KAMSC Centre for Aboriginal Primary Health Care Training, Education & Research (CAPTER) recently completed delivery of a pilot Medication Assistant training program. The training program was delivered over a nine month period, and was developed in response to the specific needs of the remote Aboriginal healthcare sector.

Currently there is no nationally recognised qualification available to train individuals to specifically manage and supply medications in the remote Aboriginal Health setting. The national Pharmacy Assistant training curriculum which had previously been delivered by KAMSC in the past, involved training students for the retail pharmacy environment with emphasis in developing skills not necessarily relevant to the remote Aboriginal Health Service setting.

Click here to view training modules which are delivered as part of the current KAMSC Medication Assistant training program

The training program involves the delivery of four blocks of face to face training. In between training blocks, students are required to complete a practical workbook during their clinical placement in their respective Aboriginal Health Service. Each Medication Assistant receives ongoing clinical support and advice from their designated clinical supervisor and the KAMSC pharmacist during their practical placement.
Students who successfully completed their studies were awarded a certificate of completion for the KAMSC Medication Assistant Training Course at a formal graduation ceremony in November 2009.

Trained Medication Assistants have the specific skills and knowledge to be able to competently manage and supply medications in a remote Aboriginal Health Service, under appropriately supervised conditions. In the Kimberley region, Medication Assistants have proven to be highly valued and respected members of the healthcare team in the community in which they live.

Click here to view photos of KAMSC Medication Assistants training and working in their Aboriginal Health Service.

The KAMSC Medication Assistant Training Course is ideally suited to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person (with or without prior health experience) wishing to work in a remote Aboriginal Health Service dispensary, in a clinically supportive environment.

If you require any further information related to the delivery and content of the KAMSC Medication Assistant training course, or would like to know more about future training courses, please do not hesitate to contact:

Corina Pesich
(KAMSC Academic Pharmacist)
Email : corinap@kamsc.org.au
Phone : KAMSC at (08) 9193 6043

Jenny Poelina
(Coordinator of CAPTER, the KAMSC Centre for Aboriginal Primary Health Care, Training Education, and Research)
Email : jennyp@kamsc.org.au
Phone : KAMSC at (08) 9193 6043

Due to the success of this pilot training program, KAMSC is working towards gaining state and national accredited training recognition for this program. This will enable students to eventually attain a nationally recognised qualification for their studies and achievements.