Certificate in Science for Dispensary Assistants
Validated by IT Carlow, this Level 6, 60 credit Award Certificate in Science for Dispensary Assistants has secured part funding through Limerick Chamber Skillnet. The programme aims to provide students with pharmaceutical theory in addition to workplace experience in a variety of subject areas. This includes medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical techniques, pharmaceutical calculations, record keeping, and pharmaceutical regulations.
The programme also aims to support students during their on-going work experience and consists of six modules as follows:
1. Communication & Customer Service
Assessment: Continuous assessment: 100%
The module is designed to develop communication proficiencies for both academic purposes and the modern work environment. Appropriate knowledge, skills and attitude will be developed in the learner in order to communicate effectively and implement good customer service in practice. Emphasis will be placed on gaining the practical skills required in both aspects of this module.
2. Pharmacy Administration & Work Placement
Assessment: Continuous assessment: 30%; Project 70%
This module will provide the student with a basic insight into the role of a dispensary assistant and how to work as one. The aim of the module is to ensure that the student gains the skills required to be an effective member of the pharmacy team. The practical aspect ensures that the students understand the rationale behind pharmacy processes and knows how to put theory into practice. Students will be expected to spend 8 hours per week for 25 weeks working under the supervision of either a pharmacist or pharmacy technician tutor with a specific focus on OTC and dispensary work.
3. Supply Chain Management
Assessment: Continuous assessment: 30%; Exam 70%
The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the field of logistics and supply chain management.
4. Over the Counter Preparations
Assessment: Continuous assessment: 10%; Practical 30%; Exam 60%
Students will have a knowledge of OTC preparations, be able to communicate with customers, be able select appropriate treatment options for minor conditions and be aware of when to refer to the pharmacist.
5. Regulations & Dispensing
Assessment: Continuous assessment: 10%; Practical 50%; Exam 40%
Students will gain the knowledge, skills and competencies required to work in a dispensary under the supervision of a pharmacist and will understand the different health schemes and forensic regulations and relevant PCRS paperwork related to pharmacy. Students will be required to attend 1-2 lab sessions in IT Carlow to work on various software systems.
6. Drug Action & Uses
Assessment: Continuous assessment: 20%; Practical 30%; Exam 50%
On completion of this module, students will have gained knowledge, skills and competencies in principles of pathology (i.e. underlying mechanisms which cause disease) and pharmacology (i.e. how drugs work) relevant to a range of common medical conditions. Learners will register as students of IT Carlow will attend classes and practicals. Learners will be required to successfully complete all course work and examinations to achieve certification.
Entry Requirements
• Applicants will be 23 years or older and currently working in the pharmacy sector.
• Applicants under 23 years and working in the pharmacy sector must meet CAO entry requirements for higher education.
• Applicants may be admitted to the programme using the Recognition of Prior Learning route in accordance with ITC RPL Policy which will be considered on a case by case basis.
Thursday Feb 3, 2022 Thursday Aug 4, 2022
The programme will be delivered from February 2022, over 25 weeks / 6 months and will include a combination of online and practical onsite sessions (delivered using Virtual Learning Environment – Blackboard). Classes will be delivered online one day per week plus independent learning
Non members - €2600
Members - €2080
Michael MacCurtain
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