NZ Certificate in Pharmacy - Pharmacy Technician (Advanced) (Level 5)
Duration
20 weeks including holidays
Delivery
Online
Campus
Nationwide
Credits
65
Work placement
160+ hours
Fees Domestic
TBC
Fees International
This programme is not available for international students
Take the next step in your pharmacy career with the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy – Pharmacy Technician (Advanced) (Level 5), designed for those ready to take on greater responsibility within pharmacy environments. Building on core dispensing knowledge, you’ll develop advanced skills in pharmaceutical compounding, inventory management, and patient-centred care. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and the use of medicines in treating health conditions. With a strong focus on leadership and regulatory compliance, this programme prepares you to work confidently and contribute to the effective delivery of pharmacy services.
The aim of this course is for students to gain advanced knowledge of human anatomy and physiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, urinary and reproductive systems. This course will also equip students with knowledge of prescription and over-the-counter medications used in the treatment of health conditions associated with the above organ systems.
Students will gain advanced knowledge of human anatomy and physiology of the central nervous, gastrointestinal, endocrine, integumentary (skin), immune systems and eye, ear, nose and oropharynx. This course will also equip students with knowledge of prescription and over-the-counter medications used in the treatment of health conditions associated with the above organ systems.
Students will be equipped with a set of effective communication techniques required for appropriate and effective interaction with a range of healthcare professionals and their staff. In this course students will also gain a fundamental knowledge of pharmacology, drug formulation and how medicines work, common side-effects, and what effect they have on the body systems. Students will also gain knowledge of drug therapies commonly dispensed and understand their mechanisms of action.
Develop and apply advanced pharmacy technician skills to further enhance practice. Students will gain all required skills, knowledge, and techniques to become fully competent in the area of extemporaneous compounding. Students will also be able to further enhance their knowledge in the management of pharmacy inventory (hospital and community) including special storage requirements and procedures, cold chain management, management of pharmacy equipment and controlled drug management.
- For Domestic Students:
- Must obtain the NZ Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician - Core) (Level 4)
- This programme is taught and assessed in English, and the students must have English language competence to undertake it
- A compulsory criminal record/Police check.
- Apply advanced knowledge of human anatomy and physiology — including the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, urinary, and reproductive systems — and understand how medicines are used to treat related health conditions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the central nervous, gastrointestinal, endocrine, integumentary, and immune systems, as well as the eye, ear, nose, and oropharynx, and identify suitable treatments for each.
- Communicate confidently with pharmacists and other health professionals, using knowledge of pharmacology, drug formulation, and medicine effects to support patient care.
- Demonstrate competence in extemporaneous compounding and advanced dispensing procedures. Manage pharmacy inventory, cold chain processes, and controlled substances in line with professional and regulatory standards.
- Apply leadership and professionalism within the pharmacy team, maintaining quality standards and contributing to the delivery of patient care.
This programme will also prepare you for further studies in the Healthcare and aged care sector or
prepare you for the workplace with pay parity starting at $26.94 per hour (starting from 1 Jan 2024)
health.govt.nz
Advance your Pharmacy career
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Schedule and Fees
- 30/03/2026
- 31/08/2026
- 14/08/2026
- 12/02/2027
- Join our alumni network
- Create a job-ready portfolio
- Learn from industry experts
- Live classes
- NZQA Certified
- Project-based and practical
This programme is not available for international students.
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Check out more of our Health courses here.