Apprenticeship Standards Pharmacy Services Assistant (L2)
About the role
The Pharmacy Services Assistant (PSA) works under the supervision of a Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, or other accountable healthcare professional. The PSA provides a variety of pharmacy and medicines services to patients, the public and other professional healthcare teams. The PSA supports the delivery of pharmacy services in a variety of pharmacy environments.
A PSA will be involved in supporting the supply, preparation and assembly of medicines and products; issuing them to patients and other healthcare professionals and assisting in providing advice to patients to help them to make effective use of their medicines. They will be responsible for ordering and receiving medicines, as well as their storage, disposal and return. They will have an understanding of healthy lifestyle choices and relevant screening services.
On this page
Standard
On-programme
We provide a clear learning programme to take apprentices from entry through to the gateway for end-point assessment.
You can use our on-programme offer regardless of whether you are using Pearson as your end-point assessment organisation or not.
Qualifications
In order to meet the apprenticeship standard apprentices will be required to hold or achieve:
- Minimum of Level 1 English and attempt Level 2 English
- Minimum of Level 1 maths and attempt Level 2 maths
There is an optional qualification on this apprenticeship standard:
As both a vocational and academic awarding organisation, we can offer a wide range of English and maths qualifications in line with your standards’ requirements from Functional Skills through to GCSEs.
Resources
English and maths resources
We have a wide range of resources and useful tools to complement your programme, including assessment tools, podcasts and training events.
End-point assessment
As an ESFA-approved Assessment Organisation, we provide a full range of assessment services, resources and support from our experienced EPA team to equip you and your learners with the diverse requirements of the apprenticeship standards.
You can use Pearson as your end-point assessment organisation, regardless of whether you choose to use our on-programme offer or not.
There are three components that make up end-point assessment for this apprenticeship standard.
Knowledge test
The knowledge test will be onscreen computer based. Apprentices will have a maximum of 90 minutes to complete the test.
It will consist of 45 questions including:
a multiple-choice test of 40 questions with four possible answers, of which only one is correct, scoring 1 mark each
5 scenario-based multiple-choice questions, one from each domain of the occupational standard. Each question will have four possible answers, of which only one is correct, scoring two marks for a correct answer, and zero marks for an incorrect one.
Grading- Fail/Pass/Distinction
Simulated observation with question and answer session
Apprentices must be observed by an independent assessor completing two simulated observations in which they will demonstrate the KSBs assigned to this assessment method. This observation will take place in the normal working environment and the following activities MUST be covered during the simulated observation.
1. Dispensing and supply of medicines
2. Working within Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the legal and ethical framework
Apprentices will have maximum of 60 minutes to complete the observation including questions and answers.
The apprentice will have:
5 minutes to read what demonstration is required prior to starting each one (not included in the time allowed)
20 minutes to complete each task
10 minutes questions and answer session following each task.
Grading- Fail/Pass/Distinction
Professional discussion
The professional discussion is a structured discussion to draw out the best of the apprentice’s competence and excellence and covers the duties and KSBs assigned to this assessment method.
The professional discussion will normally take place at the employer’s premises and will last for 30 minutes.
Grading- Fail/Pass/Distinction
Our range of EPA resources such as EPA specification, additional resources document and practice knowledge test are designed to enhance learners’ knowledge and/or hone essential skills required.
They are available to our customers who have signed up to Pearson EPA and include information on:
- Structure
- Grading
- Gateway requirements
- Assessment content
- Evidence requirement for each component
We have designed a step-by-step guide, with signposts to our key supporting information, resources and services available at every stage of the process.
