How to become a certified pharmacy technician in Australia
To become a certified pharmacy technician in Australia, there are a few steps that you need to follow. Firstly, you need to complete a Certificate III in Community Pharmacy or a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. These courses are offered by TAFE colleges and private training providers across Australia. The courses usually take around 12 months to complete and cover topics such as dispensing medication, managing stock, and communicating with patients.
Once you have completed your Certificate III, you can apply to become a registered pharmacy technician with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. To do this, you will need to provide evidence of your qualifications and complete a criminal history check. You will also need to pay a registration fee.
After you have become a registered pharmacy technician, you can then apply to become a certified pharmacy technician with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. To do this, you will need to complete a competency assessment, which involves demonstrating your skills and knowledge in a simulated pharmacy environment. You will also need to provide evidence of your work experience and complete a written exam.
Once you have become a certified pharmacy technician, you will need to maintain your certification by completing continuing professional development (CPD) activities. This involves undertaking training and education to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. You will also need to renew your registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia every year.