SIR40216 Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary
Designed for experienced pharmacy assistants working in or aspiring to work in the dispensary, this nationally recognised qualification develops advanced skills and knowledge across prescription processing, dispensary operations and healthcare support.
You’ll learn how to assist pharmacists in the safe and accurate supply of medicines, maintain dispensary records and stock, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality patient care. With a strong focus on best practice, compliance and professional service, this qualification will help you build the confidence and expertise to take on greater responsibilities within the dispensary team.
Key Information
Duration: 24 Months
Delivery: Self-paced online learning, supported by a PSA trainer/assessor.
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Fee for service pricing
Professional Plus: $2,799
All other PSA members: $3,639
Non-Member: $3,639
Why pharmacy owners choose this qualification
Support your pharmacy assistants to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to deliver exceptional customer service and contribute effectively to day-to-day pharmacy operations.
- nationally recognised qualification designed specifically for community pharmacy
- quick and easy enrolment process
- builds staff confidence across a range of pharmacy assistant responsibilities
- flexible online delivery that fits around rostered shifts
- trainer support throughout the program
Why study with PSA
When you study with PSA, you’ll benefit from:
- training designed specifically for community pharmacy practice
- experienced pharmacy trainers and assessors
- flexible online learning that fits around work commitments
- immediate commencement with no semester intakes
- nationally recognised qualification
- support throughout your learning journey
Graduate with confidence
By completing this qualification, you’ll develop the practical skills, industry knowledge and confidence needed to contribute effectively in the workplace. You’ll be equipped to deliver professional service, work as part of a team and support positive outcomes for customers, patients and your pharmacy.
Entry requirements
Learners must:
- be working in a community pharmacy
- meet the minimum age requirements of your state or territory
- have or obtain a USI and provide it to PSA as part of the enrolment process
- be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen
Note: Learners on student visa (subclass 500) are not eligible to enrol in this course.
How the program works
Assessment is conducted over a period of time and includes a range of assessment methods, tools and evidence collection activities designed to demonstrate the application of skills and knowledge in the workplace. The exact mix of assessment methods will vary from unit to unit.
Assessment types include:
- multiple-choice and short-answer questions
- case studies
- projects and reports
- demonstration of practical skills
- third-party (workplace supervisor) reports
State and Territory Funding
This training is subsidised by the ACT Government. This training is offered on a fee for service basis as well as subsidised.
Please see the schedule of fees below for more information.
This training is subsidised by the NSW Government (Click here to view Smart & Skilled website). This training is offered on a fee for service basis as well as subsidised.
Please see the schedule of fees below for more information.
The cost of the course may be dependent on government funding. Under the Northern Territory Government User Choice Contract, funding is available for SIR20116 Certificate II in Community Pharmacy for new employees (three months full time, twelve months part time) to undertake this qualification under a traineeship. Eligibility criteria applies for User Choice funding.
This training is offered on a fee for service basis as well as subsidised.
Please see the schedule of fees below for more information.
Subsidised Training for Eligible Queenslanders
The Queensland government via the Department of Trade, Education and Training (DTET) offer subsidised training to eligible Queenslanders. Subsidised training in Queensland is designed to help individuals develop the skills needed for priority jobs. The funding supports individuals to get the skills to enter and/or re-enter the workforce, and advance careers.
Eligible learners can access this funding through Career Start or Career Boost programs. This link will direct you to the DTET website for more information on their training initiatives.
PSA is an approved supplier of funded training in Queensland for both Career Start and Career Boost. We are able to offer the following qualifications and skill sets.
Career Start Program – Traineeship Pathway
- SIR20116 Certificate II in Community Pharmacy
- SIR30116 Certificate III in Community Pharmacy
Career Start Program – General Pathway
- SIR30116 Certificate III in Community Pharmacy
Career Boost Program
- SIR40116 Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy
- SIRSS00012 Community Pharmacy Dispensary Skill Set
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs)
- SIR20116 Certificate II in Community Pharmacy
- SIR30116 Certificate III in Community Pharmacy
The cost of the course may be dependent on your eligibility to Queensland Government funding programs. This qualification is available via Queensland Government funding, please refer here for eligibility criteria.
This training is offered on a fee for service basis as well as subsidised.
Fees
Please see the schedule of fees below for more information.
This training is delivered with Victorian State Government Skills First funding. This training is offered on a fee for service basis as well as subsidised.
Please see the schedule of fees below for more information.
This training is subsidised by the Department of State Growth, Tasmania. This training is offered on a fee for service basis as well as subsidised.
Please see the schedule of fees below for more information
This training is offered on a fee for service basis as well as subsidised. Eligibility requirements apply, please contact the PSA staff at to discuss further: learnersupport@psa.org.au
Please see the schedule of fees below for more information.
This training is offered on a fee for service basis as well as subsidised. Eligibility requirements apply, please contact the PSA staff at to discuss further: learnersupport@psa.org.au
Please see the schedule of fees below for more information.
Policies
View the current policies related to your training below.
FAQs
Who should do this course?
This course is for experienced pharmacy assistants who are looking to expand their skills in the area of dispensary.
How long does the qualification take to complete?
Most pharmacy assistants complete this qualification in around 24 months. Part time employees may require a longer timeframe to complete the course. A training plan is provided to support each student for the duration of the course.
How is the training delivered?
This training is delivered online via PSA’s Learning Management System, Cloud Assess.
What does the qualification include?
To complete SIR40216 Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary you will need to complete 14 units of competency comprising of nine core units and five elective units.
Core units
- SIRCCCS002 Provide and promote services to pharmacy customers
- SIRCDIS001* Assist customers with prescriptions
- SIRCDIS003* Assist in dispensing prescriptions
- SIRCDIS006* Maintain dispensary stock
- SIRCDIS007* Administer dispensary computer system and claims
- SIRCIND001 Work effectively in a community pharmacy
- SIRCIND002 Support the supply of Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines
- SIRCINF001 Use pharmacy practices for infection control
- HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
Elective Units – Specialised Streams
| Dispensary | Health | Management |
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*indicates that learners must successfully complete another unit or units prior to this unit
Do you offer Recognition of Prior Learning?
Yes, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for all qualifications. The RPL process acknowledges the skills and competencies gained from work experience, prior training and life experiences.
When completing the enrolment form you will be asked if you would like to consider RPL.
Do you offer credit transfer?
Yes. Credit transfer recognises prior learnings of units of competency within your course of study that you have previously successfully completed. Formal evidence of completion is required which must match the content and outcome of the unit.
When completing the enrolment form you will be asked if you have completed previous study.
