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Pharmacy Courses in South Perth

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Pharmacy courses in South Perth

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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

Are you considering a career in the pharmacy field? South Perth is a vibrant location with a variety of quality pharmacy courses available to help you kick-start your journey. Whether you are a complete beginner looking for foundational skills or an experienced professional seeking to expand your qualifications, there are 14 pharmacy courses that cater to all learning levels. With several registered training organisations (RTOs) and industry-recognised providers in the area, you can find the perfect course to meet your career aspirations.

For those just stepping into the world of pharmacy, there are beginner courses such as the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 and the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116. These courses are designed to provide essential knowledge and skills for roles such as a pharmacy assistant or a community pharmacy technician. Enrolment in these courses is available through local providers like the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and North Metropolitan TAFE, ensuring a face-to-face learning experience in South Perth.

If you have prior experience or qualifications, you might be interested in more advanced offerings like the Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary SIR40216 or the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice 10737NAT. These courses provide extensive training in specific areas, preparing you for advanced roles in the field such as pharmacy manager or clinical pharmacist. You can explore options with reputable institutions like Curtin University or the University of Western Australia.

South Perth also boasts a diverse range of training providers catering to various pharmacy disciplines. In addition to the aforementioned providers, institutions like GTA and ACOD offer specialised courses such as the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing HLT47815. This flexible range of courses allows you to choose a learning pathway that is best suited to your goals and lifestyle, providing every opportunity for success in the pharmacy profession.

Embarking on a learning journey in pharmacy can be a rewarding decision, offering various career pathways in health service roles. With jobs like pharmacy technician, dispensary assistant, and advanced practice pharmacist available to graduates, the possibilities are endless. Explore the diverse pharmacy courses in South Perth today by visiting Courses.com.au and take the first step towards achieving a fulfilling career in the healthcare sector!