Who is this course suitable for?
New Dispensing Staff, part time dispensing staff, relief dispensers and Medicines Counter Assistants. On satisfactory completion of the NPA ADAC course you have the unique opportunity to transfer on to the NPA QCF Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills at a reduced price.
NB: You must have completed a GPhC accredited Medicines Counter Assistant course or be grand-parented by the former RPSGB to work on the pharmacy medicines counter (i.e fulfilled the RPSGB/GPhC requirements to work on the medicines counter) to enrol on this course. If you have not completed the NPA Pharmacy Interact (Medicines Counter Assistant) course, we will require proof of this qualification on enrolment. This may include a certificate of completion or a letter from the former RPSGB to confirm you have fulfilled the requirements to work on the medicines counter.
What does this course contain?
The course is divided into two parts:
20 Knowledge Modules covering:
- Introduction to working in a pharmacy and stock control*
- Pharmacy practice and procedures*
- Law and Ethics*
- The Drug Tariff*
- Learning and communication for pharmacy
- Actions and Uses of Drugs - various BNF categories
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Dispensing Product Formulation and Aseptic procedures
- Preparation for registration
Evidence collection:
- 17 units to demonstrate competency and ability to apply knowledge learnt in modules into practice
*Modules forming part of the ADAC course.
You will receive the coursework in regular mailings throughout the year and full guidance will be given throughout the course.
You can find out more about what to expect on the QCF Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills by attending an NPA Level 3 Diploma Information day when you enrol.
How will I be assessed?
The assessments include:
- Inter-text exercise and questions throughout
- Workbooks
- Multiple choice questions
- Case studies
- Evidence gathering activities
- Professional discussions with an NPA assessor
- Written reports of scenarios – describing how situations are handled by you
Each Module and Unit must be completed and the work sent to your allocated external NPA tutor who will give you a grade and provide feedback on the quality of your work.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The estimated study time to complete each Module is 40/50 hours. This can be divided to suit you and your supervising pharmacist in your individual working environment. The time taken to complete the NVQ units will vary according to the evidence you need to gather.
The course must be completed within 2 years of enrolment1.
Do I get a certificate of completion?
Successful candidates will receive a Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills.
How much does this course cost2?
Cost per year: £625 (plus VAT)
Transfer from ADAC
1st year - £440 (plus VAT)
2nd year - £625 (plus VAT)
How do I enrol on this course3?
Order code: ANVQ301
Transfer from ADAC: ANV305
To register on this course please download the appropriate registration form below or contact the Professional Development team if you have any further queries.
April 2013 Intake - PDF version / Word version
Transfer enrolment form Jan 2013 intake PDF version / Word version
Year 2 enrolment form November 2012 - PDF Version/ Word Version and
QCF top up registration form - PDF version / Word version
Course Completion Action Plan
1The NPA believe in a flexible approach to education and training, we will consider extensions on deadlines on an individual case to case basis.
2Your employer will be invoiced.
3You must be an NPA member to register staff on this course. Non member enrolment will incur a 50% mark up (discretional) on the advertised cost.
