Open Awards
Level 3
QN: 610/4031/9
Curriculum Active
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Open Awards. Classified as a Technical Occupation Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 785 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
Open Awards
Syllabus Units
21 Units
Guided Hours
785 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Actions and Uses of Medicines
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of how medicines work in the human body.Understand the uses and limitations of medicines.Understand the use of standard pharmacy resources to research pharmaceutical queries.
2
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Assemble and Check Dispensed Medicines and Products
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the governance requirements for assembling and checking dispensed medicines and products
- Describe the processes for assembling dispensed items according to prescriptions
- Outline the processes for packing and labelling prescribed items
- Explain the processes for preventing and dealing with dispensing errors and near misses
- Demonstrate the ability to label and dispense prescribed items accurately
- Check the accuracy of others' dispensing of medicines and products against valid prescriptions
- Resolve dispensing errors and near misses in accordance with procedures
3
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Biological Principles for Pharmacy Technicians
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the structure and function of carbohydrates and lipidsUnderstand the structure and function of proteinsUnderstand the structure and function of enzymesUnderstand the structure and function of the human genome
4
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Chemical Principles for Pharmacy Technicians
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the arrangement of elements in the periodic table and how this relates to their chemical properties.
- Describe the different types of chemical bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic) and give pharmaceutical examples.
- Classify common chemical reactions (e.g., oxidation, hydrolysis, neutralisation) and explain their relevance to drug stability.
- Evaluate the importance of water as a solvent in pharmaceutical preparations and its impact on drug solubility and stability.
- Apply principles of chemical reactions to predict the outcomes of drug interactions and incompatibilities.
5
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Contribute to Service Improvement in the Delivery of Pharmacy Services
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of audit in pharmacy servicesUnderstand the principles of quality improvement in pharmacy servicesUnderstand how partnership working contributes to improving the delivery of pharmacy servicesBe able to deliver pharmacy services for the benefit of individualsBe able to respond to complaints
6
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Treatments for Central Nervous System Conditions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system
- Explain the mechanisms of action of medicines used for CNS conditions
- Evaluate the use of non-medicinal treatments in mental health care
- Apply knowledge of pain management to support patient care
- Analyse the role of the pharmacy technician in monitoring CNS treatments
7
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Treatments for Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Conditions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the digestive systemUnderstand how medicines are used in the treatment of conditions of the gastrointestinal tractUnderstand how medicines and supplements are used in the treatment of nutritional conditionsUnderstand the advice individuals need to manage their condition
8
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Medicinal and Non-medicinal Treatments for Malignant Diseases and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure and function of different human cell types and tissues.
- Explain the organisation and function of the musculoskeletal system.
- Compare and contrast the mechanisms of action of different classes of anticancer medicines.
- Evaluate the role of non-medicinal therapies in the management of malignant diseases.
- Explain the pharmacological management of common musculoskeletal conditions.
- Develop a patient advice plan for an individual with a malignant disease or musculoskeletal condition.
9
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Medicinal Methods for the Prevention, Protection from and Treatment of Infections
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the function of blood in the immune response to infection
- Describe the mechanisms of action of different classes of antimicrobial medicines
- Evaluate the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in preventing resistance
- Explain the uses of commonly available immunological products, including vaccines and immunoglobulins
- Advise individuals on the safe and effective use of medicines for infection management
- Assess the importance of patient adherence to prescribed infection treatments
10
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Medicinal Treatments for Cardio-respiratory Conditions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the respiratory and cardiovascular systemsUnderstand how medicines are used in the treatment of conditions of the respiratory systemUnderstand how medicines are used in the treatment of conditions of the cardiovascular systemUnderstand the advice individuals need to manage their condition
11
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Medicinal Treatments for Endocrine, Gynaecological and Genitourinary Conditions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the lymphatic systemUnderstand the endocrine systemUnderstand the genitourinary systemUnderstand how medicines are used in the treatment of endocrine conditionsUnderstand how medicines are used in the treatment of gynaecological conditionsUnderstand how medicines are used in the treatment of genitourinary conditions Understand how medicines are used in obstetricsUnderstand the advice individuals need to manage their conditions
12
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Medicinal Treatments for Sensory Organ Conditions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the sensory organs relevant to medicine use.
