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Pharmacy Technician
Higher Certificate in Science
Course Details
CAO Code | AU174 |
---|---|
Level | 6 |
Duration | 2 Years |
CAO Points | 201 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
Our Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician is a two-year course that enables you to gain professional, managerial and technical knowledge to pursue a career in either hospital or retail pharmacies.
The main aim of this programme is to introduce you to the required theoretical and hands-on skills to work in a pharmacy setting, and to contribute effectively to the enterprise.
The programme involves a six-week placement in each semester in a pharmacy environment, and will position you to pursue a successful career in pharmacy – with a formal agreement in place between Ulster University (UU) and ATU that provides a progression pathway to the MPharm Degree Programme in UU. After graduating you’ll be qualified as a pharmacy technician, and an exciting future awaits.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
ChemistryThis module will introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of chemistry. Learning Outcomes 1. Examine the basic concepts of chemistry. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Biological ScienceThis module will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of biology including the structure and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the characteristics of the major biomolecules. It will also introduce the concepts of virulence and immunity in relation to infection processes. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the structural features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the functions of cellular organelles. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Pharmacy Practice 1 and Dispensary ComputersThis module will introduce the student to the pharmacy environment, Pharmacy legislation, the prescription types and schemes and the pharmacy computer software. Learning Outcomes 1. Read a prescription so as to be able to dispense the items safely under the supervision of a Pharmacist. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Pharmacy Work Placement 1This module will familiarise the student with the pharmacy workplace environment. It will allow the student to assist in the supply of medicines and also familiarise themselves with routine pharmacy procedures. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an awareness of health and safety within a pharmacy. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Organic & Applied ChemistryThis module will build upon Chemistry 1 and introduce calculations relevant to the pharmacy sector. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify functional groups and name simple organic molecules according to IUPAC rules. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
PharmacologyThis module will familiarise the student with the concepts of pharmacology. It will provide a description of how drugs are designed to target sites in the body either as agonists or as antagonists to natural cellular function. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the different routes of drug administration and their effect on bioavailability. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Pharmacy Practice 2This module will familiarise the student with OTC and non-prescription medicines. It will teach the student to recognise when referral of patients is required, and it will further develop communication skills for the role of the pharmacy technician. It will also introduce the student to specialised hospital pharmacy systems. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate the ability to respond to symptoms and apply protocols. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Pharmacy Work Placement 2This module will permit the student the opportunity to respond to symptoms, and practice interpersonal communication skills with patients and healthcare professionals. It will also allow the student to develop basic customer service skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Respond to symptoms and apply the correct procedures when recommending non-prescribed medicines or referring to pharmacist. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry and FormulationThis module will build upon Chemistry 1 and Organic & Applied Chemistry in Year 1 and extend and apply it to Pharmaceutical Chemistry and will also introduce the students to formulation. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate knowledge of inorganic and organic pharmaceutical chemistry. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Applied PhysiologyThis module will introduce the student to the physiology of the various systems in the human body, and it will familiarise the student with some common disorders of these systems and develop an understanding of immunity in the human body. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the overall organisation of the human body. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Calculations and Extemporaneous PreparationsTo prepare the student to respond to real time requests for medicine compounding within a pharmacy setting. Learning Outcomes 1. Accurately calculate simple doses on prescriptions. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Pharmacy Work Placement 3This module will familiarise the student with the routine paperwork and administration of a pharmacy. This will include stock management, extemporaneous preparation and sourcing of non-routine medicines. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an ability to maintain stock within a pharmacy. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Drug Action & UsageThis module will familiarise the student with the aetiological factors surrounding disease and corresponding treatments. It will familiarise the student with modern clinical therapy practice and discuss the successes and failures of same. Learning Outcomes 1. Detail the therapeutic actions of drugs in the body systems. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Pharmacy Business & ITThis module will introduce the student to pharmacy management. It will explore items such as marketing, promotion, accounts, stock control and other areas required to run a successful business. It will also help the student to develop a general understanding of computer applications for the production of practical reports, project reports and oral presentations. Learning Outcomes 1. Read and understand basic Profit & loss and Balance sheets. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Pharmacy Work Placement 4This module will introduce the student to the pharmacy environment, the prescription types and schemes and the pharmacy computer software. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the ancillary products found in pharmacies. |
10 | Mandatory |
Progression
Follow-on Courses
Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
Bachelor of Science in Bioscience
Bachelor of Science in Food Science & Nutrition
Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Science
Interview for admission through UCAS to Master of Pharmacy at University of Bradford and University of Brighton (Year 1)
Master of Pharmacy. Ulster University (Year 1 – once minimum entry requirements have been met.)
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 5 subjects at O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | None |
Garda Vetting | Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána. |
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Further information on feesCareers
The main employers are:
Community Pharmacies
Hospital Pharmacies
Graduate Careers
Graduate careers typically include:
Pharmacy Technician
Further Information
Contact Information
Dr Kim McFadden
Head of Department
T: +353 (0)74 9186230
E: kim.mcfadden@atu.ie
Life & Physical Sciences