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Pharmacy Courses in Mont Albert

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Pharmacy courses in Mont Albert

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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 the Pharmacy field, Mont Albert offers a variety of courses that cater to both beginners and those looking to further their education. With 18 Pharmacy courses available in the area, you can select from both Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes as well as more advanced Higher Education qualifications. This rich selection ensures that you can kickstart your journey towards becoming a registered pharmacist or explore specialised areas such as retail or community pharmacy.

For those new to the industry, Mont Albert provides excellent beginner courses such as the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 and the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116. These courses will equip you with foundational knowledge and skills essential for entry-level roles, paving the way for a fulfilling career in community pharmacy. Additionally, the Certificate III in Retail SIR30216 is also highly recommended for those wanting to work in various retail environments.

If you already possess experience or qualifications, Mont Albert's advanced offerings are tailored for learners like you. Noteworthy programmes include the Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary SIR40216 and the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice 10737NAT. Those interested in clinical aspects can pursue the Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy HLT52315, among other degrees, opening doors to specialised roles in the healthcare sector.

Mont Albert also serves as an excellent base for exploring related health disciplines. Potential students can delve into ancillary fields such as Occupational Therapy and Nutrition and Dietetics, offering avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration. Other categories like Massage, First Aid, and Physiotherapy further widen your options, making Mont Albert a vibrant hub for healthcare education.

Choosing the right course in Mont Albert gives you the opportunity to develop skills relevant to various job roles such as pharmacy assistant, optical dispenser, or even pursuing a degree in pharmacy through programmes like the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). With a commitment to high-quality education and a supportive community, Mont Albert continues to foster careers in pharmacy and health-related fields. For more details, take a look at the comprehensive list of available courses in the Pharmacy Courses in Mont Albert section on Courses.com.au.