5 May, 2022

TAFE NSW has launched the first ever community pharmacy course in the region.

To be offered by virtual classroom in the state-of-the-art TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre across the southern region of NSW, the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy will arm locals with the practical skills and work experience to gain employment as pharmacy assistants.

The community pharmacy sector employs more than 41,000 people nationwide and generates close to $20 billion annually.

TAFE NSW community pharmacy teacher Catie Kenyon, who previously managed a large pharmacy for more than a decade, said demand was strong for pharmacy assistants and the role offered a rewarding mix of job satisfaction and security.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic had underscored the critical role pharmacists play in managing and treating the community’s health.

“Pharmacies have been administering vaccines and RAT tests during COVID and it’s really heightened the trust the community has in its pharmacy assistants,” Ms Kenyon said.

“Having qualified, quality staff is essential to ensure pharmacies continue to take the strain off the health system and a TAFE NSW qualification will give you the practical skills to thrive in the industry.

“It’s such a rewarding job: you get to know your customers on a personal level and help make a difference in their health and wellbeing.”

She said the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy was the minimum requirement expected by most employers.

Units offered in the course, which commences on April 28 and runs until the end of the year, include infection control procedures, vitamins and minerals, pain relief, and baby and infant care.

“The key for us is that when a customer walks in, our graduates have the knowledge of what to give them and take some of the work off the pharmacist,” Ms Kenyon said.

She said when the course was offered at other locations, TAFE NSW were in such high demand, they often secured work before even graduating.

To explore the range of courses available at TAFE NSW and via TAFE Digital, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mobile 0477 722 428