TAFE NSW
3-6 months
Gain practical skills in community pharmacy and retail services through a nationally recognised Certificate II qualification. Perfect for those interested in supporting customers with pharmaceutical advice, beauty products, and health-related services while building a career in the healthcare retail sector.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, making it accessible to anyone interested in pursuing a career in community pharmacy. However, you should have an interest in the health and wellbeing of others, an affinity for customer service, and strong teamwork skills. TAFE NSW recommends assessing your foundation skills and confidence using their 'Find Your Fit' tool before enrolling. Some campuses may have additional entry requirements tailored to local community needs.
The course comprises 12 units of competency: 4 core units covering interaction with pharmacy customers, working effectively in community pharmacy, infection control practices, and workplace health and safety. Eight specialty units allow customisation based on industry demands, including customer service, stock management, product assistance (skin care, oral care, vitamins, first aid, allergy relief, asthma care), point-of-sale procedures, visual merchandising, security, blood pressure testing, and first aid certification. Students also participate in workplace training to apply skills in real pharmacy environments.
TAFE NSW is a leading registered training organisation (RTO 90003) with extensive experience in vocational education across New South Wales. They offer nationally recognised qualifications that are valued across Australia, allowing graduates to work in different states without additional training. TAFE NSW provides flexible study options including online, on-campus, and hybrid delivery to suit diverse learning needs. The institution offers comprehensive support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, careers counselling, and access to LinkedIn Learning. Their courses are tailored to meet local community needs, and they recognise prior learning and work experience to accelerate your qualification pathway.
Graduates of this Certificate II program typically progress to roles as Pharmacy Sales Assistants, where they sell pharmaceutical goods, toiletries, and related products in retail pharmacies. With strong growth projected in this sector, there are excellent opportunities for career advancement. Many graduates continue their studies by pursuing Certificate III or Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy, or Certificate III in Retail, allowing them to develop specialised skills and move into supervisory or more specialised pharmacy roles. The nationally recognised qualification enables you to work across different states in Australia without additional upskilling.