A clinical pharmacy course for hospital pharmacy technicians has been launched
at Derby university’s school of health and community studies. The course, studied
at academic level 4 (the level above the current pharmacy technician qualification)
was developed at the suggestion of Dr David Cousins (pharmacy services director,
Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals Trust), who thought that technicians would
be able to take over some basic clinical roles from pharmacists on hospital
wards.
The BTEC professional development certificate for clinical pharmacy technicians
is a two-year modular course. The five modules are: core knowledge and skills
in clinical practice; biochemistry and pathophysiology in clinical practice;
therapeutics; pharmacy practice and management; and specialist pharmacy practice.
It is taught by means of printed learning packs, which include teaching material,
directed reading in key texts, exercises and recommended practice work. Students
study the course at their own place of work and also attend tutorials at Derby
university. Assessment is by coursework, assignments, case studies and a practice
logbook.