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    National code: SIR40216

    Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary

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    OverviewAbout this course

    Support the health and wellbeing of your local community as you gain dispensary skills in a community pharmacy under the expert supervision of a pharmacist. You’ll develop unparalleled customer service capabilities, retail business knowledge and a strong understanding of pharmaceutical products

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

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

    • Assist customers with prescriptions

    • Dispense prescriptions

    • Provide and promote services to customers

    • Read and communicate prescription information and ingredients

    • Maintain pharmacy stock

    Course outcomes

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

    • Experience in a real community pharmacy under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist

    • Confidence to professionally discuss medical conditions with customers from a range of age, cultural and language backgrounds

    • The ability to advise customers on at-home care programs in line with their unique needs

    • Skills in sensitively problem-solving and managing conflict conversations with customers who are in pain, vulnerable and emotional

    • Qualifications to become an accredited dispensary technician

    • A strong pathway to further study

    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:

    • Current employment in a community pharmacy

    • The ability to work at least 80 hours under the supervision of a pharmacist

    • Comfort working under supervision

    • Calmness in busy environments

    • Confidence liaising with a range of customers, some of whom are sick and vulnerable

    • Attention to detail

    • Foundational computer skills

    • You can plan your work and try to solve problems on your own.

    • You can read longer texts and understand their main ideas.

    • You can write short sentences and paragraphs that others can understand.

    • You can speak clearly and explain your thoughts in a group.

    • You can use maths to work out more detailed problems in different settings.

    • You can use email, search the internet, and open files.

    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.

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    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like: dispensary technician, dispensary assistant and dispensary manager.

    Study pathways

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

    Previous study2 Courses

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

    Further study0 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    The Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary does not have any post-graduate courses.

    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 IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 14 Units of competency, including 9 core and 5 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.

    • Assist customers with prescriptionsSIRCDIS001

    • Assist in dispensing prescriptionsSIRCDIS003

    • Administer dispensary computer systems and claimsSIRCDIS007

    • Provide and promote services to pharmacy customersSIRCCCS002

    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