Pre-Registration Pharmacy Technician Rajiv Dabeea from Paisley wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy. Having been out of education for a significant period, Rajiv applied to an Access to Pharmacy Services course at West College Scotland. The course encompasses a range of pharmacy specific units in conjunction with underpinning scientific knowledge. The course is designed with employment in mind, enabling graduates to obtain employment in the pharmacy sector.
Rajiv said,
“I wanted to change my career path and study a course focused on health. I thought it would be interesting to learn more about pharmacy in general, drugs and the human body. I also wanted to pick a course where it was possible to get some practical experience and there was an opportunity to organise a placement with a local pharmacy with help from the College.”
Upon completing the Pharmacy Services course, Rajiv successfully applied for employment as a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician working for the NHS. As part of his training, Rajiv is now undertaking a two-year Diploma in Pharmacy Services (SCQF 7) which allows him to apply to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Rajiv has found that there was a lot of cross-over in the topics covered in the Pharmacy Services course and the Diploma in Pharmacy Services, “The Access to Pharmacy Services course provided a thorough overview of pharmacy practice, and this has meant that I have had a head start with some of the units covered in the Diploma which has been really helpful. The Access to Pharmacy Services course also covered calculations and report writing which has been useful when studying the Diploma.”
On speaking of his college experience, Rajiv said that from first applying to completing the course, he has found the lecturers to be very supportive,
“They provided advice throughout the course and made changes based on feedback to improve the learning experience for students. They are enthusiastic about the units that they teach, and this added to the enjoyment of studying the course. The lecturers also prepare you for your next steps after finishing the course which was very helpful.”
When asked what advice he would give to someone in a similar situation Rajiv said, “Don't hesitate to find out more about the course and get in touch with the college. Take the opportunity to ask questions and see if the course is for you. I would also say not to underestimate the course as it covers lots of different topics.”
Now in his second year of training with the NHS to become a registered Pharmacy Technician, Rajiv plans to work and progress within Primary Care as a Medicines Management Pharmacy Technician after completing his training. He said,
“Applying for a post to train as a Pharmacy Technician was one of the routes recommended by the lecturers whilst studying Pharmacy Services.”
The Science and Pharmacy team are delighted with Rajiv’s success and wish him the best for the future.
Pharmacy Lecturer Matthew Lauder said, “By studying Pharmacy Services at the college, Rajiv was equipped with the necessary professional and scientific skills to obtain employment in pharmacy – the Access to Pharmacy Services course can lead to employment either as a Pharmacy Support Worker or as a Pre-Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician. His dedication and enthusiasm for pharmacy was evident from the beginning of his studies.
We are thrilled Rajiv is continuing his education with West College Scotland by undertaking the Diploma in Pharmacy Services. There is no doubt Rajiv will have a successful career in pharmacy and make a real difference to patients’ lives”
Our Access to Pharmacy Services is now open for application!