The ‘IPU — BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians’ course is a very popular two-year qualification, that allows learners to work and study at the same time over the duration of the course.
The next course starts in January 2026 with enrolment opening on 1 September 2025.
The IPU Professional Academy has interviewed two students to get their feedback and thoughts on the course.
Working behind the counter at Dennehy’s Cross Pharmacy in Wilton, Cork, Sarah O’Sullivan brings over a decade of experience to her role. But despite her hands-on knowledge, she recognised that experience alone wasn’t enough in the evolving world of pharmacy and decided to enrol in the IPU’s Pharmacy Technician Course — a decision she calls both practical and transformative; “I’ve been in pharmacy for over ten years, and while I’d taken some courses before, none offered the recognition or depth of the IPU course,” Ms O’Sullivan explains. With pharmacists expanding their scope to include services like extending prescriptions and patient consultations, she saw the need to upskill; “As the pharmacist’s role changes, the Technician’s does too. I wanted to be ready.”
Now nearing completion of the course in December 2025, she is already seeing the impact; “It has made me more confident — not just in understanding patient medication history, but in talking to patients about how and when to take their medicines,” she says. Her grasp of complex topics, like drug interactions, has deepened significantly; “Knowing not to mix calcium with certain blood pressure or thyroid meds — that kind of knowledge changes how you support patients.”
She credits the course structure and support for her success; “The material is accessible, the Moodle platform is intuitive, and my assessor was always helpful. I found the training sessions particularly useful — they really simplified the learning.”
Balancing full-time work and study hasn’t been easy, but Ms O’Sullivan has developed a rhythm; “Start each unit early, ask for support when you need it, and take advantage of quiet moments at work,” she advises future students.
When asked to sum up her experience in one word, she doesn’t hesitate; “Enjoyable. I’ve loved diving deeper into topics and refreshing what I already knew.”
With newfound confidence and qualifications, Ms O’Sullivan is already looking ahead; “This course has opened the door to even more opportunities — and I’m ready for them.”
In the bustling world of pharmacy, the role of a Pharmacy Technician is both challenging and rewarding. We had the pleasure of interviewing Shannon McGwynne, a dedicated Pharmacy Technician at Healthwise Pharmacy Sligo, to gain insights into her journey, experiences, and the impact of her training.
Ms McGwynne’s journey into the world of pharmacy began with a desire for stability and growth; “Always a stable and growing job market — not just in pharmacy, but also in hospitals, retail pharmacy, and nursing homes,” she explains. This foresight led her to pursue a course that would equip her with the necessary skills and knowledge.
When asked to rate the course, she gave it an impressive eight to nine out of 10; “The content was relevant to real-life scenarios, and I got great feedback from my assessor. I loved continuous assessment, as I perform better,” she shares. The course met her expectations, providing a thorough mix of theory and practical knowledge.
The course significantly contributed to Ms McGwynne’s professional growth; “I gained a strong understanding of pharmacy laws, drug classifications, and developed my attention to detail a lot more,” she notes. This newfound knowledge has translated into better planning and increased responsibility within the dispensary.
One of the highlights of the course for her was the shared experiences with other Technicians; “Chatting to other Technicians and sharing information between each other was invaluable. It also contributed to my personal growth, making me more confident in my job,” she reflects.
For those considering a similar path, her advice is clear; “Definitely do the Technician course through the pharmacy. Working while learning is definitely better,” she recommends. She also emphasises the importance of planning and staying ahead of tasks to manage the demands of the course.
Balancing a 40-hour workweek, personal life, and exercise was no easy feat; “It was stressful and challenging, but also rewarding,” Ms McGwynne admits. Despite the challenges, she found pride in her achievements, particularly when receiving distinctions and completing portfolios.
Her experience as a Pharmacy Technician is a testament to the importance of dedication, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt. Her journey serves as an inspiration to those looking to enter the field, highlighting the rewards that come with hard work and perseverance.
Patrice O’Connor
Professional Academy Officer, IPU and Janice Burke, Professional Academy Officer, IPU
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