- Code: JF
- Certification:IPU (Irish Pharmacy Union) Certificate in Medical Counter Assistant
- QQI Level 5 Component in Community Health Services (5M4468)
- Duration: One Year
Description
This course is aimed at those interested in working in a community pharmacy or for those wishing to progress to our two-year (part-time) Pharmacy Technician Course.
Participants will be provided with a broad knowledge of over the counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals, retail selling and working within the community. Participants will develop useful skills through hands-on work placement within the pharmacy. Students will also develop key skills in technology, organisation, team work and effective communication.
This is a dual qualification course in which students will gain both a QQI Level 5 in Community Health Services and an IPU (Irish Pharmacy Union) Certificate in Medical Counter Assistant.
- Program of Study
-
- Over the Counter Medicines
- Retail Selling
- Nutrition
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Spreadsheet Methods
- Safety & Health at Work
- Communications
- Work Experience
Components subject to change
- Entry Requirements
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One of the following:
- Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Extenuating circumstances may be considered
- Leaving Certificate Applied Award
- Full QQI Level 4 Award
- Mature Applicants - experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications
.
- Career Opportunities
-
Students completing this course can compete for employment in community Pharmacies as Pharmacy Assistants.
- Higher Education Progression*
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Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities such as:
BIFE:
- Pharmacy Technician Level 5
DCU Dublin City University:
- Health & Society (DC209)
TUD Technological University Dublin (Grangegorman Campus):
- Pharmaceutical Science (TU763)
- Pharmacy Technician Studies (DT425)
*Places are not guaranteed in these institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information available also at www.cao.ie
- Pharmacy Technician Level 5
- Course Coordinator
-
Leah Dunne
- Where are they now?
"When I decided to pursue the Pharmacy Assistant QQI Level 5 course at Bray Institute of Further Education, I was drawn by the practical and career-focused curriculum it offered. I had always been interested in healthcare and the essential role that pharmacy plays in community well-being and this course seemed like the perfect first step toward a rewarding career in the sector. The course exceeded my expectations in every way. The lecturers were knowledgeable and supportive, creating a dynamic learning environment that combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience. I particularly appreciated the focus on customer service, Retail Selling and medication knowledge, all of which prepared me to excel in a professional pharmacy setting. The course not only equipped me with the technical skills required but also boosted my confidence to thrive in a professional environment. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to start a career in pharmacy or healthcare. It opened doors for me and gave me the foundation I needed to take the next steps in my career. "- Charuni Sulakkana