IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED QUALIFICATIONS FOR PHARMACIST’S ASSISTANTS

At the Council meeting on 10 and 11 February 2010, Council resolved that the revised qualification for Pharmacist’s Assistants (Basic and Post Basic) be implemented with effect from 21 August 2010.

Background

The qualifications for Pharmacist’s Assistants (PA’s) were revised and registered on 20 August 2008 (SAQA QUAL ID number 72049 and 72050) to replace the existing qualifications for PA’s.

According to SAQA the last date for new enrolments on the old qualifications was 20 August 2009, but at this latter date, Council had not accredited any provider for the new qualifications. Council then requested an extension of six months from SAQA for implementation by 20 February 2010. This matter was further discussed by Council at the meeting on 10 and 11 February 2010 and resolved as follows, that-

(a)        the last date of new learner enrolments on the old qualifications is 20 August 2010 (which means registered with Council by 20 August 2010);

(b)        the teach-out period is n+2 years where n is the minimum duration for the qualification. This means that the teach-out period for learners in the old qualification is until 20 August 2013 and any other learner who would not have completed the old qualification by then, will be required to enroll on the revised qualification;

(c)        learners will not be allowed to change providers during the teach-out period;

(d)        FET providers be encouraged to submit their applications for accreditation of their courses for the new PA qualifications;

(e)        the accreditation period for the new courses be a maximum period of 5 years effective from the 20 August 2010;

(f)        the implementation date for the new PA qualifications is from 21 August 2010.

 Implications to the-

1.         Further Education and Training Providers

The above resolution of Council results in implementation challenges for providers. Council, however, appeals to all providers to exercise caution in this changing period and consult with Council wherever necessary to assist one another in the process. Providers must ensure that provisions of the Pharmacy Act 53 of 1974 are observed e.g. 12 months in-service training, together with the enrolment dates from providers. It will be preferable that during the teach-out period providers also accommodate the in-service training in their planning so that the in-service training does not take place or finish outside the teach-out period. If the latter happens, the learners will be disadvantaged in that they will have to be transferred to the new qualification. Providers are thereby requested to make this transitional period a smooth one to avoid casualties in the process.

2.         Learners

Learners are advised to complete their training within the teach-out period i.e. by 20 August 2013. This means both the theory part from the providers as well as the in-service training from Council side which should always run concurrently. Any failure to complete within this time period will result in learners being transferred to a new course. Of course a learner transferred to the new course will be subjected to a diagnostic assessment by the provider to determine what level of learning a learner had achieved on the old course before they are enrolled on the revised course. Learners are also advised that during the teach-out period changing providers will not be allowed. Learners are advised to stick to one provider and also make sure that training takes place in an approved pharmacy under the continued supervision of a tutor. Any further clarity as to what should happen during this transitional period must please be communicated to the provider of education and training or Council.

Should you have further questions regarding this matter, please contact Ms P Buthelezi or Ms H Masiza at the Office of the Registrar.

Mr. TA Masango

REGISTRAR/CEO