The Institute of Technology Tralee is pleased to announce the introduction of a new Pharmacy Technician programme for CAO entry in September 2018.

This NFQ Level 6, two-year programme is the only one of its kind being offered in the Munster Region and the IT Tralee is one of a handful Institutes throughout Ireland to offer the programme. It has been designed in close collaboration with pharmacy chiefs in the region and serves to meet an ever-increasing demand for qualified graduates in this area.

Speaking about the new programme Dr. Joseph Walsh, Head of School of STEM at IT Tralee said, ‘We are delighted to offer this new and exciting course. The two year programme, delivered by leading scientists and pharmacists, prepares students through class lectures and on-the-job learning for a profession as a pharmacy technician. The course is ideally suited to students considering a career in the pharmacy sector and for those who are already working in the sector and would like to upskill and achieve a qualification.’

The programme, which qualifies graduates to work as a pharmacy technician in both hospital and community pharmacies, aims to develop the students’ practical, professional and academic skills required to assist in the various activities of the pharmacy.

In welcoming the announcement, Brian Kearney, Supervising Pharmacist at Sam McCauley’s Chemist in Tralee, outlined what graduates can expect from this programme in the workplace, ‘A pharmacy technician is a health professional who plays an integral role in the pharmacy assisting the pharmacist in preparation and dispensing of medicines, whether working at a retail or hospital pharmacy.’

Providing additional detail on what students can expect from the programme, Dr. Eilish Broderick, IT Tralee said, ‘Students will gain knowledge and understanding prescription and non-prescription medicines, and how they are formulated and used to treat illnesses. The programme includes two pharmacy placements, which can be carried out either in a hospital or community pharmacy, giving the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and applied skills.”’

Applications for this course must be made via the CAO. The last date to register with the CAO, for those who have not already done so, is 5.15pm on 1^st May, 2018.

Further information can be obtained from School of STEM Administrative Officer: Ms. Brenda Clifford Email: Brenda.Clifford@staff.ittralee.ie, Tel: 066 7145606