Medicine Counter Assistant - IPU
This course is suitable for anyone who wishes to gain the qualifications to dispense over the counter medicines and other products in a pharmaceutical setting. Why is the course needed? Between 10,000 and 25,000 people ask for advice in pharmacies every day.
| Award Name | Certificate |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Irish Pharmacy Union |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Irish Pharmacy Union |
Duration
12 weeks. Thursday 18.45 - 21.45.
Entry Requirements
NOTE: Learners undertaking online courses must have basic IT skills and have access to the necessary ICT equipment, software and Broadband capability to enable them to undertake an online course.
Further information
Our September 2025 courses commence week beginning 15th September 2025.
There are three ways to enrol:
Online: Visit collegeofFET.ie/mulgrave, scroll down to the part-time evening listing, select your chosen course, hit ‘APPLY’ and follow the steps. Or click the Application Link below
In-Person: Drop in to our campus and speak with a member of our Information and Guidance Support Team. They will help you enrol for your chosen course.
By Post: Send a completed application form with payment (cheque, bank draft, or postal order made payable to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board) to Evening Programmes, College of FET Mulgrave Street Campus, Limerick City, V94 P232.
Please note: for security reasons, we cannot accept cash payments.
€720
Discounts
a 20% discount on tuition fees is available to:
Individuals on Full Job Seekers Allowance/Benefit, Disability Allowance, or One Parent Family Payment.
Full-time Mulgrave St Campus learners.
Senior citizens.
Please note: Full payment is required to process applications. These discounts apply to tuition only (not materials fees). Proof is required at registration.
NOTE: Skills to Advance funding is available for eligible applicants in employment to up skill. Contact mulgravesta@lcetb.ie for more information
Course Description
The course covers the following topics:
• Counter Assistant Skills: Customer Service & Communication skills, the 2WHAMM approach to questioning, Product knowledge, Referral to the pharmacist, dealing with product specific requests, Dealing with suspected OTC medicine abuse
• Gastrointestinal conditions I: Indigestion, Heartburn & Constipation, Smoking cessation
• Respiratory conditions: Coughs, Colds & Hay Fever
• Pain
• Gastrointestinal conditions II
• Skin: Skin & Feet, Mouth, Eyes & Ears, Healthy Living, Natural Remedies, Vitamins & Minerals and nutritional supplements
• Women’s health, Child Health & Family Planning, Holiday Healthcare & First Aid
• Preparation for IPU Examination
Accreditation: Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU).
NEW ACCREDITATION ATHE: The IPU MCA Course in its new format was submitted to the Awards for Training and Higher Education (ATHE) in August 2020. ATHE is an Ofqual regulated Awarding Body and is recognised in 40 countries worldwide. The IPU MCA achieved ATHE Endorsed Standard of Education and Assessment in October 2020. The IPU is now an ATHE Endorsed Centre, and the course is externally monitored and verified by an ATHE assessor early. A learner’s benefit in achieving the IPU MCA Endorsed Certificate is higher employability and recognised portable skills.
Enquiries can be made to adultedmulgrave@lcetb.ie or phone 061 414344