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Pharmacy Courses in Parkville

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Pharmacy courses in Parkville

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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 looking to pursue a career in the pharmacy field, Parkville offers a variety of courses tailored to suit both beginners and experienced learners. With 18 pharmacy courses available in the region, you can find the perfect course to gain the skills and qualifications you need. Courses such as the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 and the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 are excellent starting points for those with no prior experience. These introductory programs will equip you with fundamental knowledge and competencies required to thrive in the pharmacy industry.

For learners with some background in pharmacy or related fields, advanced courses like the Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary SIR40216 and the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice 10737NAT offer great opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. Additionally, prestigious higher education options are available, including the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) and the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, enabling you to delve deeper into specialised areas of pharmacy.

In Parkville, there are several esteemed training providers ready to support your educational journey. Institutions such as the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Monash University offer comprehensive courses designed to prepare you for various pharmacy job roles. From pharmacy technicians to pharmacists, these training programmes provide essential skills that align with industry needs, helping you step confidently into the workforce.

For those interested in a more specialised path, Parkville also boasts advanced training providers like Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, which offers the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice. This course is ideal for experienced individuals looking to enhance their practice and take on leadership roles in the pharmacy sector. Furthermore, institutions like RMIT University and The University of Melbourne provide high-quality education in biomedical science and pharmacology, respectively, preparing students for challenging roles within health care.

Whether you're starting your educational journey or seeking advanced qualifications, Parkville offers a vibrant landscape for pharmacy education. With options for face-to-face learning through respected providers such as Victoria University and Deakin University, you can benefit from hands-on experiences that enrich your learning. Explore the diverse pharmacy courses available in Parkville to find out how you can pave the way to a rewarding career in this essential field. Discover more about the opportunities waiting for you at Courses.com.au.