Pharmacy Assistant Course

Course Handbook

2011/2012

St John’s Central CollegeCork

Table of Contents

Course Overview

Fetac Certification/Regulations

Role of Pharmacy Assistant

Work Experience

Learning Environment

College Calendar

Career Outlook

Modular Information

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Course Overview

Welcome to St Johns Central College Pharmacy Assistant Course.

The over-riding objective of the Pharmacy Assistant course is to provide you with the multi-disciplined skills necessary to work in a community pharmacy. It aims to achieve this by providing to with a curriculum that encompasses a broad range of skills from gaining knowledge of OTC medications, to developing Pharmacy IT Skills, to practicing interpersonal skills whilst also aiming to give you a solid science foundation throughout the course.

The IPU Medicines Counter Assistant course is interactive in nature and will equip you with the skills and knowledge to deal effectively and sensitively with customers in the pharmacy. Emphasis is placed on questioning skills, product knowledge and appropriate referral. As it has been developed by the Irish Pharmacy Union it is a rightly recognised qualification within the sector.

The FETAC certification in Community and Health Services provides you with a range of skills to assist you in working in the healthcare sector within a retail environment. You will be given a strong science foundation and develop the health & safety skills necessary for working in a pharmacy retail setting. A major emphasis of the course will be placed on the Interpersonal Communication, Business and IT skills in a pharmacy. As pharmacies generate significant revenue from beauty products you will have the opportunity to learn and practice the application of Cosmetics.

Role of the Pharmacy Assistant

The modern retail pharmacy is a sophisticated health advisory centre. As the first person customers meet in the store, the pharmacy assistant has a vital role to play in keeping them informed and maintaining their confidence.

Pharmacy assistants are the frontline in pharmacy customer care. It is vital

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for them to possess the confidence and skill to serve the healthcare needs of their community.

Pharmacy Assistants help licensed pharmacists with administrative duties in running a pharmacy. Assistants often are clerks or cashiers who answer telephones, handle money, stock shelves, and perform other clerical duties. Assistants refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist.

Assistants have several important duties that help the pharmacy to function smoothly. They may establish and maintain patient profiles, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Accurate record keeping is necessary to help avert dangerous drug interactions. Pharmacy Assistants also maintain inventory and inform the supervisor of stock needs so that the pharmacy does not run out of the vital medications that customers need. Some also clean pharmacy equipment, help with the maintenance of equipment and supplies, and manage the cash register.

Pharmacy Assistants work in clean, organized, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Most of their workday is spent on their feet. Successful pharmacy assistants are organised, dedicated, friendly, and responsible. They should be willing and able to take directions. Candidates interested in becoming pharmacy assistants cannot have prior records of drug or substance abuse. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are needed because pharmacy assistants interact daily with patients, coworkers, and health care professionals. Teamwork is very important because assistants are often required to work with technicians and pharmacists

To become a pharmacy assistant, one should be able to perform repetitive work accurately. Assistants need good basic mathematics skills and good manual dexterity. Pharmacy Assistants should be neat in appearance and able to deal pleasantly and tactfully with customers..

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Fetac Certification

Award Title: Communtiy & Health Services Award

Level 5

Mandatory ModulesAnatomy & PhsiologyIntroduction to NursingCommunicationsWork experience

Elective ModulesBiologyBusiness calculationsCosmeticsCustomer ServiceOccupational First Aid

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Work Experience

Work Experience is offered as an integral part of all courses in the College. The importance of Work Experience lies in the fact that:

-It provides an opportunity to experience a real work environment -It challenges students to experience working conditions and regulations in the real world -It is mandatory module under FETAC and Department of Education regulations and must be completed successfully in order to obtain a full FETAC award -It provides a valuable link between the College and world of employment -Many students are offered employment on foot of their diligent application to work experience

When taking up work experience you are expected to represent the college to the best of your ability. A high standard is expected of each student. Students on work experience remain subject to the College Code of Conduct, and in addition should comply with any guidelines laid down by the employer.

