Certificate III in Community Pharmacy

SIR30116

This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.

Overview

This qualification reflects the role of skilled pharmacy assistants who use a range of well-developed service skills to identify and meet customer needs. They have sound knowledge of a broad range of pharmacy products and health care support services. Some pharmacy assistants may be involved in assisting with a limited range of dispensary activities.

They work with some independence, under limited supervision from others, but ultimately under the supervising pharmacist. They may provide technical advice and support to team members.

Pharmacy assistants must comply with federal, state or territory law and Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for supplying scheduled medicines. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

  • Financial help

  • Cost

    Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.

    To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.

  • On-the-job training

    This traineeship is available:

    • Community Pharmacy Level III
  • Entry requirements

    This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.

  • Duration

    You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.

  • Delivery options

    You may be able to access this training in these ways:

    • Workplace-based
    • Some classroom learning
    • Part-time available
    • Partially online
    • Practical learning

Course content

This course is made up of units.

All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.

For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.

Unit Unit type
Assist customers with allergy relief products Core
Assist customers with analgesic and anti-inflammatory products Core
Assist customers with cough and cold relief products Core
Assist customers with prescriptions Core
Assist customers with products for gastro-intestinal conditions Core
Assist customers with skin and anti-fungal products Core
Participate in workplace health and safety Core
Provide and promote services to pharmacy customers Core
Support the supply of Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines Core
Use pharmacy practices for infection control Core
Work effectively in a community pharmacy Core
Advise on beauty products and services Elective
Assist customers with baby and infant care products Elective
Assist customers with eye and ear care products Elective
Assist customers with first aid products Elective
Assist customers with oral care products Elective
Assist customers with pregnancy and maternal health products and services Elective
Assist customers with smoking cessation products Elective
Assist customers with vitamins, minerals and supplements Elective
Assist customers with women's and men's health care products Elective
Assist in dispensing prescriptions Elective
Balance and secure point-of-sale terminal Elective
Build customer relationships and loyalty Elective
Control stock Elective
Deliver medicines to customers outside the pharmacy Elective
Design and apply make-up Elective
Follow point-of-sale procedures Elective
Manage disrespectful, aggressive or abusive customers Elective
Organise personal work priorities and development Elective
Pierce ear lobes Elective
Produce visual merchandise displays Elective
Receive and handle retail stock Elective
Recognise healthy body systems Elective
Support marketing and promotional activities Elective
Work with diverse people Elective

Job prospects

The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.

  • Pharmacy Technician

    ANZSCO 311215

    Pharmacy Technicians fill and label patients' prescriptions under the supervision of Pharmacists. They may record details of, place orders for, take stock of, and store medications and medical supplies and deliver them to patients.

    Recommended education level:
    Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree

  • Pharmacy Sales Assistant

    ANZSCO 621411

    Sell pharmaceutical goods, toiletries and related goods in retail chemist shops.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

Training providers delivering Certificate III in Community Pharmacy

It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.

Showing: 12 providers

How to enrol in this course

To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.

When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.

The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.

Delivery locations can change as students enrol. If you're doing any workplace-based training, like an apprenticeship, this will take place in a different location from your classroom training. Contact your training provider to confirm delivery locations.
Government funding may be available. Contact your training provider to confirm.