Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
The Pharmacy Assistant program is a practical foundation course designed to meet the growing workforce demands of Ireland's expanding community pharmacy sector. With nearly 2,000 pharmacies nationwide expanding their clinical workloads to include health advice, vaccinations, and basic health check-ups alongside traditional medicine dispensing, this course equips students with the vital competencies required to support pharmacists effectively. The curriculum provides a robust grounding in medical terminology, basic science, and the commercial management of over-the-counter (OTC) products, cosmetics, baby care, and health supplements. Furthermore, students have the valuable opportunity to complete the industry-recognized Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) Medicine Counter Assistant award, establishing a strong professional standard.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Biology
Medical Terminology
Nutrition
Microbiology
Mathematics
Work Experience
Chemistry
Laboratory Skills
Communications
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course results in a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which this award provides a direct progression route, click below:
QQI Code
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
Graduates may obtain employment in local pharmacies.
