Level 3 Pharmacy Services

You wish to pursue employment as a Pharmacy Technician or wish to progress to further education and employment in the science industry.

There are 19 compulsory units which include these examples:

• Chemical Principles for Pharmacy Technicians
• Biological Principles for Pharmacy Technicians
• Pharmacy Law, Ethics and Practice
• An Introduction to Action and Uses of Medicines
• Pharmaceutics
• Making Medicines
• Communication in Pharmacy
• Professional Development in Pharmacy
• Human Physiology for Pharmacy Technicians
• Microbiology for Pharmacy Technicians  

For the L3 NVQ Diploma in Pharmacy Services:

There are 14 Mandatory Units and at least 3 Optional Units on the Edexcel Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills (QCF) which includes:

• Providing an effective and responsive pharmacy service
• Processing pharmaceutical queries
• Assembling and issuing prescribed items
• Ordering, receiving, maintaining and issuing pharmaceutical stock
• Preparing extemporaneous medicines for personal use

You will develop knowledge, understanding and skills from a pharmacy technician's viewpoint. The course complies with British Pharmacy Legislation and provides an opportunity for career development.  

To fulfil current statutory legislation in Britain students require both qualifications. Upon successful completion of both the NVQ Level 3 and National Diploma in Pharmaceutical science, students will meet the registration requirements of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Students can also progress to Higher Education, such as an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy (GCE in Chemistry may be required).

For the BTEC:

• 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths and Science. Equivalent qualifications will be considered individually.

For the NVQ:

• You must be employed in an appropriate role within a pharmacy (min 14 hours per week)