SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90596  Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  140  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification aims to produce a Pharmacy Technician who will be able to function in the main areas of pharmacy, viz., manufacturing, wholesale, community or institutional pharmacy, in both the public and the private sectors.

In community and institutional pharmacies, the qualified Pharmacy Technician will function under supervision of a Pharmacist who is physically present in a pharmacy; however, under specified circumstances, e.g., the dispensary of a Primary Health Care Clinic, the qualified Pharmacy Technician may function under the supervision of a Pharmacist who is not physically present in the dispensary but who is in ready contact with the Pharmacy Technician. All functions must be carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures approved by the responsible or supervising Pharmacist. Functions will include general housekeeping and administrative functions, stock control and manufacturing and compounding of sterile and non-sterile medicines.

In manufacturing and wholesale pharmacies, however, the Pharmacy Technician will be able to perform certain defined functions without the direct oversight of a Pharmacist. Such functions will be performed in accordance with the Batch Manufacturing Documents and standard operating procedures approved by the responsible Pharmacist. Functions will include general housekeeping and administrative functions, stock control and manufacturing and compounding of sterile and non-sterile medicines.

Learners successfully completing this qualification may be registered by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as Pharmacy Technicians.

Rationale:
The Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support, NQF Level 6, is designed to meet the requirements of the National Human Resources Health Plan, with specific reference to the need for mid-level workers in the provision of pharmaceutical services to the people of South Africa. The qualification is aimed at building on the core technical knowledge and personal skills acquired in obtaining the Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support, NQF Level 5. It thus contributes towards a career path for mid-level workers in the field of Pharmacy. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who register for the Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support are assumed to have:
  • Knowledge regarding principles of Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Wholesale and Distribution Practice (GWDP) and Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List (STG&EML).
  • Basic knowledge pertaining to pharmaceutical terms and concepts.
  • Mathematical ability in performing pharmaceutical calculations.
  • Capacity in using computer software to prepare reports, assignments and spreadsheets.
  • Ability to communicate in English (read, write, speak) and critically analyse, interpret or assimilate information.
  • Ability to manage information and to work effectively in a team or group.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    This qualification may be achieved in part through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning at the request of the learner and at the discretion of the institution. Recognition of Prior Learning will be undertaken in accordance with the NMMU Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Learners who wish to enter into study towards achieving this qualification must be in possession of the Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support at NQF Level 5, or recognised equivalent.

    Alternatively, access may be granted through Recognition of Prior Learning by the institution to individual applicants. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules are at NQF Level 6. Learners must complete eight compulsory modules and one elective module in order to achieve 140 Credits and be awarded the qualification.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Pharmacy in Practice 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacy in Practice 2B, 16 Credits.
  • Practical Pharmaceutics 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Medicine Use 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Managing the Primary Health Care Clinic Dispensary 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Practical Pharmaceutics 2B, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Medicine Use 2B, 16 Credits.
  • Managing the Primary Health Care Clinic Dispensary 2B, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules: Select ONE of the following:
  • Management of Chronic Conditions, 12 Credits.
  • Complementary Medicines, 12 Credits.

    Total Credits: 140. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply relevant knowledge to provide technical support in pharmacy services.
    2. Provide technical support to compound, manipulate and prepare sterile and non-sterile medicines and Scheduled substances in compliance with standards as described in Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) RULES and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines under the supervision of a pharmacist.
    3. Provide technical support under the supervision of a Pharmacist to manufacture, package and re-package sterile and non-sterile medicines and scheduled substances in compliance with GMP guidelines.
    4. Provide technical support to order, manage, dispatch and dispose of medicines, scheduled substances, medical supplies and devices, in compliance with Good Wholesale and Distribution Practice (GWDP) and legal requirements.
    5. Provide technical support to dispense prescriptions for patients in compliance with applicable legislation and GPP.
    6. Provide Schedule 0 and 1 medicines in accordance with legal requirements, including GPP.
    7. Manage the dispensary in a Primary Health Care Clinic under the supervision of a pharmacist.
    Either:
    8. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of the management of common chronic conditions.
    Or
    9. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of complementary medicines.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    1.1 Legislation related to the relevant scope of practice in pharmacy services is explained in the South African context.
  • Range of legislation includes, but is not limited to: The Medicines and Related Substance Act, the Pharmacy Act and related Regulations and Rules.
    1.2 Ethical and professional conduct related to the relevant scope of practice is demonstrated in the provision of pharmacy technical support services.
  • Range of aspects related to professional conduct includes, but is not limited to: values, practices, attitudes and confidentiality.
    1.3 Basic Pharmaceutical terms and concepts are explained and used in relation to sterile drug delivery systems.
    1.4 Basic scientific principles are applied in sterile pharmaceutical preparations.
    1.5 Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutic principles that are used in the treatment of common chronic conditions are explained in relation to the current National Health Strategic Plan.
  • Range of chronic conditions includes, but is not limited to: Tuberculosis (TB), HIV and AIDS, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, epilepsy and mental disorders.
    1.6 Screening tests are performed in accordance with GPP.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    2.1 The principles of GPP are explained in relation to compounding, manipulating and preparing sterile medicines.
    2.2 Sterile admixtures for specific patients are compounded, manipulated and prepared in accordance with SOPs, aseptic techniques and principles of GMP and/or GPP.
    2.3 Records are generated for each of the preparations produced in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policies and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    3.1 Pharmaceutical and GMP principles are explained in relation to the manufacturing, packaging and re-packaging of sterile medicines and scheduled substances.
    3.2 Resources, materials and equipment for preparation of specific medicines are organised and prepared in accordance with process documentation.
    3.3 Line-clearance (Schedule 1 to 4) is performed according to GMP and process documentation.
    3.4 Line opening and closing is performed, after line clearance, according to GMP.
    3.5 The manufacturing process is maintained and controlled in accordance with GMP and relevant SOP.
    3.6 Related documents are completed and records maintained in accordance with GMP.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    4.1 Ordering and receipt of medicines, Scheduled substances, medical supplies and devices are organised and managed in accordance with GMP, GPP and GWDP.
    4.2 Stock is organised, managed and secured in accordance with legal requirements, including GMP, GPP and GWDP.
    4.3 Dispatch of medicines, Scheduled substances, medical supplies and devices are organised and managed in accordance with GMP, GPP and GWDP.
    4.4 Disposal of expired and unwanted medicines, Scheduled substances, medical supplies and devices is managed according to current relevant legislation and guidelines.
    4.5 Documents are completed and records maintained in accordance with applicable legislation and SOP.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    5.1 Communication with patients and/or caregivers is conducted in a professional manner in terms of sensitivity to patients' needs and diversity.
    5.2 Prescriptions are assessed for compliance with the primary healthcare standard treatment guidelines and Essential Medicines List (EML) and/or any other required protocols.
    5.3 Prescriptions are dispensed in accordance with organisational procedures, current legislation and GPP.
    5.4 Patient and/or prescription is/are referred to a pharmacist for further management as required and/or in relation to problems relating to medicine use.
    5.5 Relevant records are maintained in accordance with the current legislative requirements and GPP.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
    6.1 Communication with patients/caregivers is conducted and relevant information and history is obtained in a professional manner in terms of sensitivity to patients' needs and diversity.
    6.2 In terms of the presented information, including the history, a suitable course of action is decided on in consultation with a pharmacist.
    6.3 Medicines and/or appropriate advice are/is provided according to GPP and principles of pharmaceutical care.
    6.4 Patient is referred to a pharmacist for further management as required or with regard to problems relating to medicine use.
    6.5 Appropriate records are completed and filed in accordance with GPP.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
    7.1 Resources are managed according to operational and legal requirements (including GPP). Range of resources includes, but is not limited to: Equipment, infrastructure, personnel, stock and funds.
  • Range of legal requirements includes, but is not limited to: Relevant provisions of Public Finance Management Act, Labour Relations Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
    7.2 Application of the principles of supervision in pharmaceutical practice is explained.
    7.3 Application of the principles of time management in pharmaceutical practice is explained.
    7.4 Application of the principles of team building in pharmaceutical practice is explained.
    7.5 Effective lines of communication are established and maintained to facilitate control in the workplace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
    8.1 Aetiology and epidemiology of common chronic conditions are explained in relation to the current National Health Strategic Plan.
  • Range of chronic condition includes: TB, HIV and AIDS, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, epilepsy and mental disorders.
    8.2 Preventive measures and lifestyle modification options are explained in relation to common chronic conditions.
    8.3 Circumstances under which a patient with a chronic condition is referred to another Health Care Provider/facility are described with regard to the information presented and the profile of the patient.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
    9.1 The philosophies of complementary medicines and principles of therapies are explained in terms of how they match/parallel conventional medicine.
    9.2 The sale of complementary medicines is described in terms of the associated responsibilities, limitations, benefits and potential risks.
    9.3 The regulations and use of complementary medicines are explained in terms of legislation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across Exit Level Outcomes to achieve competence that is grounded in and coherent with the purpose of the qualification. Integrated Assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied to the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes. Continuous Assessment will be applied.

    Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will demand practical evidence while others will be more theoretical, depending on the type of outcomes to be assessed. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the demands of the particular Exit Level Outcome of the qualification.

