The Pharmacy Technician Level 5 (International pathway) is the complete advanced pharmacy qualification designed for students who want to become fully qualified Pharmacy Technicians in New Zealand.

It combines Level 3 + Level 4 + Level 5 learning into one structured pathway and prepares you for dispensing medicines, clinical pharmacy support, and patient-centred care.

Key Benefits

• Open to international students
• Complete pharmacy career pathway in one programme
• Strong focus on dispensing accuracy, pharmacology, and patient safety
• Real pharmacy work experience (530 hours placement)
• Guaranteed industry interview opportunities (subject to availability)
• Paid work opportunities may be possible during study (partner pharmacies)
• High-demand healthcare career in New Zealand
• Pathway to hospital and community pharmacy employment

Programme Structure / Subjects Covered

Pharmacy Science

• Anatomy and physiology (body systems)
• Pharmacology (how medicines work)
• Drug interactions and side effects
• Routes of medicine administration

Pharmacy Practice

• Prescription dispensing and checking
• Controlled drugs handling
• Pharmacy law and regulations
• Compliance packaging systems

Clinical Support

• Patient counselling
• Health advice delivery
• Professional communication with pharmacists

Pharmacy Operations

• Inventory and stock management
• Cold chain storage
• Pharmacy systems and software

Placement Training

• Real pharmacy work experience (530 hours)
• Community pharmacy and retail pharmacy exposure

Disciplines / Specialisations

Graduates can work in:

• Community Pharmacy Technician
• Hospital Pharmacy Technician
• Dispensary Technician
• Clinical Pharmacy Support
• Pharmacy Operations Support 

Highlights

• Full pharmacy technician qualification pathway (Level 3–5)
• Strong clinical + dispensing training
• 530 hours real pharmacy placement
• Guaranteed industry interview opportunity (subject to availability)
• High employability in NZ healthcare sector
• Pathway to hospital and community pharmacy jobs
• Hands-on dispensary simulation training

Career Outcomes

After completion, graduates can work as:

• Pharmacy Technician
• Dispensary Technician
• Hospital Pharmacy Assistant/Technician
• Community Pharmacy Technician
• Clinical Pharmacy Support Worker

Work Settings

• Community pharmacies
• Hospitals (Te Whatu Ora)
• Retail pharmacy chains
• Private healthcare providers

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Open to international students
• Includes integrated Level 3 + Level 4 + Level 5 progression
• Requires full completion of all levels for qualification award
• Mandatory 530-hour pharmacy placement
• Industry interview opportunity included (conditions apply)
• Strong focus on patient-centred care and clinical safety

Visa Requirements (International Students)

To study in New Zealand, students must apply for a Student Visa.

Required documents:

• Offer of Place from NZMA
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Valid passport
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Medical & travel insurance
• IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent)
• Health and character requirements

Programme Highlights (Quick Summary)

• NZQF Level 5 Pharmacy Technician qualification
• 57 weeks duration
• 530 hours real pharmacy placement
• Complete Level 3–5 pathway
• High-demand healthcare career in NZ
• Open to international students
• Strong clinical + dispensing training
• Industry interview opportunity included