Pharmacy Course
Retail Pharmacy and Beauty Sales Assistant
Introduction
The Retail Pharmacy sector has grown enormously in recent years providing many new job opportunities. This one year course will give learners the relevant skills and knowledge required for working at the front-end of pharmacies, interacting with people, giving advice on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, health care products, beauty and make-up products. Learners will also acquire skills in make-up application, customer services and retail selling.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can look forward to interesting, rewarding and challenging careers with a wide range of employment options in:
- Pharmacies
- Health Stores
- Department Stores – Cosmetic Sales
- Beauty or Health care Sales Representatives
Course Structure
The emphasis will be on providing learners with specialist knowledge on over-the-counter medicines, beauty products and nutrition. Learners will also acquire skills in make-up application, customer services and retail selling.
Core Elements
- Over-the-counter (OTC) Medicines
- Health Care Products
- Baby Care Products
- Cosmetic Product Knowledge
- Make-up Application
- Nutrition
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Retail Selling
- Customer Services
- Word Processing (MS Office 2007)
- Safety and Health at Work
- Occupational First Aid
- Communications
- Work Experience
- Retail Display
Work experience is a mandatory part of the course. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 days work experience which offers students the opportunity to further develop their skills and gain an understanding of the workplace.
| Course Code | RPA |
| Duration | 1 year – full time September to May |
| Number of places | 25 |
| Number of contact hours per week | 20 approx |
| Timetable contact | 5 days |
Support Elements
- Manual Handling Training
- Intramuscular Injections
- Beauty and Cosmetic Product Demonstrations
- Study Skills
- Career Advice and CV Preparation
Assessment and Certification
- This course is certified by FETAC. On successful completion of the course, students are awarded a FETAC Level 5 Award in Community & Health Services (DCHSX) and Make-Up Application.
- The MCA (Medicines Counter Assistant) Certificate is certified by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).
- Learners are required to submit assignments throughout the year in addition to final exams.
- Occupational First Aid is certified by FETAC and the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council.
Progression
- Graduates will have acquired relevant skills to gain employment in the pharmacy, health care and beauty care sector.
- Graduates can progress to further studies through the Higher Education Links Scheme.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have achieved five passes at ordinary level (grade D or better), which must include English. Foundation Maths is acceptable.
Leaving Certificate Applied
LCA applicants with suitable levels of achievement will be accepted. Applicants should submit details
of achievements.
Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)
Applicants without these entry requirements will be considered on the basis of age, experience and overall demonstrable ability.
All applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability.
Fees
- There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, a College registration fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.
- Students will be required to purchase certain items such as uniforms and kits.