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Pharmacy Courses in Macquarie

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Pharmacy courses in Macquarie

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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're considering a career in pharmacy, you’re in the right place! Macquarie, a quaint suburb in the Australian Capital Territory, offers a variety of pharmacy courses tailored for both beginners and experienced learners. With 11 courses available in the region, you can easily find the perfect training pathway for your career aspirations. Beginners can start with the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy (SIR20116) or advance to the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy (SIR30116), setting a strong foundation for a rewarding career in community pharmacy.

For those with prior experience or qualifications, there are numerous advanced courses to take your skills to the next level. Courses like the Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary (SIR40216) and the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing (HLT47815) are excellent options for career advancement. Additionally, if you're looking towards higher education, consider the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice (10737NAT) or even a Master of Pharmacy to deepen your expertise and expand your professional opportunities.

In Macquarie, prominent training providers such as the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia deliver high-quality education directly within the community. The Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD) and leading universities like Australian National University (ANU) and University of Canberra (UC) also contribute to the diverse training landscape, making it an ideal location for face-to-face learning.

With a range of pathways leading to varied job roles such as pharmacy technician, dispensary assistant, or even pharmacist, pursuing a pharmacy course in Macquarie positions you for success in a growing field. Explore the wealth of opportunities available in your local area and take a step towards a brighter future by visiting our page on Pharmacy Courses in Macquarie. Whether you’re just starting or looking to broaden your expertise, there's a course match waiting for you in Macquarie!