In particular your attention is drawn to the following:

Securing Placement: it is the responsibility of the student to actively seek placement early in September. Students must ensure CV is updated and present oneself in appropriate dress and manor to a prospective employer

Learning: Work experience is part of the learning process on which you have embarked in Central College. It is very important that you take responsibility for your own learning while on work experience, in order to gain the maximum benefit from the time you spend with your employer.

Attendance: You are expected to be present and punctual at your designated work experience place during normal working hours.

Absence: If you are unable to attend at your work experience, you must inform your employer and class teacher immediately. Absence from work experience is permissible only in very exceptional circumstances e.g. illness, and will require a full explanation, Medical Cert etc. Absence from Work Experience will

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automatically be referred to the Attendance Committee

Appropriate Dress/Hygiene Many employers have a dress and/or hygiene code, whether due to the nature of their business or for Health & Safety reasons. You must comply with this code.

Instructions/Initiative: You are expected to follow all reasonable instructions issued by your employer and to show initiative in your work practice.

Documentation: You are required to keep/collect all relevant work experience documentation as advised by your Class Teacher. If you have a genuine difficulty during your work experience, you should contact the College immediately. Under no circumstances should you leave or change your work experience without prior permission from the College.

The College staff has worked long and hard over many years in establishing and maintaining the valuable network of employers. Any action by a student that might jeopardize this would be viewed as a serious breach of the College Code of Conduct, and will result

in the student being referred through the College Disciplinary structure.

Work Experience Dates

November 21st-25th 2011

Feb20th-24th 2012

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Learning environment

The College aims to encourage students to pursue their studies in an atmosphere that encourages partnership in learning. The focus within the college community is, therefore, on personal responsibility to each other. The College is dedicated to the promotion of equality of opportunity, to the avoidance of unfair practice and to respect for and courtesy towards each other regardless of race, religious beliefs, social class, gender or sexual orientation.

You can expect:

-That we will provide you with accurate information and guidance on opportunities -To have a named person as Class Teacher to be available as support -That we will monitor your work and advise you of your progress

-Confidentiality in your dealing with us -Access to advice and counselling on any educational or personal matter

-Representation on the Student Council & College Board of Management

-To be treated with respect & dignity by all members of staff in a caring & supportive atmosphere -That we will deal sympathetically with medical or other problems you may have -Classes to start and end on time, and to be notified of any unavoidable changes -The guaranteed delivery of your programme -That we will respond quickly to any problem you tell us about -To be kept informed about developments within the college that may affect you

If you experience any difficulty with the above, you should inform your Class Teacher in the first instance so that the matter may be dealt with.

The College aims to encourage students to pursue their studies in an atmosphere that encourages partnership in learning. Normal rules that apply in any community also apply in this college. Your attention is particularly drawn to this Contract,

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and the attached Contracts that relate to Attendance Punctuality & Work Experience.

We expect you to:

-Be proud of the good name of the college and do nothing to take form that good name -Adopt a responsible attitude in helping to create a supportive community in which everybody can flourish -Respect the rights of all others within the college community. Treat everybody with respect, regardless of differences in culture, ability, race, gender, age, sexual orientation or social class -Take responsibility for your learning by attending regularly and punctually, working hard at your studies and completing all your assignments on time -Attend all timetabled classes, unless in exceptional circumstances where an alternative arrangement has been negotiated with the College Authorities -Provide an explanation to your Class Teacher in the case of an occasional absence, and a Medical Cert in the case of a longer absence through illness -Co-operate with teachers and all

other college staff -Seek help if you need it and let us know quickly if you have any difficulties -Help to make the college a safe place for all -Take care of college buildings and furnishings, and respect the property of others

In line with current Health & Safety Legislation, there is NO SMOKING allowed within the college buildings. This includes the student canteen.

Continuous / Serious breaches of College Regulations may result in referral to the College Attendance Committee, and noted accordingly on your personal file.

Attendance & Punctuality

One of our most important considerations at this college is to see you complete your course, with Full Certification and to see you enter the Workplace with marketable skills, having experienced the best of work practices. From our many years of experience we know that this is just not possible unless you commit yourself to full participation in your chosen course of study.