- Explain the pharmacological actions of medicines used in the treatment of eye conditions.
- Explain the pharmacological actions of medicines used in the treatment of ear conditions.
- Explain the pharmacological actions of medicines used in the treatment of oropharynx conditions.
- Explain the pharmacological actions of medicines used in the treatment of nose conditions.
- Explain the pharmacological actions of medicines used in the treatment of dermatological conditions.
- Advise individuals on the correct use and management of their condition and treatment.
13
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Microbiology for Pharmacy Technicians
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the structure, function and classification of microorganismsUnderstand factors affecting microbial growthUnderstand how the growth of microorganisms is monitored and controlled Understand transmission of infection
14
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Personal Development for Pharmacy Technicians
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the regulatory bodies and legislation that govern the role of a pharmacy technician
- Evaluate the principles of professionalism and their application in pharmacy practice
- Apply models of reflection to analyse own practice and identify areas for improvement
- Assess own performance against professional standards and identify strengths and weaknesses
- Identify behaviours that breach professional standards and determine appropriate responses
- Construct a personal development plan with SMART objectives to address identified learning needs
- Support the development of others through coaching, mentoring, or providing constructive feedback
15
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Principles for the Management of Pharmaceutical Stock
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand governance requirements relating to the management of pharmaceutical stockUnderstand the considerations for ordering pharmaceutical stockUnderstand how to complete the procurement process for pharmaceutical stockUnderstand how to receive pharmaceutical stockUnderstand how to store pharmaceutical stockUnderstand how to carry out pharmaceutical stock management
16
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Principles of Health and Safety for Pharmacy Technicians
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the legal responsibilities of employers and employees under health and safety legislation.
- Describe the process for conducting a risk assessment in a pharmacy setting.
- Explain the importance of reporting accidents and incidents.
- Describe the procedures for responding to common emergencies in a pharmacy.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of control measures in reducing risks.
- Apply the principles of health and safety to a pharmacy scenario.
17
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Principles of Health Promotion and Well-being in Pharmacy Services
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the range of factors that influence health and well-being
- Analyse the relationship between public health and pharmacy services
- Apply principles of behaviour change to health promotion activities
- Evaluate the role of the pharmacy technician in promoting public health
18
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Principles of Person-Centred Approaches for Pharmacy Technicians
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand effective communication within pharmacy servicesUnderstand person-centred approaches in pharmacy servicesUnderstand the role and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician in relation to safeguarding individuals
19
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Principles of Safe Manufacture of Quality Medicines in the Pharmaceutical Environment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the governance requirements for pharmaceutical manufacture, including regulatory bodies and legislation
- Explain the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and their application to environmental control
- Describe the key stages in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, including solid, liquid, and semi-solid dosage forms
- Perform pharmaceutical calculations accurately for given formulae, including conversions and adjustments
- Analyse the role of quality systems in ensuring product safety and efficacy during manufacture
20
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Receive, Validate and Issue Prescriptions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand governance requirements for receiving, validating and issuing prescriptions Be able to receive prescriptionsBe able to validate prescriptionsBe able to issue prescribed items
21
Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (Diploma)
Undertake Medicines Reconciliation and Supply
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the governance requirements for medicines reconciliation
- Demonstrate effective communication skills when taking a medication history
- Verify the accuracy of a medication history against reliable sources
- Reconcile the verified medication history with the current prescription list
- Assess the suitability of patients' own medicines for continued use
- Order medicines and products to maintain sufficient supply
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/4031/9
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Open Awards
- Qualification Type
- Technical Occupation Qualification
- Operational Start
- Aug 2025