Nina Hinton, Head of Business and Development
I joined Open Awards in 2015 and one of the first meetings I attended was to look at a new qualification in pharmacy to combine knowledge and skills. I left the meeting with a nagging feeling that I was in way over my head but nonetheless feeling inspired by the passion of everyone who had been in the room. The world of pharmacy was one I was excited to be getting involved in.
Fast forward 5 years and we have been on quite a journey at Open Awards and, as we enter National Apprenticeship Week 2021, I am delighted that we have just been approved by ESFA as an end-point assessment organisation for the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Integrated Apprenticeship Standard. Last week also saw our formal approval from the General Pharmaceutical Council for our new Level 2 qualification for Pharmacy Support Staff.
These mark another milestone in our pharmacy education and training journey. A milestone that feels particularly important as every day sees another news story or social media post about the vital role pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play in the national roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination.
Over the last 5 years, we have worked closely with other awarding organisations, training providers, colleges, universities, subject specialists and employers to develop the new curriculum alongside the General Pharmaceutical Council; Skills for Health; and Health Education England. We now have qualifications approved by the General Pharmaceutical Council at both Levels 2 and 3, and are approved by ESFA for end-point assessment at both levels.
Throughout the different development projects, the key theme has been a dedication to the sector and to patients and learners alike. Every stakeholder at every stage of development has consistently held true to the key priorities of patient safety; quality and accuracy; and person-centred support.
Pharmacy is an occupational sector that I am proud to support through my work with Open Awards. We now have learners undertaking their studies at Levels 2 and 3, including as part of an apprenticeship Standard and I cannot wait to see how they progress throughout 2021 and beyond.
Open Awards offers the following pharmacy-related qualifications and assessments:
Pharmacy Support Staff
- Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices for Pharmacy Support Staff
- Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices for Pharmacy Support Staff (Apprenticeship Route)
- End-Point Assessment Level 2 Pharmacy Support Services
Pharmacy Technician
- Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians
- Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Integrated Apprenticeship)
- End-Point Assessment Level 3 Pharmacy Technician
Aseptics
- Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing
For more information on any of these qualifications, or to apply to deliver them, please contact us at enquiries@openawards.org.uk or 0151 494 2072.