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Full Participation Involves:

-Punctuality at all times -Attendance at all of your timetabled classes and at Work Experience -Handing up work/assignments/projects on time -Co-operating fully with staff in the maintenance of accurate attendance records

Poor Attendance/Punctuality may result in:

-Referral to the College Attendance Committee -Difficulty in providing a favorable reference to other colleges, training agencies or employers -Difficulty in recommending you for Full National Certification -Withdrawal of a place in second year, where a second year programme exists

-Termination of your Student Grant/VTOS Allowances

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College Calendar

College Opens Monday August 29th

Mid Term Monday October 31st – Friday November 4th

College Closes December 22nd

College Re-opens Monday January 9th

Mid Term** Monday February 13th – Friday February 17th

Bank Holiday Monday March 19th

Easter Holidays** Monday April 2nd – Friday April 13th (54 days Term 2)

College Re-opens Monday April 16th

Bank Holiday Monday May 7th

College closes Friday June 1st

Total 167 Days

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Career Outlook

Pharmacy assistants are increasingly in demand today, in part due to our aging population and a greater emphasis on health care among people of all ages. Employment of pharmacy assistants is expected to grow because of the increasing use of medication in treating patients.

In addition, a greater number of middle-aged and elderly people—who use more prescription drugs than younger people—will spur demand for assistants in all practice settings. Job opportunities are expected to be good for full-time and part-time work, especially for those with related work experience in both retail and hospital pharmacies. Many pharmacy assistants work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

As you will graduate as a Medical Counter Assistant, this will increase your employability as this IPU course is highly recognised within the Pharmacy Retail industry.

The FETAC qualification in Community and Health services will also enhance your career prospects in other areas such as opportunities to work as a

Pharmacy Sales representative for pharmaceutical companies.

Employers also prefer applicants with strong customer service and communication skills, experience managing inventories, and experience using computers.

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Anatomy and Physiology

D20001

Orla Murphy

omurphy@stjohnscollege.ie

Assignment 1 20%Assignment 2 20%

Dec 2011Feb 2012

Exam 60%The module is designed to equip learners with the knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. It will also provide learners with an understanding of the interrelationships between the systems of the bodySummary of Content

Unit 1 Introduction to Anatomy and PhysiologyUnit 2 The Skeletal and Muscular SystemsUnit 3 The Circulatory and Lymphatic SystemsUnit 4 The Digestive SystemUnit 5 The Respiratory SystemUnit 6 The Nervous and Endocrine SystemsUnit 7 The Reproductive SystemUnit 8 The Urinary SystemUnit 9 The Skin

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Biology

Module Code C20006

Eithne Spicer

espicer@stjohnscollege.ie

Assessment 5 Practical DemonstrationsWritten Exam May 2012

Summary of Module ContentsThe module consists of 7 units.

Unit 1 The CellUnit 2 Animal and Plant Physiology

Unit 3 MicrobiologyUnit 4 Genetics and Evolution

Unit 5 BiotechnologyUnit 6 Applied EcologyUnit 7 Health & Safety

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Business Calculations

Module Code B20034

Catherine Cooney ccooney@stjohnscollege.ie

Assignment 1 20%Assignment 2 20@Exam 60%

Week of Nov 28th 2011Week of March 19th 2012May 2012

Summary of Module Contents

1 understand the principles of basic calculations as applied to personal and business life2 develop computational skills appropriate to various business situations3 operate a standard pocket calculator efficiently to perform business/personal calculations4 estimate with reasonable accuracy costs and measurements5 develop self confidence in handling numerical data6 handle efficiently the money calculations in common daily transactions7 appreciate the importance of accuracy and neatness in presentationUnit 1 Basic Arithmetical OperationsUnit 2 Use of Pocket Electronic CalculatorsUnit 3 Measurements and MensurationUnit 4 Personal FinanceOptional UnitsUnit 5 Basic StatisticsUnit 6 Calculations in relation to Wages and TaxationUnit 7 Calculation of Costings in relation to Retail TradeUnit 8 Calculations in relation to the Operations of a Business

Presentation of WorkWork must be presented in both hard copy and on USB Key. Students must keep a copy of projects and they will not be returned.

