Pharmacy Services Assistants (PSAs) play a vital role in the running of pharmacies across the UK. They provide a range of essential services to patients, including dispensing medication, providing advice on medicines, and taking blood pressure and weight.
Why are Pharmacies in high demand?
- An ageing population. There is an increasing demand for healthcare services, including pharmacy services.
- A rise in chronic diseases. Diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are also on the rise, which is driving demand for pharmacy services.
- A shortage of GPs. This is putting additional pressure on pharmacies.
- An expansion of the role of pharmacists. Pharmacists now provide a range of services such as medication reviews and vaccinations.
- In addition to these factors, the COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of pharmacies in the UK. Pharmacies have played a vital role in the pandemic response, providing essential services such as testing and vaccinations.
- As a result of these factors, the demand for pharmacy services in the UK is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This is good news for people who are interested in a career in pharmacy, as there are likely to be plenty of job opportunities available.
A Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship is a great way to learn the skills and knowledge you need to start a career in pharmacy. The apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with formal learning at a college or training provider, the duration is 12-15 months long.
What will you learn on a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship?
On a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship, you will learn about:
- The different types of medicines and how they work
- How to dispense medication safely and accurately
- How to provide advice on medicines to patients
- How to take blood pressure and weight
- How to use pharmacy software
- How to maintain pharmacy stock levels
- How to keep pharmacy records
- How to deal with customer queries and complaints
For more detailed information on the above please follow – https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/pharmacy-services-assistant/
What are the benefits of doing a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship?
There are many benefits to doing a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship, including:
- You will learn the skills and knowledge you need to start a career in pharmacy
- You will earn a salary while you learn
- You will have the opportunity to gain experience working in a real pharmacy setting
- You will be supported by experienced pharmacy professionals
- You will be eligible for a nationally recognised qualification
What are the career prospects for this level 2 apprenticeship?
- Progress to a Level 3 apprenticeship or higher. Many apprentices choose to progress to higher-level apprenticeships to develop their skills and knowledge further. This can lead to more senior and specialised roles.
- Gain professional qualifications. Some Level 2 apprenticeships can lead to professional qualifications, such as the Pharmacy Technician National Examination (PTN).
- Secure a permanent job with their apprenticeship employer. Many employers offer apprentices a permanent job at the end of their apprenticeship.
Overall, the prospects for people who complete a Level 2 apprenticeship are very good. Apprentices are highly valued by employers, and there is a wide range of job opportunities available to them. Apprentices also have the opportunity to progress to higher-level apprenticeships and professional qualifications, which can lead to even more career opportunities.
What should I consider will be the potential next steps from this Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship?
- After completing an apprenticeship, you could progress to a role as a Senior Pharmacy Services Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, or Pharmacy Dispenser. You could also move into a management role within a pharmacy, or into a related field such as healthcare administration or pharmaceutical sales.
- Progress to a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work as a qualified Pharmacy Technician. Pharmacy Technicians have a wider range of responsibilities than PSAs, including dispensing medications, preparing medications for dispensing, and providing medication counselling to patients.
- Apply for a job as a Pharmacy Technician. Once you have completed your Level 2 apprenticeship, you can apply for jobs as a Pharmacy Technician. Many pharmacies are eager to hire qualified Pharmacy Technicians, so you should have good job prospects.
- Study for the Pharmacy Technician National Examination (PTN). The PTN is a professional qualification for Pharmacy Technicians. Passing the PTN will demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and knowledge to work as a qualified Pharmacy Technician.
- In addition to these next steps, you may also want to consider pursuing further education or training. For example, you could take courses in pharmacy law, ethics, or patient counselling. You could also pursue a degree in pharmacy, which would allow you to become a pharmacist.
What are the exams you will have to take to qualify?
- Assessment Method 1:Knowledge Test
- Assessment Method 2 Simulated Observation with question and answer session
- Assessment Method 3 Professional Discussion Based on a Portfolio of Evidence
- Overall grading
Please see the link here for an in-depth understanding of grading – https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/media/7357/st0299_pharmacy_services_assistant_l2_assessment-plan-for-publishing-20122018em.pdf
What are the desired characteristics?
- Be trustworthy and honest, respectful and caring
- Act with integrity and fair conduct, have the courage to say when something is wrong
- Be a reliable and capable member of the workforce and recognise your value and that of your team
- Display effective interpersonal skills
- Respect patients’ values
What are the desired qualifications?
Apprentices without level 1 English and Maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and Maths before taking the end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeship English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign L.
Overall, if you are interested in a rewarding career, a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship is a great way to get started. Apprenticeships offer many benefits, including earning a salary while you learn, gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced and rewarding career field, pursuing a career that is in high demand, and having the opportunity to progress to higher-level apprenticeships and professional qualifications.
With the right training and experience, you can have a successful and fulfilling career as a Pharmacy Services Assistant. So, if you are thinking about a career in pharmacy, I encourage you to consider a Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant apprenticeship. You won’t be disappointed! Please see this link to find out more – https://www.apprenticetips.com/
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