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Pharmacy Courses in Chifley

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Pharmacy courses in Chifley

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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

Chifley, located in the beautiful suburb of 2036, offers an excellent selection of Pharmacy courses tailored to equip students with the essential skills needed in the healthcare sector. With a total of 21 Pharmacy courses available in the area, students can look forward to high-quality education and training from reputable providers. Institutions such as the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and ARC Training have established a strong presence in Chifley, making face-to-face learning a convenient option.

Students keen on furthering their education can take advantage of the diverse offerings from local institutions. For example, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia offers the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice, while the Australian Catholic University (ACU) provides a range of courses to help enhance one's pharmaceutical knowledge. With so many options available, it is easier than ever to pursue a successful career in pharmacy and related fields.

In addition to traditional Pharmacy courses, students can explore other healthcare disciplines such as Ambulance and Paramedic, Allied Health, and Medical Administration. Chifley's educational landscape is supported by esteemed providers like the University of Wollongong (UOW) and UNSW, offering students numerous pathways to advance their knowledge and skills.

With Chifley's thriving pharmacy education options, students are sure to find the right course to match their career aspirations. Whether you're considering the Master of Biotechnology at Macquarie University or a skill set like the Infection Control Skill Set offered by the Australia Learning Institute, the opportunities are plentiful. For more information on these offerings and to discover available courses, visit the Pharmacy Courses in Chifley page.