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Communications

Module Code G20001

Ger Greene ggreene@stjohnscollege.ie

Summary of Module Contents

Business Documents &Pesrsonal Writing NovemberInterview December Research Report January

Message Taking/Giving FebruaryCommuications Summary FebruaryGroup Discussion March

Oral Presentation April (May change)Practical Communication skills April

Collection of work 50%Skills Demonstration 50%

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Cosmetics

Eileen Mulcahy emulcahy@stjohnscollege.ie

Module Code

Summary of Module Contents

Manicures Theory & PracticalsFacial Theory & PracticalsMake Up Theory & Practicals

AssessmentPractical Exams 40% May 2012Theory Exam 60% May 2012

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Customer Service

Module Code D20151

Majella O’Driscoll modriscoll@stjohnscollege.ie

Summary of Module Contents

The student is equipped with the necessary preparations skills in advance of working in a pharmacy. The student is familiarised with consumer legislation, market research and dealing with difference. Consumer complaints, demonstrating product knowledge and interacting with customers is included in the modules

Unit 1 Customer FocusUnit 2 Customer Contact skillsUnit 3 Quality ServiceUnit 4 Dealing with DifferenceUnit 5 Consumer Legislation

AssessmentsObservation Assignment 20% Dec 2011Role Play 1 10% October 2011Role Play 2 10% November 2011Presentation 20% December 2011Teamwork 20% April 2012Exam 20% May 2012

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Introduction to Nursing

Gobnait Burke gburke@stjohnscollege.ie

Module Code

Summary of Module Contents

Summary of Course ContentOutline the history and development of nursingAcquire a knowledge of the structure and function of the health care service in the Republic of IrelandKnow the various disciplines and specialities within nursingunderstand the nursing processAppreciate the models of careBe aware of nursing ethics and etiquette in care situationscommunicate effectively in ways that are consistent with the carer's roleAvoid occupational hazards2Become familiar with common nursing/medical terminologyPerform a range of basic skills

AssessmentExam 50% May 2012Skills Demonstration 50%

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Occupational First Aid

Module Code D20188

Susanne Hanley shanley@stjohnscollege.ie

Exam 30%Basic Life Saving skills 40%

Other First Aid skills 30%

April 2012End of April/Start of May 2012(External examiner)

End of April/Start of May 2012(External Examiner)

Summary of Module Contents

This module is designed to equip the learner with the skills and the knowledge necessary to provide and coordinate first aid in the work place.

General topics include putting first aid in context and understanding it, initial diagnoses and general treatment, practical first aid skills and health and safety

Module ContentUnit 1 First Aid in Work placeUnit 2 Patient AssessmentUnit 3 Respiratory emergenciesUnit 4 Cardiac First ResponseUnit 5Wounds and BleedingUnit 6 Altered levels of ConsciousnessUnit 7Muskoskeletal injuriesUnit 8 Burns and Scalds, chemicals electric shock

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Pharmacology

Irish Pharmacy Union

Sarah Magner smagner@stjohnscollege.ie

Summary of Module Contents

Module Content

Gastrointestinal ConditionsRespiratory ConditionsPainSmoking CessationVitamins, minerals and nutritional supplementsWomens Health

AssessmentsWritten Exam May 2012

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Pharmacy IT Skills

Qic Script Professional

Majella O’Driscoll modriscoll@stjohnscollege.ie

Non fetac

Summary of Module ContentsPatient Medication RexordsDispensingReportsCodesLabels

Assessment- Class Exercises

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Word Processing

Module Code W20008

Mary Looney mlooney@stjohnscollege.ie

Summary of Module Contents Unit 1 Application ManagementUnit 2 Text ProcessingUnit 3 Tabs and TablesUnit 4 Mail Merge and LabelsUnit 5 Word Processing Features

AssessmentCollection of Work 100%

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