    A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools will be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge maintained so that each takes its rightful place. The following assessment methods will be employed during the process of continuous assessment:
  • Written tests.
  • Assignments.
  • Practicals.
  • Oral assessments.
  • Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations.
  • Group work.
  • Simulated clinical placement assessments.
  • Portfolio development. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Global Federation of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists (FIP) represent two million pharmacists around the world through member Organisations and Individual members. FIP sets global pharmacy standards through professional and scientific guidelines, policy statements and declarations, as well as through its collaboration with other international organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations (UN) agencies. The South African Pharmacy Council ensures approved pharmacy schools and providers embed these standards and guidelines in their learning programmes. The South African Advanced Certificate in Pharmacy Technical Support has been designed and generated with these standards and guidelines in mind.

    Although all member countries offer pharmacy training in line with FIP standards and their offerings are therefore comparable, institutions from the following countries were considered for the purpose of comparison.

    Ireland:
    The Dublin Institute offers a Higher Certificate in Pharmacy Technician Studies.
    This qualification develops practical, professional and academic skills required to assist in the various activities of the pharmacy not requiring the professional judgement of the pharmacist.
    These skills include knowledge of prescription and non-prescription medicines and how they are formulated and used to treat illnesses. Students will:
  • Develop medical knowledge to recognise common illnesses and communication skills to liaise with pharmacists and counsel patients on healthcare issues, including the various healthcare schemes available in Ireland.
  • Gain experience in dispensing procedures and practices and be able to interpret prescriptions and prepare medicines for dispensing.
  • Be able to maintain patient records and operate pharmacy computer systems.
  • Be able to supply non-prescription medicines in accordance with legislation and guidelines.

    Work Placement: The programme includes a pharmacy placement, which can be carried out either in a hospital or community pharmacy. This allows the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and skills.

    Modules:
  • Pharmacy Practice 1.
  • Chemistry.
  • Biology.
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology.
  • Mathematics.
  • Microbiology.
  • Computer Applications.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Management.
  • Pharmacy Practice 2.
  • Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
  • Pharmaceutical Formulation.
  • Pharmaceutical Microbiology.
  • Nutrition and Physiology.
  • Pharmacy Placement.

    Canada:
    Humber College in Toronto offers a Diploma: Pharmacy Technician, which provides a comprehensive pharmacy education featuring courses that deal with relevant legislation, physiology, pharmacotherapeutics, customer care, health-care ethics, hospital and retail software systems, inventory management, hospital practice and infection control.

    The Pharmacy Technician Diploma culminates in two work placements - one at a hospital pharmacy and one at a community pharmacy - through which learning is put into practice and valuable industry connections are made for future career opportunities.

    Modules:
  • Dispensing Lab.
  • Pharmacy Math 1.
  • Community Pharmacy Practices.
  • Dispensing Theory.
  • Basic Physiology and Pharmacotherapeutics 1.
  • Computer Prescriptions 1.
  • Self-Medication.
  • Pharmacy Management/Inventory Control.
  • Pharmacy Science Theory.
  • Compounding Lab.
  • Basic Physiology and Pharmacotherapeutics 2.
  • Computer Prescriptions 2.
  • Hospital Pharmacy Dispensing 1.
  • Ethics and Professionalism.
  • Pharmacy Math 2.
  • Hospital Practice and Infection Control.
  • Basic Physiology and Pharmacotherapeutics 3.
  • Sterile Compounding Lab.
  • Customer Care in Pharmacy.
  • Institutional Computer Prescriptions.
  • Basic Physiology and Pharmacotherapeutics 4.
  • Community Pharmacy Placement.
  • Hospital Pharmacy Placement.

    The Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) is the registering and regulatory body for Pharmacy and Pharmacy Technician practice in Ontario. All people in Ontario who wish to dispense prescriptions and sell products defined as drugs to the public must first have met the professional qualifications set by the College, and be registered as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technician is now a new regulated health care profession within the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).

    Conclusion:
    This Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support, Level 6 compares favourably in general with these international qualifications. All these qualifications share a common purpose and require a period of workplace exposure. Although the overall numbers of required modules differ amongst the three, the overall content is very similar. In addition, some form of recognition by an overarching controlling authority is required.

    It can thus be concluded that the Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support complies with the pharmacy standards set by the FIP and can thefore hold its own in the international arena. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Advanced Certificate or Diploma in the Health Sciences group, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any Health Sciences' Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 7 or Professional Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 8. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    NMMU, the accredited training provider will oversee internal and external moderation of assessment in agreement with CHE/HEQC and SAPC.

    Moderation will encompass achievement of competence described in the Exit Level Outcomes and the integrated competence described in the qualification. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators will be accredited assessors and/or moderators in agreement with the CHE/HEQC and SAPC.

    Assessors and/or moderators must be in possession of a qualification at a minimum of one level above that of this Qualification in a relevant field of study and must have experience in pharmacy practice. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Nelson Mandela University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.