Back to Healthcare

    National code: SIR20116

    Certificate II in Community Pharmacy

    Ask a question

    OverviewAbout this course

    Support your community through a career in community pharmacy, providing customers with advice on sensitive topics, infection risks or skin treatments. Gain practical skills that can be applied across the retail industry such as beauty products and services, inventory and pharmacy product advice.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Interact with pharmacy customers

    • Work effectively in a community pharmacy

    • Use pharmacy practices for infection control

    • Participate in workplace health and safety

    Course outcomes

    Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

    • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate II level

    • Broad knowledge of products stocked in pharmacies

    • The ability to apply the regulations around pharmacy support

    • Gain certifications to be able to serve customers at pharmacy registers according to Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP)

    • The skills and knowledge to support pharmacists in their work

    • A strong pathway to further study in the community pharmacy and retail services industry

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

    • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • An interest in the health and wellbeing of others

    • An affinity for customer service

    • Teamwork skills

    TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

    Find Your Fit

    A simple tool that helps you find the course type suited to your skill and confidence level.

    Start quiz

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like:

    Pharmacy Sales Assistant

    Pharmacy Sales Assistants sell pharmaceutical goods, toiletries and related goods in retail pharmacies (Pharmacy Technicians are not included here, they are included in Medical Technicians).

    • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

      29%

    • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

      9,100 workers

    • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

      32 years

    • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

      $760

    • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

      39 hours

    • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

      Entry level

    • Gender share

      88% female

    • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

      Strong Growth

    Other jobs include: Pharmacy Assistant

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    The Certificate II in Community Pharmacy does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    Further study2 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    Related study1 Course

    Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

    Your experience counts

    At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 Units of competency, including 4 core and 8 speciality units.

    Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

    Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

    • Interact with pharmacy customersSIRCCCS001

    • Use pharmacy practices for infection controlSIRCINF001

    • Work effectively in a community pharmacySIRCIND001

    • Participate in workplace health and safetyHLTWHS001

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

    • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

    • TAFE NSW Libraries

    • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

    • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    • Student associations – get social with our student community

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol