NHS Education for Scotland
A skilled and sustainable workforce for a healthier Scotland
NHS Education for Scotland
A skilled and sustainable workforce for a healthier Scotland
NES Pharmacy provides support to pharmacy technicians through a range of learning programmes and through participation within national pharmacy technician groups.
The vocational training foundation programme for pharmacy technicians was developed in response to an identified gap in education and development for newly registered pharmacy technicians.
The foundation competency framework which underpins the programme has FIVE generic core elements which enable pharmacy technicians working in hospital, community and primary care (including cross sector roles) to undertake a standardised foundation training programme. Additional role specific elements allow the pharmacy technician to identify development within their own sector allowing them to gain specialised experience.
The programme aims to build in a progressive manner a widening and deepening of professional practice from registrant level. It is designed to increase confidence, competence and capability. Pharmacy technicians completing the programme will develop a systematic approach to practice within their defined roles.
Aberdeen University carried out a review of the pilot programme, made recommendations for improvements and concluded that it helped pharmacy technicians experience a wider range of clinical skills, develop the ability to handle complex issues and appreciate the benefit of reflection as a means of improving their practice.
More information on the vocational training foundation programme can be found on Turas Learn or by contacting nes.pharmacytechnicians@nhs.scot
NES Pharmacy developed the General Practice Learning Pathway (GPLP) for pharmacy technicians working in the primary care sector. This course supports the delivery of the Pharmacotherapy service as outlined in the GMS 2018 Contract, and consists of six modules, delivered over a period of eight months.
The GPLP will run annually, and NHS Boards will be invited to nominate interested pharmacy technicians. You should discuss with your line manager if you are interested in participating on the Learning Pathway. Participation will require you to commit to a minimum of 4 hours of learning per month. More information can be found on Turas Learn: General Practice Learning Pathway for Pharmacy Technicians or by contacting nes.pharmacytechnicians@nhs.scot
We provide support for pharmacy technicians to undertake the Professional Development Award (PDA) in Assessment and Supply of Individual Patients' Medicines at SCQF Level 7. This programme is offered twice a year and NHS Boards will be invited to nominate interested pharmacy technicians. You should discuss with your line manager if you are interested in participating in this programme.
The Pharmacy Technician Education & Training Strategic Group (PTET) engage with key stakeholders and provide expert advice on matters relating to the education and training of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support staff. The group’s role is to agree and develop a vision for Education and Training of Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Support Staff considering regulatory and professional standards, PTET Terms of Reference.
A survey was conducted in 2023 to establish which courses/learning programmes were being used at that time for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support staff across Scotland. The collated responses are available for information, courses used in NHS Boards Scotland.
In response to a request from employers, PTET developed Guidance on the use of Pharmacy Support Staff Access Units. This guidance has been approved for use by the National Pharmacy Technician Group Scotland (NPTGS).
The Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician (PTPT) Reference Group was established to support the local delivery of the NES National PTPT Training Scheme which was paused in 2024. To support employers to access apprenticeship funding the group developed Guide for accessing apprenticeship funding through FE colleges.