Higher Certificate in Pharmacy Technician Studies

Technological University Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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Technological University Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Certificate

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

TU657

Campuses

Grangegorman

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 11,650 / year

Next Intake September-2026

Higher Certificate in Pharmacy Technician Studies

About

Course Description

The pharmacy technician studies course has been a winner of GradIreland AHECS Employability Award 2023, National DELTA (Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment) Award for 2021-2024, DELTA Award for 2018-2021 and TU Dublin Le Chéile Award 2021.

This course prepares students for a profession as a Pharmacy Technician, and is completed in one year. It is a shortened version of the two year Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies (TU654), and has been designed for students with significant prior learning in Science. It develops practical, professional and academic skills required to assist in the various activities of the pharmacy, not requiring the professional judgement of the pharmacist. These skills include knowledge of prescription and non-prescription medicines, and how they are formulated and used to treat illnesses.

Students will develop medical knowledge to recognise common illnesses and communication skills to liaise with pharmacists and counsel patients on healthcare issues, including the various healthcare schemes available in Ireland. Students will gain experience in dispensing procedures and practices and be able to interpret prescriptions and prepare medicines for dispensing. They will be able to maintain patient records and operate pharmacy computer systems. They will also be able to supply non-prescription medicines in accordance with legislation and guidelines.

Study abroad opportunities

Students can avail of up to two months’ work placement in a pharmacy abroad.

Work Placement

There is a work placement element to this course.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. For further information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. A full list of courses open for Advanced Entry are listed on the CAO website.

To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:

To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting required through TU Dublin see www.tudublin.ie/gardavetting

Career

Graduate Job Title

Pharmacy Technician

Graduate Employers

Community Pharmacies
Hospital Pharmacies

What the industry says

Pharmacy technicians are essential to the effective, efficient and safe running of hospital pharmacy services. They work with pharmacists to manage the purchasing, storage, supply and distribution of medicines to all the wards and departments in the hospital, thereby ensuring patients receive the medicines they need during their hospital stay. They also work in the hospital’s aseptic compounding unit, preparing doses of medicines for patients. As hospital pharmacy services become more complex, the opportunities for pharmacy technicians are changing and expanding. Graduates from TU Dublin are consistently well prepared to work as pharmacy technicians and to contribute to the ongoing development of hospital pharmacy services.