If you’re studying a pharmacist assistant course, I’ve got news for you:
The South African Pharmacy Council is changing the course or certificate.
The new Occupational Certificate (Basic and Post-Basic) will replace the current National Certificate: Pharmacist Assistant (Basic) and the Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacist Assistant (Post-Basic).
This shift aims to streamline and update the training process for future pharmacy assistants.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about this transition, including important dates, enrollment guidelines, and the responsibilities of Skills Development Providers (SDPs).
Key Dates to Remember:
– End of Current Qualifications: 30 June 2023
– Last Enrolment Date: 30 June 2024
– Teach-Out Period Ends: 30 June 2027
Pharmacist Assistant Course: Understanding the Transition
The teach-out period is a grace period allowing you to complete your current qualifications under the old system.
New enrolments will stop on 30 June 2024, but you have until 30 June 2027 to finish your training.
This gives you ample time to wrap up your studies without rushing—think of it as your last chance to beat the deadline, like submitting your assignment one minute before it’s due!
Guidance for You
The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) has created a guidance document to help you and your training providers manage this transition. Here’s what you need to know:
If You Are Currently Enrolled:
1. Changing Providers: If you need to switch your training provider during the teach-out period, you can. For example, if you move to a different city, you can transfer to a local provider. Just think of it as a change of scenery!
2. Changing Premises/Tutor: Should you need to change where you train or who trains you, you can apply for this change. Let’s say your current tutor retires—you can find a new tutor and continue your training smoothly. No need to panic, it’s like changing lanes in traffic.
3. Contract Extensions: If you need more time, you can extend your contract with your current provider within the teach-out period ending 30 June 2027. No, you can’t extend it forever—sorry!
4. Sector Changes: Unfortunately, you can’t change your training sector during the teach-out period because it would be a new enrollment. This means if you’re currently training in a hospital, you can’t switch to a retail pharmacy. No hopping around!
5. Tutor Availability: If your tutor can no longer supervise you (due to resignation or other reasons), you must apply for a new tutor and pay a fee. This ensures you continue to receive proper guidance. It’s like swapping teachers mid-semester—just with a bit more paperwork.
6. Facility Approval: If your training facility loses its approval, the responsible pharmacists must seek re-approval, or you must find a new approved facility. For instance, if your current pharmacy closes down, you’ll need to transfer to another approved pharmacy. Think of it as finding a new café after your favourite one closes.
If You Were Previously Enrolled:
If you were enrolled and registered before the cut-off dates, you can still complete your qualifications during the teach-out period under these conditions:
1. Application for Restoration: If your name was removed from the register, you must complete an application to restore it. Imagine you took a break from your studies; you can now reapply to finish your training. It’s your comeback tour!
2. Training Approval: Ensure the pharmacy where you’ll do your in-service training and your tutor are both approved by the Council.
3. Payment of Fees: You must pay a restoration fee and the annual fee for each year you are completing your qualification. Yes, this is the part where you reach for your wallet.
4. Timely Applications: Submit your restoration application well before the teach-out period ends. For instance, don’t wait until June 2027 to apply, as you might not have enough time to complete your training. Last-minute panic is best reserved for party planning, not career planning!
5. Completion Conditions: You won’t be allowed to complete your qualifications if you weren’t registered with the SAPC before the enrollment cut-off or failed to pay the required fees. Think of it as being benched before the big game if you didn’t follow the rules.
Responsibilities of Your Training Providers (SDPs)
SDPs play a key role in ensuring you complete your qualifications. Here’s what they need to do:
1. Completion Assurance: SDPs should only restore learners who can realistically complete all qualification requirements within the teach-out period.
For example, they should not restore a learner if they can’t provide the necessary 12 months of in-service training before June 2027. It’s like making sure you have enough petrol before a road trip.
2. Registration Compliance: SDPs must ensure you are properly registered with the Council throughout the teach-out period.
3. No Post-Teach-Out Changes: No restorations or sector changes will be allowed after the teach-out period ends. If you don’t finish by 30 June 2027, you must enrol in the new Occupational Certificate programs. Think of it as your last chance to graduate before starting a whole new degree.
Conclusion
Transitioning to the new Occupational Certificate (Basic and Post-Basic) for pharmacy support personnel is a significant step forward. By knowing the key dates and understanding the guidelines, you can ensure a smooth transition and successful completion of your current qualifications. Use the SAPC’s guidance document to navigate this period and make sure you’re on track to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. And remember, staying updated now means less stress later—just like finishing your homework before the weekend!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I still enroll in the current qualifications?
A: Yes, you can enroll in the current qualifications until 30 June 2024. After this date, no new enrollments will be accepted.
Q: What happens if I don’t complete my qualification by 30 June 2027?
A: If you don’t complete your qualification by the end of the teach-out period, you’ll need to enroll in the new Occupational Certificate programs.
Q: Can I change my training provider during the teach-out period?
A: Yes, you can change your training provider during the teach-out period. For example, if you move to a new city, you can transfer to a local provider.
Q: What should I do if my tutor is no longer available?
A: If your tutor is no longer available, you must apply for a new one and pay the applicable fee. This ensures you continue to receive proper guidance.
Q: Can I switch sectors (e.g., from hospital to retail pharmacy) during the teach-out period?
A: No, you cannot switch sectors during the teach-out period as it would count as a new enrollment, which is not allowed under the old qualifications.
Q: What if my training facility loses its approval?
A: If your training facility loses its approval, the responsible pharmacist must seek re-approval, or you must find a new approved facility to continue your training.
Q: How do I restore my name to the register if it was removed?
A: You must submit an application for restoration, ensure that the Council has approved your training pharmacy and tutor, and pay the restoration and annual fees.
By understanding these key points and FAQs, you can navigate the transition smoothly and ensure you’re on track to complete your qualifications successfully.
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