The Pharmacy Technician Level 5 programme is the final and most advanced stage of NZMA’s pharmacy pathway. It prepares students to work as qualified Pharmacy Technicians in community and hospital pharmacies.

This course builds on Level 3 and Level 4 knowledge and focuses on dispensing medicines, clinical pharmacy support, anatomy, pharmacology, and patient safety.

Key Benefits

• Open to international students
• Final qualification to become a Pharmacy Technician
• Strong focus on dispensing accuracy and patient safety
• Real-world pharmacy placement (minimum 320 hours)
• Optional online study pathway with workplace requirement
• Guaranteed industry interview with pharmacy partners (subject to availability)
• Paid work opportunities may be available during study (partner-dependent)
• Pathway to stable healthcare career in New Zealand

Programme Structure / Subjects Covered

Pharmacy Science & Practice

• Dispensing prescriptions
• Pharmacy law and legislation
• Controlled medicines handling
• Compliance packaging systems

Clinical Knowledge

• Anatomy and physiology
• Body systems and disorders
• Routes of drug administration
• Pharmacology fundamentals

Pharmacy Operations

• Inventory and stock control
• Prescription accuracy systems
• Pharmacy technology tools
• Retail and hospital pharmacy workflow

Patient Care & Communication

• Patient counselling techniques
• Professional communication
• Health advice delivery
• Customer service in healthcare

Placement Training

• Minimum 320 hours pharmacy work experience
• Real pharmacy environment learning (community pharmacy)

Disciplines / Specialisations

This programme prepares students for:

• Community Pharmacy Technician
• Hospital Pharmacy Support
• Clinical Dispensing Support
• Pharmacy Operations
• Medicines Management Support 

Highlights

• Final stage pharmacy technician qualification
• Strong clinical + dispensing training
• 320+ hours real pharmacy placement
• Optional flexible online learning pathway
• Guaranteed industry interview (subject to availability)
• High-demand healthcare career pathway in NZ
• Pathway to employment in community & hospital pharmacies 

Career Outcomes

Graduates can work as:

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

Work Settings

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

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme remains open to international students
• Mandatory 320-hour pharmacy placement
• Some intakes offer blended/online learning options
• Requires prior completion of Level 3 pharmacy qualification
• Strong focus on dispensing accuracy and clinical safety
• Industry interview opportunities available with partner pharmacies

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 funds for living costs
• Medical and travel insurance
• IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent)
• Health and character documents

Programme Highlights (Quick Summary)

• NZQF Level 5 Pharmacy Technician qualification
• 44 weeks duration
• 320-hour pharmacy placement
• Strong clinical + dispensing focus
• Pathway to stable healthcare employment in NZ
• Open to international students
• Optional online/blended study route
• Industry interview opportunity included'