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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: 

Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90597  Higher Certificate: Pharmacy 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
Higher Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  130  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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 reflects the core competency and education and training needs of Pharmacy Technical Assistants. It aims to address these needs by capacitating learners with the scientific knowledge, practical skills and inter-personal skills required in the workplace.

The qualifying learner, who meets all necessary requirements, will be able to register as a Pharmacy Technical Assistant with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). The Higher Certificate will also allow access to studies leading to the Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support.

The Pharmacy Technical Assistant should be able to practise in any branch of pharmacy, i.e., manufacturing, wholesale, community or institutional pharmacy, in both the public and private sectors. In the wholesale, community and institutional areas, the main functions of the Pharmacy Technical Assistants lie in assisting with to the medicine supply management cycle. In community and institutional pharmacies, Pharmacy Technical Assistants should also be able to assist with the selection and preparation of products for dispensing by the Pharmacist. In manufacturing pharmacies, the Pharmacy Technical Assistants should be involved in assisting in the manufacturing of non-sterile medicines, stock management and general housekeeping functions.

A Pharmacy Technical Assistant may only work under the direct personal supervision of a registered Pharmacist in a pharmacy. All functions must be performed in accordance with the relevant legislation and standard operating procedures approved by the responsible Pharmacist of the pharmacy. The Pharmacy Technical Assistant will have no direct role in interactions with patients and other health care professionals.

Rationale:
There is a shortage of mid-level workers in Pharmacy in South Africa. The Planning Framework for National Human Resources for Health, 2006, identified the need for mid-level workers in all professional areas, in order to meet the ever-increasing needs of the country for Healthcare Services. In 2010, a shortage of 12 000 Pharmacists was reported. Due to the urgent need for this scope of mid-level worker in pharmacy, the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Council on Higher Education (CHE) all have indicated their support for this qualification. SAPC has held discussions with DHET and CHE and all have agreed to prioritise accreditation of learning programmes for the Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support leading to a pharmacy mid-level worker category of Pharmacy Technical Assistant.

The scopes of practice of the existing Pharmacy mid-level workers, Pharmacist's Assistants (Basic Level) and Pharmacist's Assistants (Post-Basic Level) were examined and revised to allow the Pharmacy Technical Assistant to assume more responsibility than do those of the existing cadres. The Higher Certificate; Pharmacy Support, NQF Level 5 has been developed to address the educational needs implicit in the above-mentioned extended scope of practice.

The Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support, NQF Level 5, is designed to meet the needs of learners who are either currently involved in the pharmaceutical field, particularly those who have qualified as Pharmacist's Assistants (Post-Basic Level), or those who wish to enter the profession. The Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support, NQF Level 5 will allow access to the pharmaceutical environment, and may also open up opportunities for adult learners who wish to develop their careers in one or more of the related categories.

The Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support, NQF Level 5 is for a mid-level worker in Pharmacy. After obtaining the qualification and completing a three-month period of workplace supervised practice, the candidate may register with the statutory body for Pharmacy, the SAPC, as a Pharmacy Technical Assistant. The SAPC has developed a Scope of Practice for the Pharmacy Technical Assistant. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or recognised equivalent.
  • Life Sciences at NQF Level 4 or recognised equivalent.

    It is strongly recommended that all learners accessing this qualification should be able to read, write and communicate in English and should be competent in using a computer.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    This qualification may be achieved in part through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning on request from the learner and at the discretion of the University. 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 study towards the achievement of this qualification must:
  • Be in possession of a National Senior Certificate or recognised equivalent at NQF Level 4 granting access to higher certificate studies.
  • English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa (home language or first additional language).
    OR
    Applicants with A Senior Certificate with:
  • Mathematics.
  • Biology.

    Alternatively, access may be granted through recognition of prior learning by the institution to individual applicants. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises nine modules, eight of which are compulsory and one is an elective. All are at NQF Level 5 and total 130 Credits.

    All nine modules must be completed in order to be awarded the qualification.

    Compulsory modules:
  • Pharmacy in Practice 1A, 14 Credits.
  • Pharmacy in Practice 1B, 14 Credits.
  • Practical Pharmaceutics 1A, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Medicine Use 1A, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacy Business Environment 1A, 14 Credits.
  • Practical Pharmaceutics 1B, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Medicine Use 1B, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacy Business Environment 1B, 14 Credits.

    Elective modules: Select one of the following:
  • Health and Wellness Promotion, 10 Credits.
  • Information and Communication Technology in Pharmacy, 10 Credits.

