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Pharmacy Courses in Brighton East

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Pharmacy courses in Brighton East

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Common questions

Often known as a ‘chemist’, a community pharmacy provides medication, healthcare advice, and retail products to customers. It’s a key component of the pharmacy industry which also comprises hospital pharmacy and industrial pharmacy.

What is the outlook for the community pharmacy sector?

With an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases, community pharmacies provide an essential service for almost every town and city in Australia. As the first port of call for health concerns, there are 443.6 million individual patient visits to pharmacies each year, making it a key part of the healthcare sector.

What roles are available in community pharmacies?

There are a number of roles in community pharmacies, including:
  • Pharmacists
  • - Who dispense medications, advise customers, and ensure patient safety.
  • Pharmacy Technicians
  • - Who assists pharmacists with dispensing and customer service.
  • Pharmacy Assistants
  • - Who helps with customer service, sales, and some dispensing tasks.

What is the role of a pharmacy assistant?

Pharmacy assistants work in customer service, process sales, and may assist with dispensing medications under pharmacist supervision.

What qualifications are required for pharmacy assistants?

Under the Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) a minimum S2/S3 certification is required to handle over-the-counter and pharmacist-only medications.

What is the role of a pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy Technicians help pharmacists prepare and dispense medicines. In a community pharmacy, technicians are also often involved in customer service duties and provide medical advice to customers under the supervision of the pharmacist on duty.

How do I become a pharmacy technician?

To meet the requirements of the Pharmacy Board of Australia, a Cert IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary or SIRSS00012 Community Pharmacy Dispensary qualification is recommended.

Why should I consider a career in pharmacy?

Pharmacy careers offer:
  • Flexible working hours.
  • A mix of healthcare and customer service.
  • Opportunities for career advancement.
  • A stable and growing job market.

How can I enter the pharmacy industry?

An S2/S3 certification is a great way to get your foot in the door of the pharmacy industry. Completed online in as little as two days, this qualification does not require you to currently work in a community pharmacy and equips you to supply pharmacy medications and assist the pharmacist in the dispensary with the supply of pharmacist only medications.

What career pathways are available in the pharmacy industry?

You can progress from a pharmacy assistant to a senior role, become a pharmacy manager, or pursue further education to become a pharmacist. Other opportunities include hospital and industrial pharmacy roles.

Are there job opportunities in community pharmacies?

Yes, community pharmacies exist in cities, towns, and rural areas, ensuring employment opportunities nationwide.There are currently 39,900 pharmacy assistants and 6900 pharmacy technician positions in Australia, and the sector is growing.That said, it is a sought after part of the retail sector, with qualifications such as the S2/S3 allowing you to stand out from the crowd.

What skills are important for working in a pharmacy?

Author Image Cassandra Charlesworth

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More about Pharmacy courses

If you are interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy, Brighton East offers a variety of courses tailored to meet your educational needs, whether you are a beginner or an experienced learner. With 18 pharmacy courses available in the area, you can choose from beginner vocational courses like the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 and the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116, both of which provide essential foundational knowledge for those just starting out in the field.

Brighton East boasts a strong educational framework, supported by recognised training providers. For those beginning their journey, the Certificate III in Retail SIR30216 is an excellent option to develop retail skills specific to the pharmacy sector. These beginner courses are designed for individuals with no prior qualifications in this domain, allowing entry-level professionals to lay a solid foundation for future advancement.

For experienced learners looking to elevate their careers, Brighton East also offers a diversified range of advanced pharmacy courses. Options such as the Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary SIR40216 and the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing HLT47815 cater to those who have prior knowledge and qualifications. These advanced courses are recognised by industry bodies, ensuring that participants receive training that meets current professional standards.

If you are striving to achieve a higher education qualification, Brighton East is the place for you. The area features exceptional courses such as the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) and the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice 10737NAT. These degrees address complex topics within the pharmacy field and equip students with the skills necessary for diverse roles within the healthcare environment.

In addition to pharmacy-specific qualifications, Brighton East residents can also consider courses that broaden their scientific understanding, such as the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) and the Master of Biotechnology. These educational opportunities can complement your pharmacy qualifications, making you more competitive in the job market. For more information, explore the full range of pharmacy courses available in Brighton East at Courses.com.au.