The IPU Medicine Counter Assistant course is aimed at all staff working on the pharmacy medicine counter. The course will increase medicine counter assistants’ product knowledge and begin to develop the skills needed to work in pharmacy. The course begins on 15 September and runs for eight half-days, over eight weeks.

The IPU Professional Academy has interviewed a past student of the course to get their feedback and thoughts on the course.

“One of the most significant takeaways for Ms Wall was the increased awareness of medication interactions; “I am now more aware of medication interactions and feel more comfortable supporting customers efectively”.  

Empowering pharmacy staff: An interview with Erikah Wall

In the ever-evolving world of pharmacy, continuous learning and professional development are crucial. The IPU Medicines Counter Assistant (MCA) Course stands out as a beacon for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills. We had the pleasure of interviewing Erikah Wall from Brennan’s Ballyfermot Pharmacy, a recent graduate of the course, to gain insights into her experience and the impact it has had on her professional journey.

Ms Wall’s motivation to enrol in the IPU MCA Course was driven by her desire to expand her knowledge. She rated the course a perfect 10 out of 10, highlighting its detailed content, ease of understanding, and the excellent teaching quality: “The course was very detailed, very easy to listen to, and the teacher was great,” she shared.

The course comprises eight half-day online workshops, which Ms Wall found to fit perfectly with her learning needs and work schedule. She appreciated the practical application of the knowledge gained, stating, “When returning to work after the course, I am practising what I have learned”. The course material was comprehensive and easy to follow, covering a wide range of topics from product knowledge to medication interactions.

One of the most significant takeaways for Ms Wall was the increased awareness of medication interactions; “I am now more aware of medication interactions and feel more comfortable supporting customers effectively”. The course also emphasised questioning skills, which Ms Wall has applied in her daily interactions with customers, ensuring she gathers as much information as possible about their regular medications.

Like any educational journey, Ms Wall faced challenges, particularly with learning medication ingredients. She found some of the medications could be confusing and difficult to pronounce at times. However, her determination and the support from the course helped her overcome these hurdles.

The course’s endorsement by the Award for Training and Higher Education (ATHE) played a significant role in her decision to participate. She valued the certification, knowing it would be a valuable addition to her CV. The skills gained from the course have not only increased her product knowledge but also encouraged her to continue learning and developing her career in pharmacy.

Ms Wall’s advice to pharmacy staff considering the MCA course is simple; “Just go for it — you will come out more confident”. Her overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, and she finished the course feeling confident and well-equipped to support her customers.

The IPU Medicines Counter Assistant Course has proven to be an invaluable resource for pharmacy staff like Erikah Wall. It offers comprehensive training, practical application, and the confidence to excel in their roles. As Ms Wall’s journey illustrates, the course is not just about gaining knowledge but also about applying it effectively to improve customer care and professional growth.

Enrolment for the IPU Medicines Counter Assistant Course is now open here.