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Pharmacy Courses in Research

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Pharmacy courses in Research

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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

For those aspiring to build a career in the pharmacy sector, the Pharmacy Courses in Research in Research, 3095 Australia, offer a diverse range of options to suit learners at different levels. With a total of 18 pharmacy courses available, budding pharmacists can start with beginner programs such as the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 or advance with more specialized offerings like the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice 10737NAT. These courses are designed to ensure students gain the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in this vital healthcare field.

For learners with no prior experience or qualifications, the beginner courses such as the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 and the Certificate III in Retail SIR30216 provide an excellent foundation. Once equipped with these qualifications, students can pursue various roles within pharmacy, including pharmacy assistant and community pharmacy technician. For advanced learners, the pathway continues with several higher education options, such as the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) and the Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology), enabling them to take on more complex responsibilities and roles in the industry.

Students in the Research area have access to several reputable training providers who deliver these pharmacy courses face-to-face. Noteworthy institutions include the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Monash University, which offers the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), and Deakin University, among others. These esteemed providers are committed to delivering high-quality training and ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make significant contributions to community health.

Additionally, for those interested in pursuing specialized areas within pharmacy, there are multiple related categories to explore. These include Midwifery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Physiotherapy. By widening the scope of their studies, learners can enhance their career prospects and adapt to the continually evolving landscape of healthcare. Whether starting fresh or building upon existing qualifications, the Pharmacy Courses available in Research, 3095 Australia, provide a pathway to rewarding careers within the healthcare profession.