TAFE NSW
6-9 months
Become an accredited dispensary technician by developing practical pharmacy skills, customer service expertise, and pharmaceutical knowledge. This Certificate IV course combines supervised workplace practice with comprehensive training in prescription dispensing, stock management, and customer care in community pharmacy settings.
For non-traineeship entry, there are no formal entry requirements and you can enrol now. For traineeship entry, you must be employed as a trainee in the industry with your ACAP submitting your Training Proposal Plan. It is recommended that you have the ability to work under supervision, remain calm in busy environments, confidence speaking with customers about health matters, attention to detail, and basic computer skills. Foundation skills in planning, reading comprehension, writing, verbal communication, mathematics, and basic computer use are essential.
Core units (9 units) cover: working effectively in community pharmacy, supporting the supply of pharmacy medicines, infection control practices, dispensary computer systems and claims administration, workplace health and safety, assisting customers with prescriptions, assisting in dispensing prescriptions, maintaining dispensary stock, and providing and promoting services to pharmacy customers. Specialty units (32 available) include: assisting customers with analgesic and anti-inflammatory products, asthma-care aids, wound care products, vitamins and supplements, allergy relief, cough and cold relief, gastro-intestinal products, oral care products, smoking cessation products, blood pressure testing, blood glucose testing, home health care aids, dose administration aids, extemporaneous prescriptions, point-of-sale procedures, retail stock handling, team leadership, continuous improvement, and pharmacy management.
TAFE NSW is a nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90003) offering accredited qualifications that are recognised across all Australian states. The course provides practical experience working in actual community pharmacy environments under qualified pharmacist supervision, ensuring industry-relevant training. TAFE NSW offers comprehensive student support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, counselling, and access to learning resources, ensuring students have the support needed to succeed.
Graduates progress to roles as Pharmacy Technicians, filling and labeling prescriptions under pharmacist supervision, managing medication orders and stock, and delivering medicines to patients. With strong employment growth projected, pharmacy technicians earn a median weekly pay of $920 for full-time work (39 hours per week). Career advancement opportunities include supervisory and management roles within pharmacy settings, with options to specialise in areas such as residential care coordination, quality systems management, or team leadership.
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