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 technicians working in the dispensary area of community pharmacies. They have substantial depth of knowledge of pharmacy medicines and dispensing techniques.
When dispensing pharmacy medications, they work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and their role is limited to those dispensing functions that do not require them to exercise professional pharmaceutical judgement or discretion. They may provide technical advice and support to pharmacy assistants.
The qualification provides a pathway to work in a community pharmacy as a dispensary technician or dispensary assistant.
Dispensary assistants and technicians are required to 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.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
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 |
|---|---|
| Administer dispensary computer systems and claims | Core |
| Assist customers with prescriptions | Core |
| Assist in dispensing prescriptions | Core |
| Maintain dispensary stock | 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 |
| Assist customers with allergy relief products | Elective |
| Assist customers with analgesic and anti-inflammatory products | Elective |
| Assist customers with asthma-care aids and equipment | Elective |
| Assist customers with cough and cold relief products | Elective |
| Assist customers with products for gastro-intestinal conditions | Elective |
| Assist customers with wound care products | Elective |
| Assist in managing Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines | Elective |
| Assist in preparing dose administration aids | Elective |
| Assist in preparing extemporaneous prescriptions | Elective |
| Coordinate a pharmacy quality system | Elective |
| Coordinate service to residential care facilities | Elective |
| Deliver medicines to customers outside the pharmacy | Elective |
| Develop a pharmacy product and service range | Elective |
| Follow point-of-sale procedures | Elective |
| Implement continuous improvement | Elective |
| Lead and develop pharmacy teams | Elective |
| Manage pharmacy premises, equipment and merchandise | Elective |
| Manage pharmacy sales and service delivery | Elective |
| Provide personal leadership | Elective |
| Receive and handle retail stock | Elective |
| Recognise healthy body systems | Elective |
| Supervise and support frontline team members | Elective |
| Supply and hire home health care aids and equipment | Elective |
| Support the management of obstructive sleep apnoea | Elective |
| Test blood glucose and advise on equipment and services for diabetes management | Elective |
| Test blood pressure and advise on self-monitoring | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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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
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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ACP TRAINING (RTO code 0452)
Contact this provider
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Australasian College of Pharmacy (RTO code 88112)
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN VOCATIONAL ACADEMY (RTO code 0826)
Contact this provider
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Care Academy NSW Pty Ltd (RTO code 90166)
Contact this provider
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PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA (RTO code 122206)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.