    NOTE: Provision of either Elective will be dependent on the approval of the Provider by the SAPC. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply scientific knowledge in the provision of basic pharmacy support services.
  • Range of basic pharmacy support services includes, but is not limited to: Weighing of active ingredients, mixing, packing, labelling; and EXCLUDES any functions related to interpretation, evaluation, validation and quality assurance.
    2. Provide functional support under the supervision of a Pharmacist to compound, manipulate and prepare medicines (non-sterile) for specific patients in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
    3. Provide functional support under the supervision of a Pharmacist in the manufacture, packaging and/or re-packaging of non-sterile and scheduled substances/medicines in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.
    4. Provide functional support in the management of medicine stock, scheduled substances, medical supplies and devices under the supervision of a Pharmacist in compliance with Good Wholesale and Distribution Practice (GWDP) and legal requirements.
    5. Provide functional support in Phase 2 of dispensing under the supervision of a Pharmacist.
    6. Perform general housekeeping and administrative tasks in a pharmacy and/or dispensary.
    Either:
    7. Provide information to promote Health and Wellness.
    Or
    8. Demonstrate the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the management of inventories in manufacturing, wholesale, community or institutional pharmacies/dispensaries in either public or private sectors.

    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 South African Legislation related to the relevant scope of practice in pharmacy support services is described.
  • Range of current legislation includes, but is not limited to: Medicines Act, 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 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 in relation to different dosage forms and their route of administration.
    1.4 Basic scientific principles applying to non-sterile pharmaceutical preparations are explained.
    1.5 Basic principles of pharmacology are explained in terms of the treatment of conditions identified in the Primary Health Care Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) and Essential Medicines List (EML).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    2.1 The different dosage forms and their routes of administration are explained in terms of extemporaneous preparation.
    2.2 The principles of good pharmacy practice (GPP) are explained in relation to compounding, manipulating and preparing of non-sterile medicines.
    2.3 Non-sterile medicines are compounded in accordance with SOP, ethical principles and relevant legislation.
    2.4 Non-sterile medicines are manipulated in accordance with SOP, ethical principles and relevant legislation.
    2.5 Non-sterile medicines are prepared and packed in accordance with SOP as authorised by a pharmacist.
    2.6 Records are compiled and filed for medicines prepared for specific patients in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policies and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    3.1 The principles of GMP are explained in relation to the manufacturing, packaging and re-packaging of non-sterile medicines and scheduled substances.
    3.2 Non-sterile medicines and scheduled substances are manufactured and packaged in accordance with GMP, SOP, ethical principles and relevant legislation.
    3.3 Non-sterile medicines and scheduled substances are re-packaged as authorised by a pharmacist in accordance with GMP, ethical principles, relevant legislation and SOP.
    3.4 Line opening and closing is performed, after line clearance, according to GMP.
    3.5 Relevant documentation for manufactured, packaged and re-packaged medicines and scheduled substances is completed in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policies and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    4.1 The principles of GWDP are explained in relation to the management of stock.
  • Range of principles includes, but is not limited to: "First In, First Out" (FIFO) and "First Ended, First Out" (FEFO), storage and shrinkage - where shrinkage refers to loss, theft, damaged, expired and obsolete medicines.
    4.2 Orders for medicines are assembled according to GWDP and SOP.
  • Range of activities for order assembly include: Picking, packing and checking.
    4.3 Orders for medicines are dispatched according to GWDP and SOP.
    4.4 Procedures for stock count (cyclic, monthly, quarterly and annually), stock rotation, storage and shrinkage are explained according to GWDP.
    4.5 Expired, obsolete and damaged medicines, scheduled substances, medical supplies and devices are identified and disposed of according to GWDP, SOP, current relevant legislation and guidelines.
    4.6 All relevant documents and records for management of stock are filed in accordance with relevant legislation, guidelines and SOP.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    5.1 All phases of the dispensing process are explained in accordance with legal requirements and GPP.
    5.2 Phase 2 of the dispensing process is demonstrated in accordance with legal requirements and GPP.
    5.3 Medicines are packed in appropriate containers and labelled in accordance with legal requirements and GPP.
    5.4 Mechanisms to avoid and identify errors are explained in relation to Phase 2 of the dispensing process.
    5.6 Records of selecting, preparing and labelling of prescribed medicines are completed according to SOP.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
    6.1 Administrative tasks are performed according to SOP.
    6.2 General housekeeping procedures are applied and documented according to SOP and in compliance with all relevant guidelines.
    6.3 Application of the principles of time management is explained in relation to the scope of work.
    6.4 Effective lines of communication are established and maintained to facilitate team work in the workplace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
    7.1 The concepts of Health and Wellness Promotion are explained in terms of disease and disability.
    7.2 Socio-economic factors that contribute to the dysfunction of Health and Wellness Promotion are identified with examples.
    7.3 Preventive measures and lifestyle modification options are explained in relation to the identified condition.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
    8.1 Relevant computer peripherals are operated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and instructions.
    8.2 Relevant computer software applications are operated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and instructions.
    8.3 Relevant inventory reports are produced in the required format according to the software functions and applications.
    8.4 Inventory projections and quantifications are generated in the required format according to the software functions and applications.
    8.5 Orders are generated in the required format using the relevant report application.
    8.6 Inventory expenditure is tracked and produced using the relevant software application.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment, which is both formative and summative, 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 and coherent in relation to 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 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) represents two million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists around the world through member Organisations and as 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 that approved pharmacy schools and providers embed these standards and guidelines in their learning programmes.

    Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support has been designed and generated with these standards and guidelines in mind. Due to the nature of the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF), both these qualifications must be acquired to achieve the Pharmacy Technician designation. The two qualifications are equivalent to two full years of study.

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

    Academy New Zealand offers the Certificate: Pharmacy Technician (Level 5).
    This qualification enables people who have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to work as Pharmacy Technicians and satisfies legislative requirements thereof.

    Students completing this qualification will achieve the ANZ Certificate: Pharmacy Technician, Level 5.

    Course Titles:
  • Apply legislation, codes, standards to the supply of products and services as A Pharmacy Technician.
  • Advise pharmacy clients on treatment of minor health disorders.
  • Compound non-aseptic pharmaceutical products under the supervision of a Pharmacist.
  • Process prescriptions and pharmaceutical orders under.
  • Supervision.
  • Apply procedures for handling hazardous substances as a Pharmacy Technician.
  • Provide advice on the use of dispensed medicines as a pharmacy technician.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of pharmaceutical dose forms and accessories.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of pathogens, infections, and anti-infective therapy.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, as a pharmacy technician, of drug dosing, action, adverse effects, and misuse and dependence.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human nutrition and nutritional states as a Pharmacy Assistant or Pharmacy Technician.
  • Provide written and oral advice as a Pharmacy Technician.
  • Manage stock within a pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of, and carry out, ward medicine management.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of, and apply pharmacy procedures or, compliance packaging.
  • Demonstrate professionalism as a Pharmacy Assistant r Pharmacy Technician.
  • Make conversions and perform calculations for compounding and dispensing as a Pharmacy Technician.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, as a Pharmacy Technician, of parenteral nutrition.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human nervous and endocrine systems and medicines used in their treatment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human cardiovascular and respiratory systems and medicines used in their treatment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human digestive, reproductive, and urinary systems and medicines used in their treatment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human musculoskeletal, integumentary systems, eye and ear and medicines used in their treatment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human immune system and malignant disease and medicines used in their treatment.

    Kaplan College in Milwaukee, United States of America, offers a Pharmacy Technician Qualification which leads to Certification as a Pharmacy Technician by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

    Pharmacy Technicians work directly under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and are be required to:
  • Establish and maintain patient profiles and enter patient information into a computerised database.
  • File insurance claim forms and deal with insurance companies.
  • Maintain inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
  • Prepare prescription labels, select the type of prescription container, and affix labels to the container.
  • Verify that prescription information is complete and accurate.
  • Manage the storage of drugs, maintaining inventory control, stocking procedures, and handling outdated items.
  • Know trade and generic names of medications and how drugs affect the various systems of the body.
  • Administer First Aid, including CPR.
  • Utilise computer software applications.

    Prior to graduation, an externship must be completed at an approved retail, hospital or residential pharmacy or other pharmaceutical facility where the acquired knowledge, skills and work habits can be applied and experience gained in a real-world setting prior to seeking employment.

    Conclusion:
    While the overall structure of Pharmacy Technician qualifications varies across the world, the purpose of the qualifications remains constant. Another common feature is the stipulation that registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the respective Pharmacy Authority requires a period of workplace exposure. Furthermore, the duration of study as well as internship, is very similar, i.e., approximately three years. It can therefore be said that the Higher Certificate: Pharmacy Support, Level 5 compares favourably with similar qualifications offered internationally. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with other Higher Certificates at NQF Level 5 in clinical health fields such as the Higher Certificate: Clinical Technology.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with Advanced Certificates or Diplomas or Bachelor Degrees in clinical health fields at NQF Level 6, such as the Advanced Certificate: Pharmacy Technical Support. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • NMMU, the accredited training provider, will oversee internal and external moderation of assessment in agreement with CHE and SAPC.
  • Moderation will encompass achievement of competence described in Exit Level Outcomes, Critical Cross-Field Outcomes and the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Assessors and moderators will be accredited as assessors and/or moderators by NMMU and agreed to by the CHE and SAPC.
  • Assessors and moderators must be registered as such with the 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 
  • All learners must be registered as such by the SAPC for the duration of study.
  • Once the qualifying learner has completed the requirements of the qualification and wishes to be registered with the SAPC as a designated Pharmacy Technical Assistant (PTA), the learner must have completed a period of three months' workplace experience at a site approved by the SAPC. The learner may proceed on this learning pathway directly (without having completed the three months' workplace experience) to achieve the Advanced Certificate: Technical Support; in which instance six months of workplace experience are required on completion of the latter qualification. 
    		•

    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.