Just for info, I started the course yesterday. It does seem very intense but also interesting. I think it's going to help all of us with our respective jobs. If there are any other Techs out there who may be interested in doing the course or just finding out any more info, just pm me and i'll send you the web link for the University.
Hi
I'm a community Tech and I think this course is definately worth doing from our point of view. There is a wide mix of Techs from varied backgrounds on the course with me. After finishing my NVQ 3, and knowing that the ACT course is more of a practical one, i was wondering what would be the next step and i think this is it. Hopefully.............
I've had health probs and need an op (hopefully this year)....got very behind but hoping to catch up. The course itself is ok but not what I was looking for really. Shame but I don't want to give up on my education.
I am due to finish this course in April and can say have found it great but hard work. I am not academic minded in anyway and struggle with exams, so had my doubts if I could do it. It has been a challenge and its a huge commitment to give 3 years sudying. You have to do a lot in your own time. The benefits I have personnaly gained is vast however I have to say I doubt if it will benefit my chances of promotion as I work in a hospital and its still stuck in the old way of being a member of the click if you know what I mean. To me is about making sure that I am able to do my job well and with the confidence that I actually know the reasons why I can and cant do certain tasks. It gives you a sense of pride in knowing that you are not just following orders blindly. I now have the skills and confidence to feel part of the ward staff ( I work on wards with a pharmacist as a medicince management tech) You do get to learn a lot of new skills and have access to information which you might not have had and it certainly makes you question a lot of things about pharmacy practice. Its still in its infancy as a course and there are certain elements which may not apply to techs. If more techs had access to this course then it will only help in our fight to be respected as a profession, ( a formal qualification is always a boon) I would say go for it but be prepared for hard work. its worth it in the long run.
I agree with some of the things you've said takerrose but i'm now of the opinion that this course is good for folk looking to progress to a more management role as a tech. I was sincerely hoping to increase my Pharmacological knowledge but the first year was all basic stuff most people over the age of 30 have already done in various other jobs. It was like being back at school again and when I was well enough to go, I really felt as though i'd wasted my money and time.
I financed myself entirely and have not had value for my money at all. When I became very ill, I regularly asked for support from the various tutors and other uni staff and received none whatsoever!!!!!!!!!! I think i've just had a very negative experience from this course to be honest and i'm p***** off at the amount of money it's cost me and for what???
I've done other courses since starting and have found them much more appropriate to my job and educational needs. How this course is going to progress, i'm not sure but it REALLY does need to.
Other Techs reading this thread and considering their education, read both Taskerrose's post and mine for a balanced view which may help you see the good and bad sides and assist you in making your mind up if you are interested in this course. Obtain as many details from the uni as poss, consider the uni that does this via distance learning (not sure if there is one) and see if you can be financed. If you have to pay for yourself, I would say honestly that it really is not worth it at this stage. Sorry, i'm moaning again...........
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Re: Foundation Degree In Pharmacy
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