Pharmacy Technician

Overview

A pharmacy technician plays a vital role in the operation of a pharmacy or pharmacy department. Pharmacy technicians are key healthcare workers. They aid the pharmacist with the dispensing and processing prescriptions, and the preparation, checking and storage of medicines. Pharmacy technicians can secure employment in retail pharmacies and in pharmacy departments in private and public hospitals. This NFQ level six, two-year course combines academic knowledge and real-world training in a pharmacy environment with work experience modules making up two semesters of the course.

The course prepares students for a profession as a pharmacy technician and is delivered by leading scientists and pharmacists. It develops the practical, professional and academic skills required to assist in the various activities of the pharmacy. These skills include knowledge of prescription and non-prescription medicines and how they are formulated and used to treat illnesses.

Central to the philosophy of this course is that graduates will attain a sound base in physiology and pharmacology. The course includes two pharmacy placements, which can be carried out either in a hospital pharmacy department or in a community pharmacy. This allows the opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge and practical skills as a student in a real- world environment. Formal work placement makes up 50% of this course.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

• Over the Counter Medicines: knowledge of over-the-counter medicines and how to treat common ailments that may present in a pharmacy
• Human Physiology: explains the structure of the human body - how physiological systems contribute to overall body function, and the relationships between basic physiology, exercise physiology and lifelong health
• Regulations and Dispensing: gives students the knowledge, skills and competencies required to work in a dispensary under the supervision of a pharmacist and outlines relevant legislation related to pharmacy
• Introductory Microbiology for Pharmacy Technicians: introduction to the diversity of microorganisms in the environment particularly those responsible for disease and methods of their control; the importance of aseptic techniques in preparation and production of medicines
• Pharmacy Administration and Personal Development: a basic insight into the role of a pharmacy technician to ensure that the student is able to work independently and as part of a team in a supervised work place environment
• Pharmacy Calculations: provides a thorough knowledge of the mathematics required for the successful working out of dosage calculation problems encountered in a pharmacy or pharmacy department

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

• score the necessary CAO points and
• meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five subjects. The five subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

Note: Vetting by an Garda Síochána is a mandatory requirement for this programme.

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians secure employment in independent pharmacies and private and public hospital pharmacy departments. The one-year-add-on Level 7 Pharmacy Management and Practice gives pharmacy technicians the opportunity for career progression into pharmacy management or progression to a senior pharmacy technician position in a hospital pharmacy department

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified Level 6 graduates will be eligible to progress to the BSc in Pharmacy Management and Practice, a one-year add- on programme leading to a degree at Level 7