Pharmacy Technician
This two year course leads to a Pharmacy Technician Qualification. The Pharmacy Technician assists the pharmacist in the preparation, checking, storage and dispensing of drugs. The course is intended to equip Pharmacy Technicians with the necessary knowledge and skills to demonstrate professionalism and deliver person-centred care.
Duration
2 years full-time.
Entry Requirements
Applications are invited from candidates who have completed a relevant foundation qualification, e.g. QQI Level 5 Pharmacy Assistant course or equivalent. Candidates with at least 2 years experience of working full time in a pharmacy dispensary are also eligible to apply. Prospective students must be working in a pharmacy setting for the duration of the course for a minimum of 20 hours a week. All applicants will be interviewed. Additional pre requisites including academic proficiency, a health declaration and vetting will also be considered as part of the admissions process.
Careers / Further progression
Progression & Career Options
Pharmacy Technicians are employed in both the private sector in community and private hospital pharmacies and by the HSE in hospital pharmacies. Other employment opportunities include medical sales for pharmaceutical suppliers. This qualification is recognised in Ireland and the UK. Successful graduates have the opportunity to progress to study in the UK and Ireland.
Further information
Course commences September 2024.
Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Applications are accepted from the 1st of December each year. The first round of interviews are held in March. Students applying after the March interviews will be interviewed in late May and those applying after May will be interviewed in late August/early September. Interviewees will be invited for interview via text and email, so it is important that a working mobile number and email address are carefully recorded on application.
Note: There are no application fees applicable and all applications are made through www.dife.ie.
Application Procedure for International Students
DIFE welcomes and values students from all over the world. All courses in DIFE are conducted through English. All students must prove that they have the sufficient competency in English prior to commencing a programme of study. The following administrative arrangements also apply:
- All international students must provide appropriate identification documentation and comply fully with the residency requirements of the Irish Government.
- Non-EU citizens will be required to pay an economic fee as determined by the Department of Education and Skills.
- Applications can only be made by Non-EU citizens if they are resident in Ireland at the time of application.
- This fee is presently €3,653 per year (subject to change). Some categories of Non-EU citizens may be exempt from the economic fee.
- The college will not engage in any way in the process of visa application.
Registration
Registration for all students takes place in late August/early September. Students will be notified by post in advance of their registration day. Students will not be officially registered with the college until all fees are paid or proof of exemption status is submitted e.g. copy of SUSI grant approval, medical card or proof of Back to Education allowance.
Aim:
This two year course leads to a Pharmacy Technician Qualification. The Pharmacy Technician assists the pharmacist in the preparation, checking, storage and dispensing of drugs. The course is intended to equip Pharmacy Technicians with the necessary knowledge and skills to demonstrate professionalism and deliver person-centred care.
Course Content:
Students will develop medical knowledge to recognise common illnesses and communication skills to liaise with pharmacists and counsel patients on healthcare issues, including the various healthcare schemes available in Ireland. Students will gain experience in dispensing procedures and practices and will be able to interpret prescriptions and prepare medicines for dispensing. They will be able to maintain patient records and operate pharmacy computer systems. They will also be able to supply non-prescription medicines in accordance with legislation and guidelines. The course is modular with continuous assessment over the two years.
Award: Course Code: Pearson-BTEC Diploma in Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians
Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie