• » Higher Certificate in Science (Pharmacy Technician)

    Programme Title  Higher Certificate in Science (Pharmacy Technician)
    CAO Code  LY806
    LYIT internal code  
    Duration  2 years
    Standard Code Places:  16
    National Framework Level  6
    Mature Applicant Places  2
    Foundation Places  1
    FETAC Places:  1
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    A pharmacy technician can be defined as someone who, under the supervision of the pharmacist, assists in the various activities of the pharmacy, not requiring the professional judgement of the pharmacist. This new two year Higher Certificate in Science (Pharmacy Technician) aims to provide the professional, managerial and technical knowledge required for pharmacy technicians to take up roles up to senior level in hospital pharmacies, and to support the extended roles now becoming available in community pharmacies. Also the course will provide graduates with the opportunity to take up technical roles within the ever expanding pharmaceutical industry.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Entry to the course will be via normal CAO Application Processes. The course will be available to applicants who meet the following criteria:
    Applications are welcome from persons who are over 23 years of age (by January 1st in the year of entry) who do not hold a Leaving Certificate and these will be treated as having applied on the basis of Maturity as well as any other qualification that they may possess.
    Applicants under the age of 23 must have obtained at least five passes in the Leaving Certificate including the following subjects:
    • English or Irish at 0D3 or higher (not Foundation Level Irish).
    • Maths at 0D3 or higher, or Higher Level at grade E or higher or B2 or higher in Foundation Maths.
    • At least 3 other subjects at 0D3 or higher of which one must be a laboratory based science subject.
    or
    • Have obtained a full FETAC Level 5 Certification in Laboratory Techniques (CASLT).
      Please note that the information in the prospectus page 229 is out of date and therefore the entry requirements are as per FETAC table
    Applications are welcome from persons who are over 23 years of age (by January 1st in the year of entry) who do not hold a Leaving Certificate and these will be treated as having applied on the basis of Maturity as well as any other qualification that they may possess.
    Garda Clearance
    Offers of places on this programme is subject to Garda Clearance. The Institute will apply a similar process to that of other programmes requiring Garda Clearance.

     

    What will I have to study?
    Year/SemesterModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1  Chemistry Mandatory  5  4
     Biological Science Mandatory  5  4
     Introduction to Pharmacology Mandatory  5  3
     Pharmacy Practice 1 Mandatory  5  3
     Work Placement 1 Mandatory  10  2 days per week
     1/2  Organic and Applied Chemistry Mandatory  5  4
     Information Technology Mandatory  5  3
     Pharmacology & Therapeutics Mandatory  5  3
     Applied Physiology 1 Mandatory  5  3
     Work Placement 2 Mandatory  10  2 days per week
     2/3  Drugs Action & Usage 1 Mandatory  5  3
     Pharmacy Practice 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Pharmaceutical Chemistry Mandatory  5  4
     Applied Physiology 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Work Placement 3 Mandatory  10  2 days per week
     2/4  Drugs Action & Usage 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Pharmacy Business Management Mandatory  5  3
     Formulation & Compounding Mandatory  5  3
     Pharmacy Practice 3 Mandatory  5  3
     Work Placement 4 Mandatory  10  2 days per week
    Learning Outcomes
    On completion of this programme, the graduate will be able to:
    • Demonstrate an understanding of pharmacy administration
    • Understand the mechanisms involved in drug interactions and drug side-effects
    • Communicate effectively and competently with pharmacy customers
    • Know how biochemistry and microbiology are related to pharmacy practice
    • Understand the legal requirements and health and Safety and environmental issues when working in a pharmacy
    • Understand the relationship between drug quality, expiration dating and analysis
    Work Placement
    The work placement modules are an integral part of the course. The aim of the placement is to provide learners with an opportunity to gain skills, experience and competence in both community and hospital pharmacies.
    In each semester learners will spend 2 days a week in practice. Please note that with respect to the placement, while the institute will make every effort to assist the learner in finding a placement final responsibility for securing the placement resides with the learner.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    At present pharmacy technicians with a level 6 qualification may apply for positions within the HSE as pharmacy technicians. They may also apply to work as pharmacy technicians in community pharmacies. The programme may open opportunities for graduates to apply to MPharm programmes in the UK via UCAS.
    Fees and Support
    Further information on fees and support can be found at www.studentfinance.ie
    Career Opportunities
    Currently, and for the foreseeable future, employment prospects for pharmacy technicians are good as graduates will find employment in both community-based pharmacies and the public and private hospital sectors. They can also expect to find employment in the pharmaceutical industry.
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact: Dr. Anne Nelson, Head of Department of Science, Letterkenny Institute of Technology
    • E- Mail: anne.nelson@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6302