TAFE NSW
6-9 months
Become a pharmacy assistant and support customers with healthcare products in a community pharmacy setting. This nationally recognised Certificate III combines theory and practical training to prepare you for immediate employment or further study in pharmacy or retail management.
For non-traineeship enrolment, there are no formal entry requirements and you can enrol now. For traineeship enrolment, you must be employed as a trainee in the pharmacy industry with your ACAP submitting a Training Proposal Plan. It is recommended that you have an interest in health and wellbeing, good customer service skills, strong communication abilities, and Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills at Year 10 high school level. TAFE NSW may request you complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital skills test to understand your individual study needs.
The course comprises 19 units of competency including 11 core units and 8 specialty units. Core units cover assisting customers with prescriptions, cough and cold relief products, skin and anti-fungal products, allergy relief, analgesic and anti-inflammatory products, gastro-intestinal condition products, workplace health and safety, infection control, and providing pharmacy services. Specialty units include stock control, retail procedures, dispensing assistance, customer relationship building, first aid, blood glucose testing, blood pressure monitoring, and diverse customer interaction skills. You'll also learn about women's and men's health products, baby care, pregnancy and maternal health, oral care, eye and ear care, vitamins and supplements, smoking cessation, asthma care, and security procedures.
TAFE NSW is a nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90003) with 18 study and location options across New South Wales. The provider offers flexible delivery methods including on-campus, online, virtual classroom, and workplace training to accommodate diverse learning needs. TAFE NSW provides comprehensive support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, counselling, career guidance, and access to LinkedIn Learning resources. The organisation recognises prior learning and offers credit transfers to accelerate qualification completion.
Graduates pursue careers as Pharmacy Sales Assistants in retail pharmacies, with strong employment growth projected. The role offers entry-level positions with median weekly earnings of $760 for full-time work (39 hours per week). The qualification provides pathways to advance your career by pursuing the Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary. With 88% of pharmacy assistants being female and an average worker age of 32 years, this career offers diverse opportunities in the healthcare retail sector across Australia.
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