All careers

Pharmacy Courses in Nedlands

Physiotherapy
Podiatry

Pharmacy courses in Nedlands

Career Pathfinder

Skills shortages + AI Exposure

Discover in-demand careers and understand how each role may be impacted by AI and automation.

A tool for students to:
  • See in-demand occupations across Australia
  • Check AI Exposure ratings
  • Compare training duration and average income

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

Further reading

Career Pathways for Graduates After Studying a Diploma of Nursing and a Bachelor of Nursing

4th October 2024

Most popular health courses

29th June 2022

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

More about Pharmacy courses

Nedlands is a vibrant community that offers a wide range of Pharmacy courses tailored to meet the needs of aspiring professionals in the healthcare sector. With 14 courses available, students can choose from a variety of pathways including the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy offered by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Master of Pharmacy provided by UWA. Other respected training providers, such as NMTAFE and ACOD, also offer quality education to ensure students are well-prepared for roles in pharmacy support and optical dispensing.

For those interested in expanding their skill set, courses also touch on related fields such as Occupational Therapy and Allied Health, which can open doors to further career opportunities. The local area is home to several RTOs that offer in-person, face-to-face training, making it easier for students to engage with their studies and connect with industry professionals. Institutions like GTA and ECU are committed to providing exceptional training experiences that align with current industry standards.

Graduates from Nedlands' Pharmacy courses can pursue various job roles, including pharmacy support staff and specialists in drug and alcohol testing. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, opportunities in Medicine, Drug and Alcohol Testing, and Optician fields are becoming increasingly popular. With the support of local training providers like the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and Cartec Training, students can confidently step into their careers, making a meaningful impact in the health and wellbeing of the community.