 2 Equivalent). This would give you the qualification required to work as a dispenser and thus a route in to pharmacy.
If you did want to just go straight for the Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills (NVQ)(QCF) then you would need to be working in pharmacy. It is recommended that you should be working, paid or unpaid, for a minimum of 14 hours per week in order to undertake the Level 3 Diploma.
You could potentially complete the knowledge whilst on maternity leave but the evidence portfolio, which makes up the 50% of the qualification, must be completed whilst working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist in a pharmacy environment.
However, undertaking this course with no prior knowledge as a Counter Assistant or Dispenser may hinder your ability to obtain a placement and/or employment in a pharmacy.
If you would like to discuss your options further please call or email Buttercups on 0115 9374936 or training@buttercups.co.uk

[Lotti26]

Thank you very much!

[sparkybw]

To do anything seriously you need a job first in a pharmacy. If you have no prior shop experience then try volunteering in a charity shop as they will train you so that you have some skills to offer. I wouldn't think it is worth starting any formal training until you are in a position to get the practical experience.

[candyfloss]

I agree with sparkybw. You could read up on the internet and try to do some voluntary work in a pharmacy (if you cannot find a paid job in one at the moment). This would give you a good insight into the job and whether you think the job is for you. I love working in a pharmacy. You never know the place you volunteer at could be looking at employing someone in the near future! Good luck!