NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATES IN
PHARMACY
WELCOME TO OPEN POLYTECHNIC Whether you are looking to improve your career prospects or want to learn something new, we can help you achieve your goal. We specialise in open learning – learning that gives you more freedom to decide what you study and where you study. Our courses are specifically designed for delivery by distance, which means you can fit your study around your life. And just because you are learning by distance, it doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. You will have access to your tutors and lecturers by email or phone and to other students studying the same course through Online Campus, the student support section of our website. It is our goal to make sure that you enjoy your study and that you succeed. So welcome to learning for today’s world, and congratulations on taking up the challenge of further education.
Please note that all information contained in this brochure may be subject to change without notice.
CONTENTS Your options in Pharmacy
2
Introduction
2
New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Community Pharmacy Assistant) (Level 4)
3
New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) Level 4
4
New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) Level 5)
6
General information
7
Admission requirements
7
Enrolment
7
Study time
7
Fees
7
Loans, allowances and other funding
7
International students
7
Recognition of prior learning
8
Learning support
8
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) – Record of Achievement
9
Further study
9
Pharmacist verification of work-based tasks
10
New Zealand Certificates in Pharmacy – Pharmacist Verifier Form
11
1
YOUR OPTIONS IN PHARMACY WHAT ARE MY NEEDS?
SUGGESTED QUALIFICATION
LEVEL OF STUDY
I’m a pharmacy assistant and would like to provide nondispensing support to customers under the supervision of a pharmacist
New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Community Pharmacy Assistant) (Level 4)
4
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS · Level 2 credits from the communication skills subfield (demonstration of comparable knowledge or skills may be accepted) · a current first aid certificate which you can obtain within six weeks of starting the programme · be employed in a pharmacy for at least 20 hours per week
I want to train as a pharmacy technician and I am required to have a pharmacy technician qualification to meet the legal requirements of dispensing medicines
New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 4)
I am a pharmacy technician (with a Level 4 technician qualification) and would like to carry out a wide range of advanced pharmacy dispensing services, including supporting the provision of safe, patient-centred healthcare under the supervision of a pharmacist
New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 5)
4
5
· meet the English language requirements of the qualification (see the general information section for more information) · be employed in a pharmacy
INTRODUCTION Open Polytechnic offers pharmacy programmes which will give you the skills to work effectively as a community pharmacy assistant or pharmacy technician. All of the programmes are listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority Framework (NZQF). You can find out more about them in this brochure or by visiting our website. Some courses are still under development and will be available at different times throughout 2015. If you have any questions, please call us on freephone 0508 650 200.
2
NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN PHARMACY (COMMUNITY PHARMACY ASSISTANT) (LEVEL 4) Programme code: OP1887 NZQF reference: 1886 and 1887 Level: 4 Credits: 100 If you’re employed as a community pharmacy assistant, this programme will give you the skills to provide non-dispensing support under the supervision of a pharmacist. The skills you learn will also be useful in retail management, supervisory roles, or non-dispensary health related roles. Once you’ve completed this programme you will be able to: · identify and respond appropriately to customer needs · lead and support teams within a pharmacy · give advice on over the counter (OTC) health related products and services to manage minor health complaints and improve patient health · carry out all retail tasks within a pharmacy.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE This programme is made up of five compulsory courses. You need to study the courses in the order listed below, as each course builds on the skills learnt in the previous course. COURSE CODE
TITLE
LEVEL
CREDITS
PHR001
Working & communicating professionally in the pharmacy
3
20
PHR002
Providing pharmacy services and advice
3
20
PHA003
Retail operations in the pharmacy
4
20
PHA004
Providing over the counter advice on health related products (1)
4
20
PHA005
Providing over the counter advice on health related products (2)
4
20
ASSESSMENT You will be required to complete online scenarios, multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Some work place tasks will require verification from your pharmacist. All courses are internally assessed with no examination. DELIVERY This programme is delivered online. OTHER REQUIREMENTS You need to complete a basic first aid course and send us a copy of your first aid certificate within six months of starting this programme. Your first aid certificate will need to be kept up to date throughout the duration of this programme. FURTHER STUDY Once you have completed this programme, you may be interested in studying towards the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 4). See page 4 for more information.
3
NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN PHARMACY (PHARMACY TECHNICIAN) (LEVEL 4) Programme code: OP1888 NZQF reference: 1886 and 1888 Level: 4 Credits: 115 If you’re employed as a trainee pharmacy technician in a community or hospital pharmacy, this programme will give you the skills to dispense medicines under the direct personal supervision of a pharmacist, and support the provision of safe, patient-centred healthcare. This Level 4 qualification is the minimum qualification that you need to have to be able to work as a pharmacy technician. Once you’ve completed this programme you will be able to: · work ethically and professionally within the Pharmacy Council Code of Ethics as relevant to pharmacy technicians · use appropriate communication techniques to inform customers/patients on health related matters · apply and work within all legislation and regulations as appropriate to pharmacy technicians · dispense and reconstitute medicines under the direct supervision of a pharmacist · provide advice and guidance on the use of dispensed medicines including drug dosing and drug interactions · understand the use of medicines as they relate to the treatment of a range of common health disorders · manage dispensary stock and inventory using appropriate environmental and storage requirements · complete calculations appropriate to dispensing.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE This programme is made up of six compulsory courses. You need to study the courses in the order listed below, as each course builds on the skills learnt in the previous course. Once you’ve completed the programme, you’ll achieve both the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice) (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 4).
COURSE CODE
4
TITLE
LEVEL
CREDITS
PHR001
Working & communicating professionally in the pharmacy
3
20
PHR002
Providing pharmacy services and advice
3
20
PHT003
Preparing to dispense
4
20
PHT004
Dispensing medicines
4
20
PHT005
Dispensing administration and compliance packaging
4
15
PHT006
Getting the best use of dispensed medicines
4
20
ASSESSMENT You will complete online written assessments and some workplace tasks that require verification by your pharmacist. All courses are internally assessed with no examination. DELIVERY This programme is delivered online. OTHER REQUIREMENTS You need to complete a basic first aid course and send us a copy of your first aid certificate within six months of starting this programme. Your first aid certificate will need to be kept up to date throughout the duration of this programme. FURTHER STUDY Once you have completed this programme, you may be interested in studying towards the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 5). See page 6 for more information.
5
NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN PHARMACY (PHARMACY TECHNICIAN) (LEVEL 5) Programme code: OP1889 NZQF reference: 1889 Level: 5 Credits: 65 If you’re employed as a pharmacy technician in a community or hospital pharmacy, this programme will give you the skills to carry out advanced pharmacy dispensing services, and support the provision of safe, patient-centred healthcare under the supervision of a pharmacist. The skills you learn may give you employment opportunities in a range of dispensary related roles including those in community, hospital, industrial and educational settings. Once you’ve completed this programme you will be able to: · communicate appropriately and interact effectively with other health care professionals and their staff · apply an advanced level of knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and medicines used in the treatment of health disorders · understand how medicines work and affect body systems · apply critical thinking and problem solving processes to achieve appropriate solutions in advanced dispensing techniques and/or optimising patient outcomes · manage inventory and facilitate supply arrangements as appropriate to the pharmacy and its specific community.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE This programme is made up of four compulsory courses. You need to study the courses in the order listed below, as each course builds on the skills learnt in the previous course. Once you’ve completed all four courses, you will achieve the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 5).
COURSE CODE
TITLE
LEVEL
CREDITS
PHT007
Body systems and how medicines work (1)
5
20
PHT008
Body systems and how medicines work (2)
5
20
PHT009
Stock & inventory management. Non aseptic compounding
5
13
PHT010
Pharmacy practice project relevant to workplace requirements
5
12
ASSESSMENT You will complete online written assessments and some workplace tasks that require verification by your pharmacist. DELIVERY This programme is delivered online. OTHER REQUIREMENTS Your first aid certificate will need to be kept up to date throughout the duration of this programme.
6
GENERAL INFORMATION Admission requirements
Fees
All programmes are open to domestic and international students living in New Zealand only.
Fees are displayed on each course and qualification page on our website. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz and browse our subjects and courses to find the fee information you need.
To gain admission into the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Community Pharmacy Assistant) (Level 4) or New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 4) you need to: · be currently employed in a pharmacy for a minimum of 20 hours per week. · have Level 2 credits from the communication skills subfield or English subfield (demonstration of comparable knowledge or skills may be accepted as evidence of this) · have access to the internet · have a current first aid certificate or obtain one within the first six months of starting your study. To gain admission into the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 5) you need to: · have achieved the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 4) · be employed in a community or hospital pharmacy for at least 20 hours per week and have a current first aid certificate. You will need to register with the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) at the time of your first enrolment. This will give you a free membership of the society and access to their website and information required for you to be able to complete these programmes. Contact PSNZ for more information. See the back of this brochure for contact details.
Enrolment This qualification is open for admission throughout the year and each course starts on the first Monday of the month you choose for enrolment. You need to enrol online from our website. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/howtoenrol for more information. You will be advised if additional information is needed to progress your application, and you can usually complete this online during the enrolment process. When your enrolment is confirmed, we will send you a letter with your course start and end dates.
Study time All courses within a programme have a credit value. This helps you work out how much study time you will need. Allow about 10-12 hours of study per credit. For example, a 5 credit course requires about 50-60 hours, including study, work-based experience and your assessment. When your enrolment is confirmed, please visit My Open Polytechnic to view your assessment due dates. To access My Open Polytechnic, visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz and click on the Student and Online Campus login button at the top right of the page.
Loans, allowances & other funding Student loans and allowances are administered by StudyLink. We recommend that you apply for a student loan at least four weeks before the commencement of your study. We cannot confirm your enrolment or send your course materials until your fees have been paid. For more information, or to find out if you're eligible for a student loan, visit studylink.govt.nz or give StudyLink a call on 0800 88 99 00. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE We have a fund to help students who are in financial need and have no other option for financial support. This fund is available for course fees and/or set textbooks. Conditions apply. Contact us for more information. See the last page of this brochure for contact details.
SCHOLARSHIPS We also offer a range of scholarships to support students. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/scholarships for more information.
International students You can only enrol in these programmes if you are living and working in New Zealand. This is because the courses are based on New Zealand legislation, terminology and codes of practice, and because the programmes require you to do some practical workplace tasks and assessments within a New Zealand pharmacy. International students who are residing in New Zealand and studying with Open Polytechnic must also have a verified work permit/visa. Please note that the expiry date must be after the end date of your course. You also need to have one of the following: · A Variation of Conditions allowing study at Open Polytechnic. · A letter of authorisation from your employer on letterhead confirming that you are employed in a pharmacy and that you need to undertake this training as part of your job. International fees must be paid in full at the time of your enrolment.
7
ENGLISH LANGUAGE English is the language of study at Open Polytechnic. You will need to be able to read and write well in English so that you can understand course materials and also submit written assessments. There are criteria that must be met if English is not your first language. For more information about English language requirements, please call freephone 0508 650 200 or visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/englishlanguage
Recognition of prior learning To work as a Pharmacy Technician in New Zealand, you need to have the National Certificate in Pharmacy (Technician) or be studying towards the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy. If you hold an overseas pharmacist or pharmacy technician qualification you may be entitled to exemptions for some of the courses in the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician). To find out what exemptions you are entitled to, you can submit the course syllabus of the qualifications you hold, along with a verified copy of your certificate. We will then cross-match your qualification against the New Zealand Certificate and award you exemptions as appropriate. There is a charge for the assessment work which is payable when you apply for assessment of your overseas documentation. We cannot guarantee that you will be eligible for any exemptions. Cross-credits are considered on an individual basis. Please contact us for more information. See the last page of this brochure for contact details.
TE WÄNANGA WHAKAPAKARI AKO (THE LEARNING CENTRE) Te Wähanga Whakapakari Ako (the Learning Centre) can help you with a wide range of learning support services and resources. These include: · tips and techniques to help you succeed in online and distance learning · one-to-one consultations with a learning advisor (telephone or email) · StudyWise and ExamWise which are free online study and exam preparation workshops · disability services · a student mentoring programme. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/learningsupport
TE KURA WÄNANGA (THE MÄORI OFFICE) Te Kura Wänanga (the Mäori Office) can help you with your learning and cultural needs in a kaupapa Mäori context. We use Mäori values and principles to enhance your learning journey. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/maorisupport MY OPEN POLYTECHNIC My Open Polytechnic is our online portal for our students. With My Open Polytechnic you can: · update your details · view your study information
Learning support
· track the status of your materials
YOUR TUTOR
· access your assessment submission deadlines, marks and final grades for each course
You will have a tutor for each course you study. They are there to help you through the course work, make sure you have understood the work and to check your progress. You can contact them on our freephone or by email, fax or letter. Your tutor will contact you after you have enrolled.
STUDENT INFORMATION You can find current enrolment and study information on our website including details of our systems and processes and the services we offer. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/studywithus
· check your account balance · access Online Campus and the library. Once you’re enrolled, you can also keep track of your study information on the go with the My Open Polytechnic smartphone app called My OP. To download the app, search for “My OP” on the App Store (Apple iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android smartphone). These come pre-installed on your smartphone.
LIBRARY We provide a library service for students. There is no additional fee for using it. The library service provides: · online resources · guides on how to search for information · a distance lending service with free and fast delivery · information about study techniques. For more information about the library visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/oplibrary
8
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) – Record of Achievement If you are already registered on to the NZQA database, please provide us with your National Student Number on your enrolment. If you are not registered, we will arrange this when you have finished your first course. You can access your Record of Achievement online or you can phone NZQA and ask for a copy of it. To find out more, visit the NZQA website or call them on 04 463 3000. Your New Zealand Certificate will be awarded on the completion of your Level 4 programme. Pharmacist verification of work based tasks Your New Zealand Certificate programme requires some of your work based tasks to be verified by a pharmacist.
Further study For information on other courses and qualifications available at Open Polytechnic visit our website or contact us. See the last page of this brochure for details.
9
PHARMACIST VERIFICATION OF WORK BASED TASKS The New Zealand Certificates in Pharmacy are competency-based, which means that when trainees finish, they will have practical and workplace-relevant skills which will benefit you and your business. The programme involves the trainee performing a number of work-based tasks, and being assessed on their ability to perform these tasks to the accepted level. For some of the assessments we will be asking you, as their supervising pharmacist, to observe your staff member at work and to verify their level of knowledge and ability. You will also be verifying evidence that they collect, showing that they can perform tasks to an acceptable level. To be eligible to verify the trainee’s work, you need to have either unit standard 4098 Use standards to assess candidate performance or unit standard 18203 Verify evidence for assessment for candidate When the trainee first enrols in the programme, we need to identify who their verifier will be. Please complete the Pharmacist Verifier form on page 11 or download it during your first online application.
10
NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATES IN PHARMACY – PHARMACIST VERIFIER FORM ABOUT THIS FORM Both trainee and pharmacist need to fill in and sign this form. Please return this form to: Pharmacy Department, Open Polytechnic, Private Bag 31914, Lower Hutt, 5040. Alternatively, if this is your first application for enrolment into the New Zealand Certificates in Pharmacy, you can download this form during the online application process and return it to the address above. The New Zealand Certificates in Pharmacy require that selected course assessments be checked in the workplace by an approved verifier. This form collects the name of the verifier who will check the workplace course assessments, and describes and records the verifier’s agreement to the verification requirements. It also records the student’s permission for Open Polytechnic to discuss information on their enrolment status and academic progress with their employer.
PHARMACIST’S DECLARATION Please tick the following statements as appropriate: I confirm that I will verify the work of ____________________________________________________________________ . I currently have US4098 Use standards to assess candidate performance or US18203 Verify evidence for assessment for candidate. I need to gain competency in US18203 to be able to verify student work. Please contact me with more information. I confirm I will provide any necessary guidance and training opportunities to assist the student. I will notify Open Polytechnic if there is any change in my eligibility to be a verifier, or if there is a change of verifier. Pharmacist’s name:
Registration number:
Name of Pharmacy: Signature:
Date:
Work phone:
TRAINEE DECLARATION I agree that Open Polytechnic can discuss information on my enrolment status and academic progress with my employer. Student’s name:
Student number:
Signature:
Date:
Contact phone: Please ensure you and your verifier have signed the form, and return it to: Programme Leader – Pharmacy Open Polytechnic Private Bag 31914 Lower Hutt 5040 Alternatively, you can scan and email the form to pharmacy@openpolytechnic.ac.nz
11
NOTES
12
Contact us Website: www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz Freephone: 0508 650 200 Overseas phone: +64 4 913 5300 Email: customerservices@openpolytechnic.ac.nz Private Bag 31914 Lower Hutt 5040 New Zealand
OTHER USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS Technician Enrolment enquiries Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand Inc. (PSNZ) Phone 04 802 0030 Email: p.society@psnz.org.nz StudyLink Website: www.StudyLink.govt.nz Phone: 0800 889 900 NZQA Website: www.nzqa.govt.nz Phone: 04 463 3000
17
PHA
1214
Open Polytechnic Freephone 0508 650 200 Overseas phone +64 4 913 5300 www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz Private Bag 31914 路 Lower Hutt 5040 路 New Zealand