Completion of the Pharmacy Assistant training will provide students with Certificate I - II in Community Pharmacy qualifications. These qualifications are nationally recognised. The students will therefore be well equipped to work in community pharmacies (‘Chemists’) and assist the pharmacist in the provision of pharmacy services. The course will allow students to gain knowledge about health, medicines and health related products, operation aspects of pharmacies and Section 100 supply scheme to Aboriginal Health Services.

During the course, students will also undertake training which is specific to working in the pharmacy environment in an  Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service. Students will learn to assist in the day to day operations of clinic pharmacies including ordering/receiving stock and all aspects of stock management. They will also receive comprehensive training on dosette box preparation and webster pack management procedures. Furthermore, students will also gain a basic understanding of commonly prescribed drugs in the Kimberley, and have a sound appreciation of medicines listed in the Kimberley Standard Drug List. Trained pharmacy assistants may be a more cost-effective alternative to AHW’s and RN’s who complete these tasks on top of their already busy schedule.
 
The training will be delivered in a similar format to the Aboriginal Health Worker training and will involve face-to-face (in blocks) and on-the- job training. The on-the-job training will occur at both community pharmacies and Aboriginal Health Services. It is anticipated that each student will take approximately 6 months to fully complete the course.

For an application form for Pharmacy Assistant Training, please click here.