Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
This two-year modular course provides comprehensive training in dispensing procedures, prescription interpretation, and pharmacy software. Students develop the medical knowledge needed to recognize common illnesses and the communication skills required to counsel patients and liaise with pharmacists. By mastering legislation-compliant medicine supply and patient record management, graduates are fully equipped to handle the technical and clinical demands of a modern pharmacy environment.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians - Level 5 equivalence on the NFQ
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Provide an effective and responsive pharmacy service
Process pharmaceutical queries
Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety
Reflect on and develop your practice
Receive prescription from individuals
Confirm prescription validity
Assemble prescribed items
Issue prescribed items
Prepare extemporaneous medicines for individual use
Order pharmaceutical stock
Receive pharmaceutical stock
Maintain pharmaceutical stock
Issue pharmaceutical stock
Undertake an in-process accuracy check of assembled prescribed items, prior to the final accuracy check
Provide advice on symptoms and actions and uses of medicines
Provide an effective service in a setting outside the pharmacy
Enable learning through demonstrations and instructions
Components subject to change
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:
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
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