Bradford College has launched two new courses designed to support pharmacy technicians in expanding “their clinical knowledge while continuing to work”. 

The Level 4 HNC and Level 5 FdSc in Clinical Practice courses will launch in January next year and were announced last week on Pharmacy Technician Day. 

“Flexibility for busy professionals” 

Bradford College said the courses will be delivered wholly online and part-time over four years, “offering flexibility for busy professionals”. 

After completing their first two years of study, learners will be awarded a Higher National Certificate, before completing the full Foundation Degree at the end of the four years. 

Read more: Consultation launched for level 6 pharmacy technician pathway 

The college said the new qualifications “reflect the changing nature of the profession and growing demand for Pharmacy Technicians with advanced clinical skills”. 

Bradford College has been providing pharmacy education since the 1950s and also offers Level 2 and 3 pharmacy courses. 

Read more: GPhC publishes new standards for pharmacy technicians 

It comes after the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) launched a consultation on introducing a level 6 pharmacy technician pathway. 

And it follows the General Pharmaceutical Council publishing new standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians, which included the raising of the minimum level of study for pharmacy technicians from Level 3 to Level 4.