The NZ Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice) (Level 3) is the entry-level pharmacy programme at NZMA. It is designed for students who want to start a career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare retail industry, particularly as a pathway toward becoming a pharmacy technician.

This course provides foundational knowledge of pharmacy operations, customer care, and medication safety while giving students real pharmacy workplace exposure.

Key Benefits

• Open to international students
• First step into pharmacy technician career pathway
• Hands-on learning in simulated pharmacy environments
• Real-world pharmacy placement (around 90 hours)
• Learn customer service, communication, and professional ethics
• Introduction to pharmacy law and retail operations
• Guaranteed industry interview with pharmacy partners (subject to availability)
• Pathway to Level 4 & Level 5 Pharmacy Technician qualifications
• Strong job-readiness focus

Programme Structure / Topics Covered

Pharmacy Fundamentals

• Introduction to pharmacy practice
• Pharmacy retail operations
• Customer service in healthcare settings

Professional Practice

• Ethics and professionalism
• Communication with patients
• Health and safety in pharmacy settings

Pharmacy Law & Regulations

• Basic pharmacy legislation
• Workplace compliance rules
• Medicine handling awareness

Retail Pharmacy Operations

• Stock handling and inventory
• Pharmacy technology systems
• Product knowledge and recommendations

Health Support Skills

• First Aid basics
• Patient interaction and advice
• Supporting pharmacist instructions

Practical Placement

• ~90 hours in a real pharmacy environment
• Customer interaction and retail support duties

Disciplines / Specialisations

This programme builds foundation skills in:

• Pharmacy Retail Support
• Pharmacy Assistance
• Community Health Support
• Customer Service in Healthcare
• Pharmacy Technician Pathway Preparation

Highlights

• 13-week fast-track pharmacy entry programme
• 90-hour real pharmacy placement
• Guaranteed pharmacy industry interview opportunity
• Hands-on training in simulated dispensary environments
• Strong pathway to Level 4 & Level 5 Pharmacy Technician qualifications
• Focus on customer service and communication skills
• Ideal starting point for healthcare/pharmacy careers

Career Outcomes

After completion, students can progress toward or support roles such as:

• Pharmacy Retail Assistant
• Pharmacy Support Worker
• Pharmacy Technician (with further study)
• Pharmacy Customer Service Assistant
• Community Health Retail Assistant

Work Environments

• Community pharmacies
• Retail pharmacy chains
• Supermarket pharmacies
• Healthcare retail environments

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme remains open to international students
• Includes mandatory pharmacy placement (~90 hours)
• Requires police vetting for practical training
• Guaranteed interview opportunity with pharmacy partners (subject to availability)
• Strong focus on employability and pathway into Level 5 Pharmacy Technician programme

Visa Requirements (International Students)

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

Required documents:

• Offer of Place from NZMA
• Valid passport
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs
• Medical and travel insurance
• IELTS or equivalent English test results
• Health and character requirements

Programme Highlights (Quick Summary)

• NZQF Level 3 Pharmacy Certificate
• 13 weeks duration
• Entry-level pharmacy career pathway
• 90-hour real pharmacy placement
• Strong focus on customer service + pharmacy basics
• Pathway to Level 4 & Level 5 Pharmacy Technician courses
• Open to international students
• Industry interview opportunity included