Bradford College Introduces New Clinical Programmes for Pharmacy Technicians
October 28, 2026New courses aim to enhance clinical skills in pharmacy sector
Bradford College has announced the launch of two new Higher Education programmes designed to develop advanced clinical skills for pharmacy technicians. The courses, which open for applications starting January, seek to address the evolving role of pharmacy technicians within healthcare services.
Programme details and development
The new programmes include a Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) and a Level 5 Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Clinical Practice for Pharmacy Technicians. Both qualifications have been validated by the University of Greater Manchester. These courses are among the first of their kind offered by a further education institution in the UK, reflecting the growing emphasis on patient-centred care and the expanding responsibilities of pharmacy technicians.
Bradford College has nearly 70 years of experience in educating pharmacy technicians and has developed these programmes in consultation with pharmacy professionals and employers. The curriculum was shaped with input from registered pharmacy professionals, including pharmacist Sarah Hughes, who contributed to the development and will participate in teaching and assessment.
Course structure and content
Designed for registered pharmacy technicians who wish to continue working while studying, the programmes combine live teaching sessions, structured independent learning, and workplace-based application. This flexible approach allows learners to acquire new skills and apply them directly in their professional roles.
Topics covered in the courses include:
- Applied therapeutics
- Medicines optimisation
- Patient consultation
- Clinical examination
- Health promotion
- Quality improvement
- Pharmacogenomics
- Advanced pharmacokinetics
Recognition and career impact
The programmes received positive feedback during the validation process, with the committee describing them as “pioneering”. This reflects Bradford College’s commitment to developing qualifications that support both employers and healthcare professionals preparing for future demands.
Graduates of Bradford College’s pharmacy courses have gone on to work in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, GP practices, hospitals, care homes, prisons, mental health services, the armed forces, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Further information
These new clinical practice programmes build on the College’s existing Level 2 and Level 3 pharmacy qualifications, offering a pathway for pharmacy technicians to expand their clinical expertise and career opportunities.
Pharmacy technicians interested in applying or seeking more details can visit the following pages:
