Courses in pharmacy
All skill levels
Beginner
Experienced
SIR30116
Certificate III in Community Pharmacy
On Campus, Online, Traineeship
3 - 12 months
$0 - $999
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
SIR30216
Certificate III in Retail
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 15 months
$3,200 - $3,500
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
SIRCIND002
Support the Supply of Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines
Online
20 hours
$150
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Australian Vocational Academy
SIR40216
Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary
Traineeship
12 months
Unavailable
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Australian Vocational Academy
SIR20116
Certificate II in Community Pharmacy
On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 12 months
$4,290
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
HLT37121
Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
9 - 18 months
$2,326 - $5,482
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
HLT47815
Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing
On Campus, Online
18 months
$6,900 - $11,030
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
HLT52315
Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy
On Campus, Online
15 - 19 months
$12,670 - $13,000
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
HLTSS00065
Infection control Skill Set (Retail)
Blended, On Campus, Online
1 - 4 days
Unavailable
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
SIR40116
Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 24 months
Unavailable
- Completed Certificate III in Community Pharmacy or equivalent qualifications OR
- Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
10737NAT
Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice
On Campus
12 months
Unavailable
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
HLT47121
Certificate IV in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support
Blended, Traineeship
24 months
$5,500
- At least 1 years work experience in a related field OR
- Completed Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support or equivalent qualifications
Bachelor of Pharmacy
On Campus
4 years
$37,256 - $38,000
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Blended, On Campus, Online
2 - 3 years
$26,250 - $109,752
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Biomedical Scientist
Biotechnologist
Medical Researcher
+ 24 more
Medical Scientist
Medical Science Liaison
IVF Specialist
Cardiac Scientist
Histotechnologist
Career Medical Officer (CMO)
Clinical Research Associate
Bioinformatics Scientist
Medicinal Chemist
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Biomedical Technician
Medical Practitioner
Clinical Physiologist
Clinical Researcher
Cytologist
Forensic Consultant
Genetic Counsellor
Laboratory Scientist
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Hospital Scientist
Molecular Biologist
Nanoscientist
Haematologist
Clinical Research Manager
+ 14 more
Bachelor of Biomedicine
On Campus, Online
3 years
$27,942
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$27,942 - $50,976
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$24,450 - $130,500
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
+ 17 more
Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry)
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$24,819 - $31,227
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and Immunology)
On Campus
3 years
$26,850 - $27,942
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$30,000 - $130,500
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Related study areas
Key questions
What is a community pharmacy?
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?
- Retail and customer service skills
- Attention to detail
- Empathy and discretion
- Cert III in Community Pharmacy
- Cert IV in Community Pharmacy
- Cert IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary Experience and training can also lead to leadership or specialised roles.
How can I advance my pharmacy career?
Gain additional qualifications, such as the:
Cassandra Charlesworth
Industry expert
Further reading
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- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Chemistry)
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Genetics)
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Microbiology)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity)
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Biotechnology
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering)
- Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours)
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Medical Studies
- Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (Honours)
- Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
- Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Pharmacology)
- Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry)
- Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and Immunology)
- Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology)
- Certificate II in Community Pharmacy
- Certificate III in Community Pharmacy
- Certificate III in Community Pharmacy (Dispensary)
- Certificate III in Community Pharmacy (Front of House)
- Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support
- Certificate III in Retail
- Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy
- Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary
- Certificate IV in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support
- Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing
- Community Pharmacy Dispensary
- Course in Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation)
- Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy
- Graduate Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology
- Graduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy
- Graduate Certificate in Health Research
- Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice
- Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice
- Graduate Diploma of Health Research
- Infection control Skill Set (Retail)
- Master of Biotechnology
- Master of Clinical Pharmacy
- Master of Medical Biotechnology
- Master of Pharmacy
- Support the Supply of Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines
- Undergraduate Certificate for Cosmetic Advisors
More about pharmacy courses
If you're seeking a rewarding career in the pharmacy sector, Courses.com.au offers a comprehensive selection of Pharmacy Courses across Australia. With a total of 44 courses available, you can choose from beginner to advanced qualifications. For those just starting, options like the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy and the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy allow you to gain the essential skills needed to thrive in this industry. Our beginner courses are perfect for learners with no prior experience or qualifications.
For experienced professionals looking to advance their careers, Courses.com.au provides a diverse array of advanced courses such as the Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary and the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice. These qualifications cater to those with existing knowledge and experience in the field, enabling them to pursue higher roles within the pharmacy landscape.
Learning can take place in various formats, including on-campus options at reputable training providers such as the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and Griffith University, which offers the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). Institutions like Curtin University and UC also deliver advanced pharmacy courses, ensuring students have access to quality education that suits their learning preferences.
Upon successful completion of these courses, you can explore various career pathways in the pharmacy sector, including roles such as a Health Coach, Nutrition Advisor, or even a Clinical Scientist. Each of these positions offers unique opportunities to apply your knowledge in practical environments while contributing to the health and well-being of the community.
Whether you are seeking beginner or advanced courses in the pharmacy field, Courses.com.au is your gateway to building a successful career. Explore the extensive listings of pharmacy programs and find a course that aligns with your goals. Take the first step towards enriching your career by visiting the Pharmacy Courses page today, and connect with the right training provider in your local area to set you on the path to success.
