IPU Training Courses

Pharmacy Technician’s Course – NVQ Level 3 Pharmacy Services
The Pharmacy Technician’s course is provided by distance learning in modular format with continual assessment over 2 years. Applications for Year One of the course should be received by mid August at the latest; places are awarded on a first come basis. Year 1 commences in late September and finishes the following October. Year 2 commences in January and finishes in December of the same year.

Medicines Counter Assistant’s (MCA) Course
This face-to-face course runs one day a week for five consecutive weeks. The course is interactive in nature and will equip pharmacy staff with the skills and knowledge to deal effectively and sensitively with customers in the pharmacy. The cost is €750 (€550 for IPU Members) per participant, which includes educational material and comprehensive course notes, lunches, and teas and coffees.

Pharmacy Interact Course
Pharmacy Interact is a course delivered by distance learning and will increase medicine counter assistants’ product knowledge and start to develop the skills needed to work in pharmacy. The course consists of two parts, each containing five modules. Each part is sent out separately for the assistant to work through at his/her own pace. The course costs €330 (€260 for IPU Members) per assistant.

Pharmacy Interact (Plus) Course
This distance learning course follows on from basic product and skills training achieved through the Pharmacy Interact and MCA courses. The course costs €165 (€130 for IPU Members) per assistant. The booklet includes 10 modules and the final multiple-choice test.

The training courses are claimable under the Pharmacy Training Grant. Up to €1,270 per pharmacy, per year is reimbursable for training from the PCRS under the training grants scheme. Information on this grant and the courses included is available from the PCRS  - 01 864 7100.

For further information, please contact Janice or Susan on 01 406 1555.