Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies CW116
- NFQ Level 6
- CW116
- 36
- 224
- 2 Years
- Overview
- Further Studies
- Career Prospects
- Entry Requirements
- Subjects
- Enquiries
What is the Course about?
A pharmacy technician is a key member of the pharmacy staff, involved in assuring the smooth functioning of pharmacy services by assisting the pharmacist in the preparation, checking, storage and dispensing of drugs.
Course Structure
This course offers a blend of academic knowledge, hands-on experience and real-world training. The course addresses:
- Pharmaceutical chemistry and human physiology - the study of how the body functions
- Drug actions and uses - understanding human diseases and the drugs used to treat these diseases
- Formulation and compounding - understanding how drugs are made and the regulations surrounding safe dispensing.
Students attend lectures and also spend time on a weekly basis in a pharmacy on work experience.
In Year 2 students benefit from a six-month work placement in a hospital or community pharmacy.
Is this course for you?
If you have an interest in the health and well being of people, and would like to work in pharmacy services, then this course is an excellent choice. Good communication skills and attention to detail are necessary qualities.
Special Features:
- Weekly work experience throughout the course.
- Six month full-time work placement in second year at either a retail or hospital pharmacy. As part of the work placement module students may work abroad for eight weeks under the supervision of registered pharmacists.
- Participation in conferences, poster competitions and lectures by guest speakers from the pharmacy industry will ensure that students are well grounded in all areas of work available to pharmacy technicians.
- Students are eligible for student membership of the National Association of Hospital Pharmacy Technicians (NAHPT) and the Irish Association of Community Pharmacy Technicians (IACPT). Graduates will be able to apply for registration as Pharmacy Technicians in the UK.
- Students can progress to an add-on year to complete the BSc Pharmacy Technician Studies at Institute of Technology Carlow. This Level 7 programme is delivered on both a full-time and a part-time basis.
What follow-on study opportunities are available?
Graduates of Pharmacy Technician Studies may go on to study a Level 7 in BSc in Pharmacy Technician Studies at Institute of Technology Carlow or another third level institution.
What exemptions will I receive?
-Notes
-What will I be able to do when I finish the course?
Graduates are employed as pharmacy technicians in community and hospital settings.
What are the minimum entry requirements?
Leaving Certificate:
- 5O6/H7
Subjects required:
- English or Irish O6/H7
- Mathematics O6/H7
Other:
Garda vetting required.
Subjects
Mandatory
Human Physiology
Drugs and How They Work 1
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Over the Counter
Pharmaceutical Calculations and Computing
Mandatory
Regulations and Dispensing
Drugs and How They Work 2
Formulation and Compounding 1
Pharmacy Administration and Work Placement
Mandatory
Formulation and Compounding 2
Aseptic Techniques
Pharmacy Practice
Drug Actions and Uses
For Further Information Contact
Programme DirectorDr Dina Brazil
BA Mod, MA (TL), PhD
E: dina.brazil@itcarlow.ie