Anyone working in a pharmacy who supplies medicine as part of their role must undertake a GPhC accredited medicines counter assistant course. Unregistered pharmacy staff must be enrolled on a training programme within three months of commencing their role and the programme must be completed within a three-year time period.

Medicines Counter Assistants are the first people customers interact with in a community pharmacy. It is their job not only to advise patients correctly about their health needs but also to act as brand ambassadors for the business. They need the knowledge and confidence to talk to customers and promote the pharmacy as a hub for healthy living advice and care.

This course is designed to help pharmacists support colleagues to be able to confidently advise customers on common ailments and know when to refer to a pharmacist. Colleagues who successfully complete this course will achieve the recognised qualification of Medicine Counter Assistant.