Important Information
Before enquiring, please check if this course is right for you:
- You must be an Australian citizen or resident. We are not CRICOS registered and cannot accept enrolments from International Student Visa holders (Subclass 500).
- Classes are held Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, over 13 weeks. If you have work or other commitments, make sure you can attend during these hours.
If either of these applies to you, this course may not be the right fit. Otherwise, read on to learn more!
Course Overview
The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy prepares you for a rewarding career as a pharmacy assistant in a retail pharmacy setting. This course equips you with the skills to provide excellent customer service, assist with pharmacy products, and support pharmacists in delivering essential healthcare services to the community.
You’ll develop a strong understanding of pharmacy operations, learning how to assist customers with prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, recommend suitable products, and ensure compliance with pharmacy regulations.
Who's It For?
This course is ideal for individuals looking to start a career in community pharmacy, whether they’re entering the workforce for the first time or looking to upskill in the retail pharmacy sector.
It’s suited for:
- Those with no prior pharmacy experience who want to step into a healthcare-related role
- Retail or customer service workers looking to transition into pharmacy
- Existing pharmacy assistants wanting to formalise their skills and improve career opportunities
With a focus on practical skills and customer service, this course prepares students to confidently assist pharmacists and provide health advice to customers in a fast-paced, rewarding environment.
Campus Locations
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Pharmacy Dispensary Assistant
- Pharmacy Sales Assistant
Study Method
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Locations
- Western Australia
- Osborne Park
- Perth
Duration and Study Load
This course runs for 13 weeks, with classes held Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, including work placement as part of the program.
Course duration and schedules are subject to change.
Delivery
This course is delivered face-to-face at our campus locations, providing a hands-on learning experience in a structured classroom setting.
Training is led by industry-experienced trainers, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare you for real-world pharmacy roles.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic prerequisites for this course. However, students must:
- Provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- Meet language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) requirements
- Provide photo identification
Additional eligibility criteria may apply for government-funded places.
Course Features
- Face-to-Face Learning – Hands-on training in a structured classroom environment
- Industry-Experienced Trainers – Learn from experts with real-world pharmacy experience
- Work Placement Included – Gain practical experience in a real pharmacy setting
- Government Funding Available – Reduce course fees if eligible under Jobs & Skills WA
- Flexible Payment Plans – Options available for both funded and non-funded students
- High Job Demand – Strong employment opportunities in the growing pharmacy sector
Work Placement
This course includes a work placement component to provide hands-on experience in a real pharmacy setting.
- Duration: Minimum of 40 hours
- Location: A registered community pharmacy
- Commitment: Completed as part of the course schedule
Work placement allows students to apply their skills in a real-world environment, gain confidence in assisting customers, and develop practical knowledge under the guidance of experienced pharmacy professionals.
Professional Recognition
The SIR30116 Certificate III in Community Pharmacy is a nationally recognised qualification, meeting industry standards for working in retail pharmacy settings across Australia.
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge required to work under the supervision of a pharmacist in compliance with pharmacy regulations and industry guidelines.
Testimonials
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"The team at Gateway were switched on to my needs and they offered me great insights into the Pharmacy industry as that's what I initially wanted to study. The training has been great, I've thoroughly enjoyed it and Gateway's flexibility to my working schedule has been invaluable. "David ConwayCertificate III in Community Pharmacy (Perth Only)
Pathways
This qualification will also offer a pathway into other courses including:
- SIR40116 Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy
Subjects
The SIR30116 Certificate III in Community Pharmacy requires you to complete 19 units of competencies: eleven 11 core units and eight 8 elective units.
About Gateway Training Academy Pty Ltd
Gateway Training Academy, established in 2009, has fostered education excellence for nearly 15 years, guiding thousands to fulfilling careers through campuses in WA and NSW. Our carefully designed courses, grounded in high-demand industries like aged care and community pharmacy, are pathways to promising opportunities.
What sets us apart is our deep connections within the industry, paired with government-funded options for select programs, ensuring an accessible and quality education for a wide array of students. With us, learners gain practical and sought-after skills that cater to the real needs of the workforce, facilitating seamless transitions from study to a rewarding career.
Join us to pave your way to success in a nurturing and experienced educational environment where your bright future is our priority. Gateway Training Academy is your reliable partner in carving out a path to a satisfying career equipped with robust industry connections and quality training.
Gateway Training Academy Pty Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #32305)
