Pharmacy Assistant
This one-year course prepares students to work as pharmacy counter assistants or progress to a pharmacy technician qualification. It covers key skills such as dispensing over-the-counter medications, advising on medical aids, and selling health products. Students also study health-related topics relevant to pharmacy roles and gain practical experience in a retail pharmacy, working alongside healthcare professionals to support customer health outcomes.
| 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
1 year
Entry Requirements
− Leaving Certificate
− Leaving Certificate Applied
− Mature applicants
− Equivalent qualifications
Careers / Further progression
Graduates can work in community pharmacies, health stores, or progress to a part-time Year 2 Pharmacy Technician course. The programme suits those aiming for a career in pharmacy or related health fields. Students may also progress to Higher Education Institutions through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme, including DCU, UCD, Maynooth University, TU Dublin, DkIT, UL, TUS Athlone, UCC, NUIG, SETU Carlow, Marino Institute, IADT, ATU (St. Angela’s, Letterkenny, GMIT), and MTU Tralee. Progression options include Pharmacy Technician, health, or arts courses.
Employment Opportunities
Students may seek immediate employment in pharmacies or a range of companies and projects that seek graduates with a health, science or pharmacy aptitude.
Higher Education Pathways
Ulster University: Pharmacy MPharm
TU Dublin Grangegorman:
TU654 Pharmacy Technician (Level 6, 2 Years)
SETU Waterford: SE511
Pharmaceutical Science (Level 7, 3 years)
MTU Tralee: MT872
Pharmaceutical Science (Level 8, 4 Years)
SETU Carlow: SE937 Pharmacy Technician Studies (Level 6, 2 Years)
TUS Athlone: US660 Pharmacy Technician (Level 6, 2 Years)
Further information
SUSI Grant
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students for level 5 and level 6 courses in Dunboyne College of Further Education. For more information visit www.susi.ie
This course will also focus on a range of health related subjects relevant to employment as a pharmacy assistant. Work experience is within a retail pharmacy where, as a pharmacy assistant, you can work as part of a team of health professionals in order to help customers achieve the best possible health outcome.
Certification
QQI Level 5 in Community and Health Services 5M4468
The following modules will be offered subject to availability or demand and may be subject to change:
Pharmacy Studies - Theory and Practice
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Infection Prevention and Control
Work Experience
Anatomy and Physiology
Word Processing
Nutrition
Mathematics
Medical Terminology
Safety and Health at Work
Customer Service
Retail Selling
5M4468 - Community Health Services
Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, A86 FH01
Phone: (01) 8026577
Email: DunboyneCollege@LMETB.ie
www.dunboynecollege.ie