Pharmacy Assistant - 5M4468

This one-year course will equip learners with the relevant knowledge and experience to work as a pharmacy counter assistant or pursue a pharmacy technician qualification in the future. From dispensing over-the-counter medications, helping clients choose medical aids and appliances to demonstrating and selling products, this course covers the most relevant skills. This course will also focus on a range of health related subjects relevant to employment as a pharmacy assistant. Work experience is within a retail pharmacy where, as a pharmacy assistant, you can work as part of a team of health professionals in order to help customers achieve the best possible health outcome.

THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED TO

Prepare participants to work in the pharma sector or to pursue specialised degree programmes in the pharmaceutical sector in Higher Education Colleges throughout Ireland. Progression routes in the North West include ATU Sligo who will introduce a new Pharmacy Degree Programme in September 2025. This course offers comprehensive training for participants interested in working in the Retail Pharmacy Sector. Students will gain a knowledge of science-based subjects, IT skills, ‘Over the Counter Medicines’ and customer service experience.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, or equivalent
Interview
Mature applicants welcome
Applicants whose first language is not English will require a competency as stated in our admissions policy here

COURSE CONTENT

Pharmacy Theory & Practice
Nutrition & Health Promotion 5N2006
Dietetics 5N3736
Care of the Older Person 5N2706
Anatomy & Physiology 5N0749
Infection Prevention & Control 5N3734
Biology 5N2746
Spreadsheet Methods 5N1977
Customer Service 5N0972
Work Experience 5N1356

OPTIONAL MODULES

Learners may also have the opportunity to study Maths (5N1833) as an extra module.

CERTIFICATION

QQI Level 5 Award in Community Health services (5M4468)

PROGRESSION TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Students who successfully complete the course may gain entry to Third Level Institutes and Colleges through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme.
The most up-to-date information on Higher Education Links is located at the CAO website.
Click here for details of CAO QQI Requirements Lookup
The following are examples of courses to which students' progress from this programme;

ATU - Sligo

AU968 BSc Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development

Please note that all QQI Further Education graduates who hold a major Level 5 or Level 6 award are eligible to apply for any ATU Sligo programme through the CAO system.

ATU - Letterkenny

AU174 Higher Certificate Pharmacy Technician Level 6

TUS - Athlone

US660 Pharmacy Technician - Higher Certificate Level 6

FEES

There are no fees to study this course

DURATION

This is full-time one-year course and runs from September to May

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phone 071-9202200 or email [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE

A new National Common Awards System (CAS) is being introduced by QQI for Further Education and Training programmes. Sligocfe reserves the right to make changes in any course, to limit the number of places available or to withdraw a course. No part of this information shall be deemed to form a contract between the Institute and a student or third party.