All careers

Pharmacy Courses in Elanora

Physiotherapy
Podiatry

Pharmacy courses in Elanora

Career Pathfinder

Skills shortages + AI Exposure

Discover in-demand careers and understand how each role may be impacted by AI and automation.

A tool for students to:
  • See in-demand occupations across Australia
  • Check AI Exposure ratings
  • Compare training duration and average income

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

Further reading

Career Pathways for Graduates After Studying a Diploma of Nursing and a Bachelor of Nursing

4th October 2024

Most popular health courses

29th June 2022

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

More about Pharmacy courses

If you’re considering a career in the pharmacy sector, the vibrant suburb of Elanora offers a range of Pharmacy courses designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge. With 21 courses available from reputable training providers, you can find an option that suits your career aspirations, whether you aim to work as a Community Pharmacy Assistant or an advanced practitioner in the field of pharmacy. The opportunities are vast, and the choice you make can significantly benefit your future in this essential industry.

Local institutions such as The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, which offers the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy, provide excellent face-to-face training experiences. Other providers like Precision Training and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, offering the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Pharmacy Practice, ensure that students receive industry-recognised qualifications right in the heart of Elanora. Griffith University and QUT also contribute to the local educational landscape, delivering high-quality courses that can help you transition into various healthcare roles, including Medical Administration and Medicine.

Elanora's training providers also offer specialisations that cater to a wide array of interests within the healthcare community. For example, if you're interested in the therapeutic arts, you might find the Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy offered by MSQ particularly captivating. Meanwhile, those keen on advancing their skills can explore postgraduate options such as the Master of Biotechnology provided by UQ. The opportunity to learn locally in Elanora gives you the flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments.

As you embark on your educational journey, consider branching out into related fields that complement pharmacy, such as Allied Health, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Pathology. The interconnected nature of these disciplines means that your knowledge could significantly enhance your effectiveness within any pharmacy role. Understanding the broader context of health can lead to improved patient care and a more fulfilling career in the healthcare sector.

With the range of Pharmacy courses available in Elanora, now is an ideal time to take the next step towards a rewarding career. Be sure to explore all the options and make use of the local training providers. You can learn more about the full selection of pharmacy courses on the Courses.com.au site. Take the initiative today to find a course that aligns with your career goals and can set you on the path to making a meaningful contribution to the health and wellbeing of your community.