PDA Pharmacy Services SCQF level 7

The PDA in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 7 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is suitable for the current sector.

It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

It can also be offered to people who are in training and who wish to gain employment in the sector.

The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units are typically 40 hours of learning and they can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. Learners should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities which allow them to gather the required evidence.

Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

• Biology, Chemistry, English and Mathematics at SCQF level 5 or equivalent
• NC Applied Sciences at SCQF level 5 (Chemistry and Biology based)
• other relevant academic courses or standalone units demonstrating achievement at SCQF level 5
• employment in pharmacy as a pre-registration pharmacy technician and nominated by employer along with evidence of Biology, Chemistry, English and Mathematics ability at SCQF level 5

The units in the PDA have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for the SVQ in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 8.

The PDA could provide progression to:

• employment in the pharmacy sector as a pharmacy technician
• degree level study at a higher education institution

Please note that centres will not be approved to offer the PDA in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 7 if they are not delivering the qualification as part of a training programme for pharmacy technicians. This may be in partnership with another provider. The training programme must include the PDA in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 7 and the SVQ in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 8. 

Centres interested in offering this qualification require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.  The specific delivery requirements are set out in the group award specification (arrangements document).

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Each unit is assessed separately.

E-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.