Start working in pharmacy and you can progress up to becoming a pharmacist. First you work as an over the counter assistant, you are trained instore to give advice on medicines bought at the counter, vitamins, and skincare. Next, train as a pharmacy technician doing a two year distance learning technician course while working, gaining experience and applying knowledge as you acquire it. Lastly, you can apply to university as a mature student to study pharmacy. The academic requirement is a Leaving Certificate with chemistry. Experience in pharmacy, ie, working as a pharmacy technician, is an obvious advantage. Universities want the applicants to start and complete courses they begin, and having worked in a pharmacy you will know it is a career fit for you. This experience makes you more attractive to the admissions panel.
OTC staff and pharmacy technicians are valuable, well paid, members of the pharmacy team. Key skills gained from working in a pharmacy, even as a part-timer while studying in university post Leaving Cert, will look impressive on your future CV. Proven reliability, ability to problem solve, attention to detail, team mentality, and increased responsibility demonstrate how well you worked in a team.
Other routes to working in pharmacy are the full time one-year retail pharmacy assistant course at Galway Community College, and the full time two year pharmacy technician course at TUS.
The two current pharmacy technicians working at O’Flaherty’s Pharmacy, Athenry, started their careers as a hairdresser and a beautician. Pharmacy technician courses done while working are generally paid for by the pharmacy. A pharmacy technician who worked at O’Flaherty’s Pharmacy qualified as a pharmacist in 2021.
Other roles a person starting work in a pharmacy can progress into include supervisor, pharmacy manager, buyer, and managing an online store. Pharmacies are generally willing to put staff on specific training courses that will enhance the staff members knowledge and benefit the store.
O’Flaherty’s Pharmacy, Athenry, currently has a vacancy for an over the counter assistant. CVs can be sent to [email protected] for the attention of Gráinne.
