Pharmacy undergraduate training programme (supplements study)

This course provides pharmacy undergraduate students undertaking placements or employment in community pharmacies with essential knowledge and skills in relation to:

  • Practice
  • University exams
  • Foundation training
  • Obtaining a foundation training placement (including Oriel)

After completing this course, students will be more confident and prepared for: work on the medicines counter and in the dispensary, both as an undergraduate and trainee pharmacist, applying for foundation training placements, and undergoing university exams.

Having a competent pharmacy undergraduate student also aids in the safe and effective operation of the pharmacy.

Introduction to pharmacy stock control * x

The NPA’s Introduction to Pharmacy Stock Control is fully accredited by the GPhC as meeting the minimum training required for staff wishing to carry out stock control duties within the dispensary. Trained staff can support the running of dispensary processes and reduce the burden on pharmacists and dispensers.

In line with new education and training requirements for pharmacy support staff announced by the GPhC in 2019, pharmacy support staff who wish to carry out stock control duties within the dispensary must enrol onto a GPhC accredited training course on this topic as soon as is practical and within three months of commencing their role.

This requirement also applies to a medicines counter assistant who wishes to put away stock in the dispensary.

  • Trained staff can support the running of dispensary processes, reducing the burden on pharmacists and dispensers
  • Course materials provided can be used as a reference source when supporting patients
  • Improved skill mix within the pharmacy.

Foundation pharmacist training programme

The NPA’s integrated Foundation pharmacist training programme (formerly pre-registration) focuses on the GPhC assessment syllabus and learning outcomes, adopting a person-centred approach. The course is written and delivered by a team of experienced Learning and Development pharmacists who will fully support and guide students to develop into confident and competent pharmacists. This programme provides students with an invaluable opportunity to interact, network and share experiences with other trainee pharmacists – all vital attributes for building a future multidisciplinary workforce. The NPA’s pass rate for recent cohorts has exceeded that of the national pass rate published by the GPhC.

Designated supervisor training (foundation year)

This online training programme is suitable for all designated supervisors who are new to tutoring as well as being a refresher for the more experienced supervisor. The programme covers key dates and requirements and also focuses on problem solving when difficult situations arise, such as if the trainee pharmacist is not meeting the required learning outcomes.

Our expert team is also on hand to support and guide members and their teams through the GPhC approval process to obtain premises approval to deliver foundation training and compile a training plan.

At the end of the course, designated supervisors will feel confident to create a structured training plan for their trainee. They will also be equipped with the information and skills to shape the next generation of pharmacists and optimise their experience of employing a trainee pharmacist.

Foundation Pharmacist Training Programme 2023-24

The Buttercups Foundation Pharmacist Programme is a comprehensive course to prepare trainees for the registration assessment and life as a newly registered pharmacist. Building on the success of our 'blended learning' programme, this year we offer 8 study days with a dedicated Buttercups Tutor which will involve a combination of face-to-face training, interactive webinars and self-directed e-learning training materials via our b-Hive online learning platform. Trainees are also given access to our accredited Medicines Counter Assistant (MCA) and RSPH Level 2 Understanding Health Improvement (Health Champion) courses, Vaccinations and Clinical Skills Programme.

Foundation Pharmacy Training Programme

The Buttercups Foundation Pharmacist Programme is a comprehensive course to prepare trainees for the registration assessment and life as a newly registered pharmacist. Building on the success of our 'blended learning' programme, this year we offer 8 study days with a dedicated Buttercups Tutor which will involve a combination of face-to-face training, interactive webinars and self-directed e-learning training materials via our b-Hive online learning platform. Trainees are also given access to our accredited Medicines Counter Assistant (MCA) and RSPH Level 2 Understanding Health Improvement (Health Champion) courses, Vaccinations and Clinical Skills Programme.

ProPharmace Foundation Training

The face-to-face component of the course is a 3.5 - hour workshop run by experienced specialist vaccinators who will cover the following:

  • Intramuscular (I.M.) Injection technique.
  • Sub-cutaneous (S.C.) Injection technique.
  • Intranasal (I.N.) immunisation technique.
  • Reconstitution technique.
  • Full guidance and demonstration on Anaphylaxis/CPR and a competency test. Certificate of competence issued upon successfully completing the course.

Safe Handling of Medicines (Foundation) Course for Care Homes

Essential for all staff who are required to administer medicines.

Skills for Care recommend that staff renew their medication management and administration training annually. Our Safe Handling of Medicines Foundation course ensures your staff are fully trained and up to date with best practice guidance to help reduce medicines errors in your care home.

Available as a face to face session, e-learning or distance learning workbooks.

Course Content