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Pharmacy Courses in Chandler

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Pharmacy courses in Chandler

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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 pharmacy in the Chandler area? There are various opportunities available for aspiring pharmacy professionals, with a total of 23 pharmacy courses offered locally. These courses range from beginner options for those with no prior experience to advanced programs for individuals looking to deepen their expertise in the field. For beginners, the popular Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 and Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 are excellent starting points. Another option is the Certificate III in Retail SIR30216, which provides foundational knowledge that is beneficial in a pharmacy environment.

For those with prior qualifications looking to enhance their skills, Chandler offers a vast selection of advanced pharmacy courses. Exceptional options include the Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary SIR40216 and the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing HLT47815. If you seek higher education, consider the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice 10737NAT or the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) for a comprehensive academic experience.

Several reputable training providers are located in and around Chandler, making it convenient for students to access face-to-face learning. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia offers the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy, while ACOD provides the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing. Students can also benefit from courses offered by Griffith University, which offers the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), and QUT, which provides the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry).

In addition to these options, advanced degree courses such as the Master of Pharmacy and the Bachelor of Biomedical Science are available for those looking to specialise even further. For students interested in applied science disciplines, programs such as the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) in Chemistry and the Master of Biotechnology are excellent pathways. These courses provide robust training to meet industry standards and enhance employment prospects.

Combining quality training with local access, Chandler's pharmacy courses are designed to cater to varying experience levels and career aspirations. Whether you're starting out with the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy or seeking advanced qualifications through a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering, you will find a supportive educational environment. For a full listing of available courses and details on training providers in the Chandler area, visit Courses.com.au.