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Pharmacy Courses in St James

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Pharmacy courses in St James

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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're looking to kickstart your career in the pharmacy field, St James has a variety of options tailored to suit beginners and experienced professionals alike. With a total of 14 pharmacy courses available, you can find programmes that cater to different experience levels and study preferences. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 to start your journey or exploring advanced qualifications such as a Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice 10737NAT, St James has got you covered.

For those new to the field, several beginner courses can set a solid foundation for your pharmacy career. The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 is particularly popular for its comprehensive training. Other great options include the Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support HLT37121 and the Certificate III in Retail SIR30216. All these courses are delivered by reputable training providers such as the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and NMTAFE.

For seasoned professionals, a range of advanced courses offers further development opportunities. The Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary SIR40216 and the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing HLT47815 are excellent choices for those looking to elevate their expertise. Not to mention, the esteemed Master of Pharmacy available at UWA which rounds out the array of advanced learning options in the area.

St James isn't just a great place for pharmacy courses; it also provides students with the flexibility to learn in a hands-on environment. Numerous local training providers like ACOD and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia offer campus-based learning, allowing students to interact with instructors and peers face-to-face. This can be particularly beneficial for vocational education and training (VET) courses, providing a supportive environment to master essential pharmacy skills.

Whether you're aspiring to enter the pharmacy sector or looking to advance your career, you can browse through more focused study areas to enhance your expertise. Consider exploring related fields such as Nursing or Optician courses to diversify your skills. With ample opportunities available, don’t hesitate to explore the complete list of Pharmacy Courses in St James and find the perfect course that fits your aspirations.