Pharmacy Assistant
This course offers comprehensive training for participants interested in working in the Retail Pharmacy Sector. Students will gain a knowledge of science-based subjects, IT skills, ‘Over the Counter Medicines’ and customer service experience.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
This is a full-time one-year course which runs from September to May.
Entry Requirements
A Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent is required, although exceptions are given to mature students who are over 23 years of age. Entry is subject to interview.
Careers / Further progression
Career and Further Progression
There are a wide range of progression opportunities available for FET graduates via the CAO website. Please view the entry requirements for all Higher Education colleges here: https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=scoring&s=fetac
Participants may seek employment within the Retail Pharmacy Sector.
The successful completion of the QQI Major Level 5 Award in Community Health Services will enable applicants to work under supervision in a range of community health service settings.
Further information
Course commences 7th September 2026
Mayo College of Further Education & Training is offering no tuition fees for September 2026, which covers exam fees, student consumables, and journals. This includes courses across campuses in Ballina, Castlebar, and Westport, aimed at relieving the cost of living crisis. Some specific courses or materials might still have costs, but tuition is free.
Mayo College students are eligible to apply for a SUSI grant. SUSI is Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. They offer support to eligible students in approved, full-time courses at PLC. Please visit http://www.susi.ie/for more information and to make an application.
Programme Aim
The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and competence to work under supervision in a range of community health service settings or to progress to further and/or higher education and training.
Work Experience (5N1356)
Safety & Health at Work (5N1794)
Communications (5N0690)
Anatomy & Physiology (5N0749)
Nutrition (5N2006)
Retail Selling (5N1619)
Reception & Frontline Office Skills (5N1407)
Word Processing (5N1358)
Medicines Counter Assistant (MCA)
5M4468 - Community Health Services
Award: Successful completion of this course will result in a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services, 5M4468.
Contact Us
t: 094 90 23134 / 094 90 75000
e: ballina@mayocollege.ie / admissions@mayocollege.ie