Nelson Mandela University

Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support

Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health

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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Title:

Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support

Purpose:

This qualification aims to produce a Pharmacy Technician who will be able to function in the main areas of pharmacy, including manufacturing, wholesale, community, or institutional pharmacy, in both the public and private sectors. The qualified Pharmacy Technician will work under the supervision of a Pharmacist, following standard operating procedures approved by the supervising Pharmacist. Responsibilities may include general housekeeping, administrative tasks, stock control, and manufacturing and compounding of medicines (both sterile and non-sterile).

In community and institutional pharmacies, the Pharmacy Technician will work under the physical supervision of a Pharmacist. In certain circumstances, like in a Primary Health Care Clinic, they may work under the supervision of a Pharmacist who is not physically present but is in direct contact with the Pharmacy Technician. In manufacturing and wholesale pharmacies, the Pharmacy Technician may perform defined functions without direct oversight, following Batch Manufacturing Documents and approved standard operating procedures.

Rationale:

The Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support, NQF Level 6, aligns with the National Human Resources Health Plan by addressing the need for mid-level workers to provide pharmaceutical services in South Africa. It builds upon the technical knowledge and skills acquired in the Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support, NQF Level 5, offering a career progression for individuals in the field of Pharmacy. Completion of this qualification allows learners to potentially be registered as Pharmacy Technicians by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).

Outcomes

  1. Apply relevant knowledge to provide technical support in pharmacy services.
  2. Provide technical support to compound, manipulate and prepare sterile and non-sterile medicines and Scheduled substances in compliance with standards as described in Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) RULES and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines under the supervision of a pharmacist.
  3. Provide technical support under the supervision of a Pharmacist to manufacture, package and re-package sterile and non-sterile medicines and scheduled substances in compliance with GMP guidelines.
  4. Provide technical support to order, manage, dispatch and dispose of medicines, scheduled substances, medical supplies and devices, in compliance with Good Wholesale and Distribution Practice (GWDP) and legal requirements.
  5. Provide technical support to dispense prescriptions for patients in compliance with applicable legislation and GPP.
  6. Provide Schedule 0 and 1 medicines in accordance with legal requirements, including GPP.
  7. Manage the dispensary in a Primary Health Care Clinic under the supervision of a pharmacist. Either:
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of the management of common chronic conditions. Or
  9. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of complementary medicines. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  1. Legislation: Explain legislation related to pharmacy services in South Africa (e.g. Medicines and Related Substance Act).
  2. Ethical and Professional Conduct: Demonstrate professional conduct in providing pharmacy technical support services.
  3. Pharmaceutical Terms: Define and apply basic pharmaceutical terms in sterile drug delivery systems.
  4. Scientific Principles: Apply basic scientific principles in sterile pharmaceutical preparations.
  5. Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutic Principles: Explain principles used in treating common chronic conditions.
  6. Screening Tests: Perform screening tests according to Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  1. GPP Principles: Explain principles related to compounding sterile medicines.
  2. Sterile Admixtures: Compound sterile medicines for specific patients following SOPs and aseptic techniques.
  3. Record Keeping: Generate records for all preparations made according to legal requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  1. Pharmaceutical and GMP Principles: Explain principles related to manufacturing sterile medicines.
  2. Resource Organization: Organize resources for preparing specific medicines according to process documentation.
  3. Line-Clearance: Perform line-clearance according to GMP.
  4. Line Opening and Closing: Perform line opening and closing following GMP.
  5. Manufacturing Process: Maintain and control the manufacturing process according to GMP.
  6. Document Completion: Complete related documents and maintain records according to GMP.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  1. Ordering and Receipt: Organize ordering and receipt of medicines and supplies according to GMP.
  2. Stock Management: Manage and secure stock according to legal requirements.
  3. Dispatch: Organize dispatch of medicines and supplies according to GMP.
  4. Disposal: Manage disposal of expired items according to legislation.
  5. Record Keeping: Complete documents and maintain records as per SOP.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  1. Communication: Communicate with patients professionally and with sensitivity.
  2. Prescription Assessment: Assess prescriptions for compliance with healthcare guidelines.
  3. Dispensing: Dispense prescriptions following organizational procedures and legislation.
  4. Referral: Refer patients or prescriptions to a pharmacist as needed.
  5. Record Maintenance: Maintain records according to legislative requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  1. Communication: Obtain relevant information from patients professionally.
  2. Decision Making: Decide on a course of action in consultation with a pharmacist.
  3. Medicine Provision: Provide medicines or advice following GPP.
  4. Referral: Refer patients to a pharmacist as necessary.
  5. Record Keeping: Complete and file records according to GPP.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  1. Resource Management: Manage resources according to operational and legal requirements.
  2. Supervision Principles: Explain principles of supervision in pharmaceutical practice.
  3. Time Management: Explain principles of time management in pharmaceutical practice.
  4. Team Building: Explain principles of team building in pharmaceutical practice.
  5. Communication: Establish effective lines of communication in the workplace.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  1. Chronic Conditions: Explain the aetiology and epidemiology of common chronic conditions.
  2. Preventive Measures: Explain preventive measures for chronic conditions.
  3. Referral: Describe circumstances for referring chronic condition patients to other healthcare providers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  1. Complementary Medicines: Explain philosophies and principles of complementary medicines.
  2. Sale of Complementary Medicines: Describe responsibilities and limitations of selling complementary medicines.
  3. Regulations: Explain regulations regarding complementary medicines.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Continuous Assessment: Utilize various assessment tools like written tests, assignments, practicals, and oral assessments.
  • Integration: Assess how learners integrate concepts across different Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Quality: Assess both performance quality and the underlying thinking.
  • Assessment Methods: Include a mix of practical and theoretical assessments to gauge competence.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Certificate
NQF Level
06
Min. Credits
140
SAQA Source
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Nelson Mandela University
Nelson Mandela University
Description
Nelson Mandela University is a comprehensive university located in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of three institutions, and it is named after the iconic South African leader, Nelson Mandela. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law. It is known for its commitment to social justice, transformation, and community engagement. Nelson Mandela University strives to provide quality education, promote research and innovation, and contribute to the development of the region and the country as a whole.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.