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pharmacy technician progression

  • 04-05-2019 2:42pm
    #1
    edwardkiley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 137 ✭✭


    hello

    I am interested in doing the pharmacy tech course in DIT. I was just wondering is it possible to become a fully qualified pharmacist after doing the tech course in trinity or UCC? or can you go abroad and do it? would they accept someone with a pharmacy tech course?

    thanks for your replies.


Comments

  • #2
    The Hound Gone Wild
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 255 ✭✭The Hound Gone Wild


    edwardkiley wrote: »
    hello

    I am interested in doing the pharmacy tech course in DIT. I was just wondering is it possible to become a fully qualified pharmacist after doing the tech course in trinity or UCC? or can you go abroad and do it? would they accept someone with a pharmacy tech course?

    thanks for your replies.

    Yes, you can study Pharmacy after completing the tech course, you'll have to apply as a mature student though. RCSI accepts and holds 2 places for techs with 3+ years experience. TCD take 3 matures and UCC take 5 I think.

    My question would be why bother? If you want to be a pharmacist go straight for Pharmacy. If you lack the science subjects take a 1 year access to science course rather than the 2 year tech course.

    Edit: the tech course will not shorten the length of the degree. It's 5 years no matter what prior qualifications you have.


  • #3
    GalwayGrrrrrl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭GalwayGrrrrrl


    +1 for post from hounds gone wild. I work with some pharmacy techs who now feel stuck as they need to study the 5 year pharmacy degree to progress further in their career. You’ll need a solid base in chemistry to study pharmacy so be prepared to do an extra course in chemistry if necessary. Also look at the UK for pharmacy degrees. Aberdeen is popular with Irish residents (lower/free fees I believe).
    Pharmacy technician is not a bad job, pay is reasonable, especially in hospitals where there is a pay structure. However it can get a bit frustrating to always have to be supervised by a qualified pharmacist. Go for the 5 year pharmacy degree now if you can.


  • #4
    edwardkiley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 137 ✭✭edwardkiley


    GalwayGrrrrrl wrote: »
    +1 for post from hounds gone wild. I work with some pharmacy techs who now feel stuck as they need to study the 5 year pharmacy degree to progress further in their career. You’ll need a solid base in chemistry to study pharmacy so be prepared to do an extra course in chemistry if necessary. Also look at the UK for pharmacy degrees. Aberdeen is popular with Irish residents (lower/free fees I believe).
    Pharmacy technician is not a bad job, pay is reasonable, especially in hospitals where there is a pay structure. However it can get a bit frustrating to always have to be supervised by a qualified pharmacist. Go for the 5 year pharmacy degree now if you can.

    unfortunately I didnt do irish in the LC so I can get into the course even though I got the points. I was looking into scotland but the fees could rise when the uk leaves the EU to 9 grand sterling.
    I could resit just irish in the LC but its not a great option for me. I would like to start a course this year.


  • #5
    GalwayGrrrrrl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭GalwayGrrrrrl


    edwardkiley wrote: »
    unfortunately I didnt do irish in the LC so I can get into the course even though I got the points. I was looking into scotland but the fees could rise when the uk leaves the EU to 9 grand sterling.
    I could resit just irish in the LC but its not a great option for me. I would like to start a course this year.

    Do you need Irish leaving cert for pharmacy in UC Cork or Royal college surgeons? Also think about the UK- if the fees do go up after brexit (and that’s IF, it might not happen) you’ll still be earning a lot more as a pharmacist (double the wages) compared to pharmacy technician so you’ll be able to pay back those fees.


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