Over the Counter Pharmacy Assistant
Would you enjoy being at the front-end of pharmacies, interacting with people, giving advice on over-the-counter medicines, and healthcare products?
Would you like to acquire skills in customer service and retail selling?
Could you see yourself advising on beauty and make-up products?
There are many new job opportunities in the expanding retail pharmacy sector, and with these qualifications you will be well placed to gain full-time employment and advance your career. Over 85% of course graduates have secured employment in pharmacies.
| Award Name | Certificate |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Irish Pharmacy Union |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Irish Pharmacy Union | ||
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time. 5 Days Mornings Only.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Job Opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you can pursue careers in a range of areas including:
• Pharmacies
• Health Stores
• Department Stores – Cosmetic Sales & Skincare Advisor
• Healthcare Sales Rep • Receptionist in Healthcare field
Progression To Further Studies
Once you gain employment in a pharmacy, you can apply to study for the:
Once you gain employment in a pharmacy, you can apply to study for the: Diploma in Pharmacy Services Skills Irish Pharmacy Union – www.ipu.ie
If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
BSc Pharmaceutical Science Technological University Dublin [Tallaght] - www.tudublin.ie
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science* South East Technological University [Waterford] – www.setu.ie
* Leaving Certificate Mathematics is a pre-requisite
BSc Social Sciences University College Dublin - www.ucd.ie
Higher Certificate Pharmacy Technician Studies Technological University Dublin [City] - www.tudublin.ie
Higher Certificate in Science - Pharmacy Technician Studies South East Technological University [Carlow] - www.setu.ie
Check out more progression options by downloading the BFEI Progression Pathways Chart at www.bfei.ie/faqs
Further information
Classes will commence in mid-September 2025.
Course Registration takes place in late August.
You will be invited to the College to attend an induction session prior to class commencement.
Non-EU Citizens
If you are a non-EU National, then you should be in compliance with Irish Visa requirements in advance of applying to BFEI.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. It is advisable to apply early as many courses fill up quickly. Other costs (books, kits, optional training etc) vary depending on the course you choose. Specific details regarding costs will be confirmed prior to course commencement
Student Financial Support
The range of schemes and measures available to assist students in Further Education Colleges include the:
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
Back To Education Allowance (BTEA)
Maintenance Grant Scheme
Fund For Students With Disabilities
Other Funding
PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme 2023
www.studentfinance.ie provides comprehensive and user-friendly information on the range of financial support schemes and programmes available to full-time further and higher education students.
For September 2025 Intake BFEI is open for applications on Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 8:30am. All applications must be made via our website (www.bfei.ie). - View Application Weblink above.
What will I study?
You will study for the following qualifications:
• IPU Medicines Counter Assistant Certificate
• QQI Certificate in Community Health Services
• Nutrition
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Retail Selling
• Reception and Frontline Skills
• Word Processing
• Safety and Health at Work
• Customer Service
• Work Experience
Will I do anything additional on the course?
• You will also be given the opportunity to complete Manual Handling Training which is an essential qualification to work in a Pharmacy.
• Career advice and help with CV preparation is provided by the Guidance and Career Service.
5M4468 - Community Health Services.
What qualifications will I get when I finish the course?
On successful completion of all elements of this course, you will be awarded:
• IPU (The Irish Pharmacy Union) Medicines Counter Assistant Certificate.
• A QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
Blackrock Further Education Institute BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Tel: 01 288 9717
email: office@bfei.ie
Web: www.bfei.ie