Skip to main content

Applied Science - Pharmacy Studies

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M3807

There are 1700 pharmacies in Ireland and there is a growing need for pharmacy assistants to help the pharmacist with an increased workload. Pharmacies no longer just dispense medicine.

Award Name Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Major
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 5 NFQ
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) Major QQI Level 5 NFQ
Course Provider:
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Cavan Town
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

1 year full-time.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or LCVP or QQI Level 4 Award. Equal consideration will be given to mature applicants (those aged over 23) who do not meet these entry requirements.

Careers / Further progression

Progression
At Cavan Institute:
Graduates of this level 5 Applied Science - Pharmacy Studies course are eligible to apply to the first year of the BSc in General Science being delivered at Cavan Institute in partnership with Sligo IT. Students study year one of this degree programme at Cavan Institute and transfer to Sligo IT for years two and three.

Elsewhere:
Graduates are also eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities (please check with the particular institution regarding local eligibility requirements).

Common Entry Science - DKIT
Higher Certificate in Science - Pharmacy Technician - TUS Midlands
Analytical Science - UCC
Pharmaceutical Science - ATU Galway/Mayo
Biopharmaceutical Science - ATU Sligo

Career Opportunities
Students who complete this course in Applied Science - Pharmacy Studies will graduate with a good mix of science, retail and customer service knowledge and skills. Graduates may obtain employment in local pharmacies, assisting the pharmacist to provide a complete care service to the community including health care advice, beauty and cosmetic tips, good customer service, retail display and sales skills.

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Course commences in September 2024.

€200.

*The Post Leaving Certificate Government Levy of €200 is removed since 2022.

1. PLC Maintenance Grant
Means-tested maintenance grants are available to eligible students attending approved full-time courses of further education in approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centres, of which Cavan Institute is one.
Applications can be made online to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie or www.susi.ie

2. Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to retain those payments whilst participating in approved full-time courses in further education.
See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details.

3. Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
This scheme allows unemployed people aged over 21 to engage in education and training without losing their benefits. It applies to all courses offered at Cavan Institute and applicants must be in receipt of one of a number of social welfare supports for at least six months.
See www.vtos.ie for further details.

4. HEA Fund for Students with Disabilities
The Higher Education Authority’s “Fund for Students with Disabilities” allocates funding to further and higher education colleges for the provision of services and supports to full-time students with disabilities. Applications to the fund are made on behalf of an eligible student by Cavan Institute following an assessment.

How do I Apply?
On-line applications for the 2024/25 academic year are Open.

You can apply for your chosen Cavan Institute course online, by clicking “Apply Online” on our homepage. Please note you may apply to some Cavan Institute courses through the CAO system. (or view Application link above)

June 1st is the closing date for receipt of applications for first round offers. However, applications will be accepted and processed on courses where places are available following this date and second round offers will be made to eligible applicants who apply after that date.

About This Course
There are 1700 pharmacies in Ireland and there is a growing need for pharmacy assistants to help the pharmacist with an increased workload. Pharmacies no longer just dispense medicine. They often offer advice on health issues, drug interactions, vaccinations and some basic health 'check-ups'. Pharmacies also sell products such as baby care accessories, cosmetics, perfumes and health supplements. Sales of these products are becoming an increasingly important part of a pharmacy's income and graduates of this course will be well placed to recommend and sell such products, having studied modules in customer service and beauty therapy as part of this course. As a pharmacy assistant, you will work as part of a team of health professionals in order to help customers achieve the best possible health outcomes. Students of this Applied Science -Pharmacy Studies course may also be offered the opportunity to complete the Medicine Counter Assistant award from the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

Biology
Mathematics
Work Experience
Medical Terminology
Chemistry
Laboratory Skills
Microbiology
Retail Display
Communications
Word Processing
Retail Selling

5M3807 - Laboratory Techniques.

Certification: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Laboratory Techniques - 5M3807.

Cavan Institute,
Cathedral Road,
Cavan,
Co. Cavan.
H12 E426
email: admin@cavaninstitute.ie
Tel: +353 49 4332633

Course Provider:
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Cavan Town
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider