Frequently Asked Questions - Dispensing Assistant

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Can the GPhC help me find a role as a trainee dispensing assistant?

The GPhC can provide information on the training required, and provide information on approved courses and qualifications but cannot assist with finding employment. For current roles in hospital pharmacy visit NHS Jobs or for current roles in community (retail) pharmacy look for vacancies in independent pharmacies in your area or vacancies advertised by multiple pharmacy chains.

I qualified as a Dispensing Assistant outside of the EEA, do I need to undertake the NVQ level 2 to start working as a dispenser in the UK?

Although some of your previous training will be relevant, you will need to ensure that you fully are trained in UK practice and law that will be relevant to your role. Therefore, as a minimum you would need to take the relevant units of the level 2 certificate in pharmacy service skills, or it may be appropriate, if agreed by the pharmacy, for you to go on to undertake the whole level 2 certificate in pharmacy service skills and the level 2 certificate in pharmaceutical science.

If you can provide evidence of prior learning you may be able to reduce some of the theory elements of the course however this would be entirely at the discretion of the course provider and you would still need to undertake all of the assessments.

Do I need to register with the GPhC to work as a Dispensing Assistant?

No, the GPhC does not hold a register of Dispensing Assistants.

I'm a pharmacist looking to employ a dispensing assistant in my pharmacy. A lot of applicants for the job have qualifications gained many years ago. Are these valid, or will they need to retrain?

Since 2005 anyone training as a dispensing assistant must do so by undertaking a training course that has been accredited by the RPSGB/GPhC. Prior to 2005 anyone working as a qualified Dispensing Assistant could have their qualification 'grandparented' to allow them to continue working as a Dispensing Assistant without need to undertake an accredited training course. This recognition process involved the Pharmacist supervising the Dispensing Assistant to complete a Declaration of Competence confirming the Assistants in areas covered by the NVQ level 2. The GPhC holds a record of all declarations of competence received. For further details contact accreditation@pharmacyregulation.org.

Anyone who did not have their qualifications grandparented prior to 2005 will need to take the relevant units of the current level 2 qualification to ensure that their skills and knowledge are up-to-date.