A Guide to the Teach-Out Period for Pharmacist’s Assistants in South Africa

The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of pharmacy professionals in the country. The SAPC’s regulation of pharmacy education is a vital component of ensuring that South African pharmacy professionals are adequately trained and equipped to serve the public.

As outlined in the Pharmacy Act, 53 of 1974, one of the key objectives of the SAPC is to establish, develop, maintain, and control universally accepted standards of pharmaceutical education and training. To achieve this, the SAPC is responsible for accrediting pharmacy education providers, developing relevant qualifications, and ensuring that training programmes meet rigorous quality standards.

As part of its ongoing efforts to regulate the pharmacy profession, the SAPC has announced the phase-out of two important qualifications for Pharmacist’s Assistants: the National Certificate: Pharmacist Assistance (Basic) and the Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacist Assistance (Post-Basic). These qualifications have been registered under the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and their registration officially ended on 30 June 2023. The last date for new enrolments into these programmes was 30 June 2024, with a teach-out period for current learners extending until 30 June 2027.

Understanding the Teach-Out Period

The teach-out period allows learners already enrolled in these qualifications the opportunity to complete their studies and gain the necessary practical experience required for registration. However, there are critical changes and guidelines that learners and Skills Development Providers (SDPs) must understand to navigate this transition effectively.

Key Guidelines for Pharmacist’s Assistants During the Teach-Out Period

Changes in Provider and Tutor – Learners already registered as Pharmacist’s Assistant (Learner Basic or Learner Post-Basic) may change their training providers or tutors during the teach-out period, if they follow the correct procedures and meet the SAPC’s standards. Learners are also allowed to extend their contracts with their current provider, if the extension does not exceed the end of the teach-out period (30 June 2027).

No Sector Changes During Teach-Out – While learners can change providers, premises or tutors, they are not permitted to enrol in any of the unit standards that are no longer registered with SAQA, hence unable to change sectors for those sectors that require completion of additional unit standards.

Restoration of Learners to the Register – Learners who were previously enrolled with an approved SDP but were removed from the register may apply for restoration. To restore their status, they must complete an online application, ensure their training facility is approved by the SAPC, and have their tutor approved. They will also need to pay the applicable restoration fee and continue paying annual fees during the teach-out period.

Provider Responsibility – SDPs are tasked with ensuring that learners who are restored to the register or continue their training during the teach-out period can meet all requirements to complete their qualification on time.

After the Teach-Out Period

Once the teach-out period concludes on 30 June 2027, there will be no further opportunity for restoration or sector changes. Learners who have not completed their qualifications by this time will need to enrol in the new qualifications (Occupational Certificates: Pharmacist’s Assistant Basic and Post-Basic). Pharmacist’s Assistants (Learner Basic) who fail to complete their training by the deadline will not be able to complete their qualification and will be required to enrol afresh under the new qualification. Pharmacist’s Assistants (Learner Post-Basic) will be required to write the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) exam and enrol afresh as Learner Post-Basics under the new Occupational Certificate.

For those learners still in training, it is critical to stay informed about the dates and procedures outlined by the SAPC. As the industry evolves, the commitment to maintaining high standards of pharmaceutical education remains unwavering, ensuring that future Pharmacist’s Assistants continue to meet the needs of South African healthcare.