WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO WHEN I FINISH THE COURSE?

Graduates from this course will work in either community or hospital based pharmacies and will become active participants in this growing field. Graduates have also gone on to work with pharmacy wholesalers and as sales representatives with drug companies.

WHAT FOLLOW-ON STUDY OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

Graduates of this programme have progressed to both Irish and UK Universities to study on Pharmacy Degree courses and may also progress onto a range of science programmes at IT Carlow. For further information please contact the Course Director.

WHAT EXEMPTIONS WILL I RECEIVE?

n/a

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL I STUDY?

In the first year, students will have lectures in IT Carlow while also, on a weekly basis, spend time working in a pharmacy
on work experience. The course content includes Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Human Physiology - which is the study of how the body functions. Drug Actions and Uses is a major subject during which students gain an appreciation of human diseases and the drugs used in the treatment of these diseases. Formulation and Compounding is a specialist subject
looking at how drugs are made. Students will cover  Pharmaceutical Calculations and Computing as well as examining how drugs are safely used and dispensed in Regulations and Dispensing. They will also develop skills in the
administration of a functioning pharmacy. Following a six month work placement, students will cover Formulation, Compounding and Aseptic Techniques, Drug Actions and Uses and pharmacy practice which equips students with the necessary skills to provide specialised pharmacy services such as ostomy care, companion animal care, supply of support stockings, asthma management. Students will also study the various roles and duties of the hospital pharmacy technician. Visits to pharmacy wholesalers and local hospital pharmacies will ensure that students are well grounded in the many areas of work available to pharmacy technicians.

YEAR 1:
Mandatory Subjects:

Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Human Physiology
Drug Actions and Uses
Formulation and Compounding
Regulations and Dispensing
Pharmaceutical Calculations and Computing
Pharmacy Administration
Over The Counter Preparations

YEAR 2:
Mandatory Subjects:

Work Placement
Formulation Compounding and Aseptic Techniques
Drug Actions and Uses
Pharmacy Practice

WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

Leaving Certificate: 5 subjects at Ordinary Level grade D3 or better. Subjects required: English or Irish at Ordinary Level grade D3 or better and Mathematics at Ordinary Level grade D3 or better. Mature applicants are welcome and will be interviewed and assessed on an individual basis.

SPECIAL FEATURES

One of the most exciting features of this course is the 6
month work placement which students will complete
following the first year of their certificate. This will give the
students the hands on experience they need to complement their academic studies.