Pharmacy Assistant
This course is aimed at those interested in working in a community pharmacy or for those wishing to progress to our two year (part-time) Pharmacy Technician Course.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Certificate |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Irish Pharmacy Union |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | First Aid Response |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Certificate | Irish Pharmacy Union | ||
| First Aid Response | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Course Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with 5 passes or equivalent is the standard entry requirement for all Level 5 courses. Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 Award are also acceptable on the majority of Level 5 courses. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g. mature learners etc.) for particular courses may be interviewed.
A QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a relevant subject area is the standard entry requirement for Level 6 Advanced Certificate courses.
Non-Standard Applicants
Non-Standard Applicants may be required to complete an interview and/or other form of assessment to successfully complete their registration on their chosen programme.
English Language
All courses are delivered through English. In addition to the listed entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete and provide evidence of English language proficiency. Where prospective learners first language is not English, the standard minimum entry requirements for all courses is proficiency at B2 on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
School Leavers
Whether you have attended school in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK or further afield, we have a programme to suit your needs. We have a wide range of suitable programmes with internationally recognised certification that will enhance both your career and further education possibilities.
International Students
DIFE welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.
Careers / Further progression
Progression & Career Options:
Students completing this course can progress into employment in community pharmacies as Pharmacy Assistants. Successful graduates may also progress to our two year (part-time) Pharmacy Technician course. Students who have completed a QQI Level 5 award in Community and Health Services can apply for related degree courses in universities and technological universities.
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
DCU - Health and Society
TU Dublin (City Campus), TUS Athlone, SETU Carlow, ATU Donegal, Letterkenny - Pharmacy Technician
Further information
Course commences: September 2026.
Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/
Aim:
This course is aimed at those interested in working in a community pharmacy or for those wishing to progress to our two year (part-time) Pharmacy Technician Course.
The course will increase medicinal counter assistants product knowledge and help to develop the skills needed to work in a pharmacy.
Pharmacy Studies (Medical Counter Assistant)
Biology
Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction to Nursing
Mathematics
Word Processing
Safety & Health at Work
Nutrition
Communications
Work Experience
5M4468 - Community & Health Service
Awards:
• QQI Level 5 Community and Health Services.
• Irish Pharmacy Union: Medical Counter Assistant
• Pharmacy Retail Sales Course
Additional Qualifications:
• First Aid Response (PHECC)
• People Handling
• Retail Setting (IPU)
Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie