Purpose

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 trainees to develop into confident and competent pharmacists. This programme provides trainees 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.

Our new brochure contains more information about the course including new additions for 2024-25, the schedule of learning and student testimonials. This will be available shortly.

 

Outcomes

The programme delivers an exceptional blended learning experience for your trainee that will not only equip them to pass their GPhC registration assessment, but will also provide them with the practical skills and knowledge to become a valuable, professional member of your team.

 

“I really like the Learning Academy, I think it is well laid out and clear. The study day was well organised and I liked interacting with others and discussing exam answers to see other's points of view.”

Suitability

Pharmacy graduates undertaking their foundation training year. Designated supervisors of pharmacy graduates who are enrolled on the programme can access our Designated supervisor training programme, where you can also find out more about how to access the NPA’s training plan.

 

Delivery

The blended-learning programme is delivered through four face-to-face study days at the following locations – London, Birmingham and Manchester, three interactive virtual study days plus at least five webinars – which can be viewed on demand.

In addition, online resources and interactive modules via the NPA’s engaging eLearning platform, the Learning Academy, are available throughout the year and NPA Learning and Development pharmacists can communicate directly with students via this platform.

Ongoing support in preparation for the assessment is provided and students will also benefit from regular practice of exam-style questions throughout their training and a full-day mock examination, mapped to the GPhC assessment framework, towards the end of the year.

Course topics covered include:

  • GPhC registration assessment syllabus
  • GPhC learning outcomes
  • Clinical pharmacy topics
  • Responding to symptoms and minor ailments
  • Law and ethics
  • Pharmaceutical calculations
  • First aid
  • BNF Chapters
  • Pharmacy First (England)
  • Delivering pharmacy services
  • Understanding the pharmacy contract and pharmacy funding

We can provide resources to support trainees obtaining cross-sector placements.

Trainees will also have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills by taking the following training (included within the overall course fee):

Trainees enrolled benefit from the NPA’s flexible approach and a variety of learning styles. In addition, Pharmacists and students have access to free advice, resources and support from the NPA.

Assessment

Trainee pharmacists will be required to have appraisals with their dedicated supervisor in weeks 13, 26 and 39 of their foundation training year. These appraisals will enable the trainee to review their progress with their dedicated supervisor. During these appraisal meetings, the trainee pharmacist is assessed against specific learning outcomes.

At the face-to-face and virtual study days, trainees will answer exam style questions in preparation for the final GPhC assessment. The May study day takes the form of two full exam papers (calculations and clinical) under exam conditions to fully prepare students so they can be confident and competent in their exam technique. Students will be presented with answers, tailored guidance and learning points from dedicated Learning and Development pharmacists after the first paper and will be provided the answers on completion of paper two.

 

For more information on this and additional resources available – visit our dedicated Foundation training page

Qualification

There is no formal qualification for this course.

Duration

10 months

Start Date

September 2024 - applications are accepted from March - September.

Course Fee

Blended

Member
£1,150 +VAT

Non-Member
£1,200 +VAT

Enrol