Over the Counter Pharmacy Assistant - Dublin
At BFEI, located in Blackrock, Co.Dublin we offer a one year QQI Level 5 Over the Counter Pharmacy Assistant course.
Would you enjoy being at the front-end of pharmacies, interacting with people, giving advice on over-the-counter medicines, and healthcare products? Would you like to acquire skills in customer service and retail selling? Could you see yourself advising on beauty and make-up products? There are many new job opportunities in the expanding retail pharmacy sector, and with these qualifications you will be well placed to gain full-time employment and advance your career. Over 85% of course graduates have secured employment in pharmacies.
What will I study?
ATHE/IPU Medicines Counter Assistant Certificate
QQI Certificate in Community Health Services
- Nutrition
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Retail Selling
- Reception and Frontline Skills
- Word Processing
- Safety and Health at Work
- Customer Service
- Work Experience
- Manual Handling (accredited by PHEEC)
Entry Requirements
- You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
- Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Assessment and Certification
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IPU Medicines Counter Assistant Course is certified by the IPU. The IPU exam takes place in April/May.
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The IPU MCA Course has recently achieved ATHE Endorsed Standard of Education and Assessment. ATHE (Awards for Training and Higher Education) is an Ofqual regulated Awarding Body credited by a regulated Awarding Body and is recognised in 40 countries worldwide. A learner's benefit in achieving the IPU MCA Endorsed Certificate is higher employability and recognised portable skills.
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The remaining subjects are certified by QQI.
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Assessment is based on a combination of work submitted during the year and exams.
- Learners who successfully pass all 8 QQI subjects will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
More Level 5 Courses at BFEI
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you can pursue careers in a range of areas including:
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Pharmacies
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Health Stores
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Department Stores – Cosmetic Sales & Skincare Advisor
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Healthcare Sales Representatives
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Reception in Healthcare Field
Progression
Once you gain employment in a pharmacy, you can apply to study for the:
- Diploma in Pharmacy Services Skills Irish Pharmacy Union
If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
- BSc Pharmaceutical Science (TU763) Technological University Dubln [Tallaght]
- BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science (SE504) South East Technological University [Waterford] * Leaving Certificate Mathematics is a pre-requisite
- Higher Certificate Pharmacy Technician Studies (TU654)Technological University Dublin [Grangegorman]
- Higher Certificate in Science - Pharmacy Technician Studies (SE937)South East Technological University [Carlow]
Check out more progression options by downloading the BFEI Progression Pathways Chart.
