SIR30116
Earn your Certificate III in Community Pharmacy (SIR30116) to qualify working within pharmacies as a pharmacy assistant and help people in the community access appropriate dispensary, medical and cosmetic assistance.
Gain practical skills, real-world experience, and a nationally recognised qualification to launch your career in the pharmacy sector.
Enrol today to gain a nationally recognised certificate with our flexible online study options.
This course is not available to international students.
The SIR30116 Certificate III in Community Pharmacy leads to a solid understanding of pharmacy operations, customer service, and the safe handling of medicines and health products in a retail environment.
With this qualification you’ll be ready to work with customers, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals in a community pharmacy setting, providing essential frontline support.
Job prospects are good, with employment for pharmacy assistants expected to grow strongly. This growth reflects the increasing demand for accessible healthcare advice and services through local pharmacies.
You’ll be ready to provide a range of assistance to pharmacy and hospital staff including product recommendations, prescription handling, stock control, and customer care.
Enrol now to study Community Pharmacy online. Earn your Certificate III with the Institute of Allied Health and access to a wide range of support services that can help you succeed.
Please complete this form and we will respond within 24 working hours.
Online, Self-paced
12 months (full time)
19 Units
You are able to gain entry to the Certificate III In Community Pharmacy if you have:
Our Student Support Centres are located in:
How to provide a range of community pharmacy tasks including:
15.8%
Expected Employment Growth
in the Health Care and Social Assistance Industry to 2026.
300,000
Expected Employment Growth
in the Health Care and Social Assistance Industry to 2026.
1,150
Expected Employment Growth
in the Health Care and Social Assistance Industry to 2026.
There has never been a better time for you to invest in your future career. The need for qualified employees supporting health and allied health professionals is greater than ever before. The Health Care and Social Assistance sector is predicted to be the fastest growth industry over the next 5 years. Working in the health sector is supremely rewarding. You will be supporting the delivery of health services to vulnerable patients who need care, support and assurance.
[BSBMED301] Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately*
Students will learn to understand and use medical terminology in written and spoken communication within a healthcare setting. They will develop the ability to interpret clinical terms and abbreviations accurately to support effective communication.
[CHCDIV001] Work with diverse people
This unit teaches students how to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Students will explore concepts such as inclusivity, cultural awareness, and effective interpersonal communication.
[HLTAAP001] Recognise healthy body systems
Students will develop an understanding of the structure and function of the human body systems. They will learn to identify normal health status and recognize basic signs of health deterioration.
[BSBWOR301] Organise personal work priorities and development
This unit focuses on time management, goal setting, and planning work tasks efficiently. Students will also explore strategies for ongoing professional development and maintaining a work-life balance.
[HLTWHS001] Participate in workplace health and safety*
Students will learn how to identify hazards, follow safety procedures, and contribute to maintaining a safe workplace. The unit covers legal responsibilities and the importance of reporting risks or incidents.
[SIRCINF001] Use pharmacy practices for infection control*
This unit teaches infection prevention and control procedures specific to community pharmacy settings. Students will learn to apply hygiene and sanitation techniques in accordance with industry standards.
[SIRCIND002] Support the supply of Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines*
Students will learn to assist in the supply and sale of non-prescription medicines under the guidance of a pharmacist. The unit includes understanding medicine classifications and customer advice protocols.
[SIRCIND001] Work effectively in a community pharmacy*
This unit provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work in a retail pharmacy environment. Students will learn about team roles, store procedures, and workplace expectations.
[SIRCCCS002] Provide and promote services to pharmacy customers*
Students will develop customer service skills specific to the pharmacy industry, including how to meet customer needs and handle queries. The unit also covers how to promote available health services and products.
[SIRXCEG003] Build customer relationships and loyalty*
This unit focuses on strategies for developing strong, lasting relationships with customers in a retail setting. Students will learn how to create positive customer experiences that encourage return business.
[SIRXMKT001] Support marketing and promotional activities*
Students will learn how to assist in implementing marketing campaigns and promotions within a pharmacy. The unit covers merchandising, displays, and customer engagement strategies.
[SIRXCEG008] Manage disrespectful, aggressive or abusive customers*
This unit equips students with the skills to respond calmly and effectively to challenging customer behaviour. They will learn techniques for de-escalation, conflict resolution, and maintaining a safe work environment.
[SIRCDIS001] Assist customers with prescriptions*
Students will learn the correct procedures for handling prescriptions, including checking details and preparing items for pharmacist review. They will also understand confidentiality and the importance of accuracy.
[SIRCPPA005] Assist customers with cough and cold relief products*^
This unit provides knowledge on recommending appropriate products for coughs, colds, and flu-like symptoms. Students will learn to ask relevant questions to ensure safe and suitable product selection.
[SIRCPPA009] Assist customers with allergy relief products*^
Students will gain understanding of common allergies and appropriate over-the-counter treatments. They will learn to assist customers in selecting antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops.
[SIRCPPA010] Assist customers with analgesic and anti-inflammatory products*^
This unit teaches students about different pain relief medications and their appropriate use. Students will learn how to provide accurate product information while considering customer health needs.
[SIRCPPA006] Assist customers with skin and anti-fungal products*^
Students will develop knowledge of skin care conditions and fungal infections commonly treated in pharmacies. They will learn to provide advice on topical creams, ointments, and preventative care.
[SIRCPPA008] Assist customers with products for gastro-intestinal conditions^*
This unit covers common digestive issues and the pharmacy products used to manage them. Students will learn to assist customers with safe use of treatments for nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, and constipation.
[HLTAID011] Provide first aid
Students will learn how to respond to medical emergencies by administering first aid for injuries and illnesses. The unit includes CPR, wound care, and managing shock until professional help arrives.
Units marked with an * require completion of a work placement. The work placement involves an average of 12 hours per week in the workplace with some time spent at home completing activities that contribute to assessment.
^Students must achieve competency in SIRCIND002 Support the supply of Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines before commencing this unit.
This qualification requires the completion of HLTAID011, Provide First Aid. Students are required to attain this through an appropriate external training organisation and provide appropriate certification to receive a Credit Transfer for this unit.
Important Note:
1. Online assessment is completed for each topic. 2. This qualification requires the completion of HLTAID011, Provide First Aid. Students are required to attain this through an appropriate external training organisation and provide appropriate certification to receive a Credit Transfer for this unit. 3. The information included in this Course Outline is indicative of the final curriculum but may not necessarily contain all units necessary for completion of the course. All assessment that you complete throughout your studies will contribute to your final award. Industry regularly reviews this qualification, and the Institute is required to incorporate any changes specified during this review process. Any changes, upgrades or expansions to the curriculum will be instigated in such a way that your studies are affected as little as possible. 4. Please contact your Student Support Centre if you have any questions about the requirements to complete your course. 5. You have a maximum of five (5) years from the date of enrolment to complete your course. You can study your course on a full-time, part-time, or selfpaced basis. Indicatively, full time study of the course will take approximately 12 months.
At IAH we have a payment method to suit every student. If you decide to pay for your course upfront you will enjoy a substantial discount, and you can concentrate on your studies without thinking about further payments.
If you would prefer to spread your payments, you can take advantage of our fortnightly payment plans over 26 fortnights.
We always strive to keep tuition as affordable as possible, opening up quality education for everyone.
Certificate III In Community Pharmacy
Units marked with an * require completion of a work placement. The work placement involves an average of 12 hours per week in the workplace with some time spent at home completing activities that contribute to assessment.
^Students must achieve competency in SIRCIND002 Support the supply of Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines before commencing this unit.
This qualification requires the completion of HLTAID011, Provide First Aid. Students are required to attain this through an appropriate external training organisation and provide appropriate certification to receive a Credit Transfer for this unit.
For over 30 years AIPC has set the benchmark for service and support in education. We offer a complete external study support system that has been developed and refined over decades of research and continual student feedback.
As a student you have unlimited access to the Institute’s Toll Free 1300 Study Assistance Line. Our Degree-qualified Education Advisers are available 9am and 5pm EST Monday to Friday to provide you with friendly academic support. Their focus is to support you throughout your studies so you can graduate in the time frame you set. This includes answering questions on assignment topics, personal coaching on assignment writing, and giving hints and tips on specific concepts. The Study Assistance Line is there whenever you feel you need a bit of extra guidance.
The structure of the Certificate III in Community Pharmacy ensures you graduate with sufficient practical skill so you can apply your knowledge with confidence.
Students will undertake a work placement as part of this course (minimum 60 hours). You can fit your placement around your current work, family and lifestyle commitments.
The Institute website is an extremely helpful study resource. Via the website you can access the My.AIPC Student Portal which is your link to numerous study support and e-learning functions. You can:
The Institute has developed a comprehensive range of resources to help you expand your knowledge and practical skills throughout your studies and beyond.
The Institute also has a large reference list of books and resources for students who wish to broaden their reading. This list covers the areas of Counselling, Psychology, Sociology and Behavioural Science.
Capitalising on the accessibility of the internet, the Institute has developed two websites to complement your studies. The Institute's Articles site at www.aipc.net.au/articles is an online facility where you can browse numerous articles on a variety of counselling topics. And Counselling Connection, the Institute's official blog, at www.counsellingconnection.com, assists you with access the latest information about counselling and what's happening in the industry.
There are also numerous ways to connect to the Institute through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Google Communities.
Applying is easy using our simple online application process.
If you're not satisfied we'll give you your money back.
Zero Risk
Your enrolment comes with a guarantee that empowers you to enrol risk-free. if, for any reason whatsoever you decide you do not want to proceed with your course within 21-day , we will give you a 100%, no questions asked, money back guarantee.
Please complete this form and we will respond within 24 working hours.