Postgraduate

Home Postgraduate

Qualification

Level 3, 4 and 5

Fees

Tuition Fee:
22,000 NZD/year
Total: 44,000 NZD

Duration

2 years
Full time

Next intake

10 February 2025

Points

180 Points
11 courses

Most pharmacists employ pharmacy technicians to assist them with the dispensing of prescription medicines. Pharmacy technicians always work under the supervision of a pharmacist. By law only pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can dispense prescription medicines in a pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians work in community pharmacies and pharmacy departments in hospitals. They are also employed in other pharmaceutical companies and pharmaceutical wholesalers.

What does a pharmacy technician do?

Employability

Graduates of this programme will have the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours required to work in a range of dispensary related roles including those in community, hospital, industrial, and educational settings in pharmacy.

The opportunity to gain work as a pharmacy technician is high because:

  • An ageing population which means an increased demand for health care of all types
  • Turnover is high as pharmacy technicians often move into careers in community health or in sales for drug companies
  • Pharmacy technicians are taking on some tasks that used to be performed by pharmacists.

How much does a Pharmacy technician make in New Zealand?

The average pharmacy technician salary in New Zealand is $60,786 per year or $31.17 per hour. Entrylevel positions start at $54,950 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $67,759 per year.

How much does a Pharmacy technician make in New Zealand?

Paid internship guaranteed*

Industry Networking Established

Internship throughout the programme

Career Navigator Service

* After you have been with us for 13 weeks of study you will get a guaranteed interview with Chemist Warehouse, New Zealand’s fastest growing pharmacy, for part-time job opportunities

“I actually started my study with another college before, but the pharmacy I was employed with also had Pharmacist Interns, so it was hard to get support. I decided to study full-time with NZMA, which also meant I would qualify much faster. NZMA teach ‘best practice’ so I learned the right way to do things – and the reasons why we do things this way. I also really enjoyed learning in-depth about medicines. I have been working at Parkside Pharmacy in Auckland, as a senior technician since I graduated a year ago.”

— Christine Dejando,

NZMA Pharmacy Technician Graduate

Pharmacy Technician programmes

  • New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice) (Level 3)
  • New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician) (Level 5)

Overview

The Pharmacy industry is dynamic, exciting and there are many job opportunities for qualified Pharmacy Technicians. You can play a key role in helping patients feel better and get well as fast as possible. Our Pharmacy Technician course gives you practical learning on campus and will teach you all the key skills and pharmaceutical knowledge you need to start your career.

During this course you will learn everything you need to know to become a Pharmacy Technician. You’ll learn how to provide accurate health advice to customers and your community

What You Will Learn

Pharmacy technician course L3

Duration:

13 weeks (Including 2 weeks paid internship)

Courses:

  • Professionalism, ethics, and effective communication
  • Legislation in retail pharmacy workplace
  • Retail pharmacy customer care and advice
  • First Aid
  • Retail operations: support, calculations, and technology

Pharmacy technician course L5

Duration:

47 weeks (Including 6 weeks paid internship

Courses:

  • Professional Practice 1
  • Dispensing 1
  • Dispensing 1A
  • Patient Care 1
  • Professional Practice 2
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Dispensing 2
  • Patient Care 2

Course Information

For the next intake date, please check our website at www.nzma.ac.nz/courses/pharmacy-overview

What does a pharmacy technician do?

  • Dispense medications
  • Medicinal knowledge (indication, side effects, interactions)
  • Counselling of medication
  • Provide FREE health advice
  • Over the counter product knowledge
  • Referrals to appropriate services
  • Serve the community and keep the pharmacy running
  • Essential workers → They are there to keep the community healthy

What we offer

Current programmes at sylvia park

  • One level 3 – Pharmacy technician course (13 weeks)
  • Two level 4⁄5 – Pharmacy technician course (44 weeks)

Certificate in Pharmacy - Introduction to Pharmacy Practice (Level 3)

Weeks 1-4 (Pre-Placement)

Weeks 5-12 (Placement Weeks)

Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician - Advanced) (Level 5) – BLENDED COURSE

Class times: 9am to 1pm and 12:30pm – 4:30pm

Career opportunities

  • Community pharmacy
  • Hospital pharmacy
  • Industry
  • Pharmaceutical sales
  • Vaccinations (increased pay)
  • Further study
    • Level 6 specialised tech
    • PACT (checking technician)
    • – increased pay
    • University

Success

Amanpreet came in 2 weeks late

English is not her second language

Initially she had a bit of difficulty

Now she is already working as a technician and has job lined up as soon as she graduates.

“In campus I always feel comfortable. I get the chance to meet new people and participate in diverse activities. Thanks you.”

International student pathway

1. With the post study work visa you receive upon completing the New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6), you can pursue employment in a role aligned with your field of study.

 

2. Learn more about New Zealand Green List roles at immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visaapplication/working-in-nz/qualifications-for-work/green-list-occupations

Contact Us

NZEA, a New Zealand registered company with offices in Auckland and Mumbai, provides advice on studying in New Zealand. We are defined by ethical practice and ensuring our students make the right choice to pursuing education goals. NZEA is with you all the way… guiding you throughout your academic journey.

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