2017-Sep 29: Reminder that applicants applying to work as Pharmacy Technicians must hold the National Certificate in Pharmacy

Visa Pak 329 - Reminder to staff that applicants applying to work as Pharmacy Technicians must hold the appropriate qualification.

Visa Paks

29 September 2017

Reminder that applicants applying to work as Pharmacy Technicians must hold the National Certificate in Pharmacy

There have been inconsistent approaches when processing visas for pharmacy technicians. This advice is reiterated and updated from previous advice to staff (12 May 2017), which advised staff that in order to be approved a visa on the basis of being a pharmacy technician applicants must hold the National Certificate in Pharmacy (Technician).

 
The role of pharmacy technician can only be legally undertaken in New Zealand as prescribed by the Medicines Regulations 1984 (the Regulations) and the Medicines Act 1981. Regulation 2(1) of the Medicines Regulations 1984 defines a pharmacy technician and pharmacy technician student as:

 
Pharmacy technician: Any person who has a National Certificate in Pharmacy (Technician)
Pharmacy technician student: A person who is undertaking, but who has not yet completed, training and examinations leading to a National Certificate in Pharmacy (Technician)

In order to lawfully do the work of a pharmacy technician in New Zealand, the National Certificate in Pharmacy (Technician) must be held. Experience cannot substitute for the formal qualification. ANZSCO requirements do not reflect the requirement to hold a National Certificate in Pharmacy (Technician) and therefore ANZSCO should not be directly followed for this particular occupation when assessing whether applicants are suitably qualified.

Points may be awarded under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) for pharmacy qualifications gained overseas according to the level of academic attainment on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), as determined by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). However, overseas qualifications do not confer vocational status in New Zealand.

Essential Skills work visa applications based on employment as a pharmacy technician
• Check that the applicant holds the New Zealand qualification required for a pharmacy technician before approval.
• If the applicant is only enrolled in and undertaking study towards the required New Zealand qualification (meaning they are a pharmacy technician student), they will not meet the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL). Therefore, they must meet the Labour Market Test requirements.

SMC residence applications based on employment as a pharmacy technician
• For applications made prior to 28 August 2017, the previous advice to staff (12 May 2017) should be followed.
• Immigration instruction SM6.10.20(c) should be used for applicants that were selected after
28 August 2017. This specifically states that,
“applicants employed as ‘Pharmacy technicians’ (ANZSCO 311215) will only be awarded points for skilled employment in New Zealand in that occupation if they hold the required New Zealand qualification (a National Certificate in Pharmacy (Technician)), as required by reg 42 of the Medicines Regulations 1984.”

Expressions of Interest (EOIs)
If the applicant is claiming points on the basis of being a pharmacy technician but does not hold the required New Zealand qualification, they should not be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA).