Certificate III in Hospital or Health services Pharmacy Support
Course Code HLT37121

Working in the role of Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support, requires a broad range of skills to help patients with their medication needs. Important traits range from dependability and integrity to attention to detail and sound reporting skills, supporting their ultimate goal of ensuring that drug therapy is carried out safely and successfully. Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support staff assists the pharmacist in running the operation of the pharmacy, interacting professionally with customers, and complying with regulatory laws.
Over the next four years occupations that are employed mainly in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry feature prominently in the high projected employment growth and will be at the same rate for regional and metropolitan areas, due in large part to the broad impact of the NDIS roll-out and an ageing population.
Among the regional areas, employment growth is projected to be strong.
Delivery Method
The Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support is delivered through a blended delivery method.
Students are provided with learner resources for each units of competency. Theory assessment is submitted through our online assessment management system. Students will also complete any practical skills through work placement.
Practical Placement
Practical placement is a mandatory requirement for this qualification. Practical placement provides students with an avenue to apply practical skills in ‘real life’ environment where you can practice the skills and knowledge learnt during the course.
It is compulsory for students to undertake 240 hours of practical placement for the Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support.
Securing Practical Placement
If students are not working in a hospital pharmacy environment, they will be required to discuss practical placement opportunities with local organisations. Practical placement must be sourced prior to enrolment.
Once you have sourced a relevant host employer, Health Industry Training will contact them on your behalf to discuss practical placement requirements.
Insurance
Health Industry Training provides insurance to all students, not currently employed while undertaking unpaid work placement as part of their qualification.
Pre-requirements
As a student you must ensure you have completed the necessary ‘Prior to practical work placement’ activities listed below before practical placement can commence.
- National Criminal History Clearance
- Immunisations and screening
Assessment Methods
Health Industry Training uses a range of assessment methods to ensure sufficient evidence can be gathered to demonstrate you can perform the tasks against the specified criteria. Assessment methods can include:
- Short answer questions
- Projects / Reports
- Case studies
- Scenarios
- Observation of practical skills
Recognition of Prior Learning
RPL considers previous formal study and work experience and then assesses this against the elements of competency to determine competency. Students seeking recognition can apply for RPL on enrolment or throughout the duration of their study.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed a unit of competency within your intended qualification with another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) you may be able to apply for a credit transfer or exemption. A copy of the original transcript must be provided when applying for credit transfer.
Entry Requirements
To enrol in the Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support it is anticipated that you will have completed year 10 or equivalent.
In addition, students are required to provide Health Industry Training with their Unique Student Identifier number.
Minimum Age Requirements
The minimum age for this course is 16 years old. If you are under 18 years of age your enrolment form must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Literacy, Language, Numeracy (LLN) Requirements
Students must have an adequate level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills (LLN). Entry into the course requires English proficiency to Year 10 level or equivalent. Students are able to test their LLN skills by completing an LLN test by emailing info@healthindustrytraining.org.
Funding for Queensland Residents
Health Industry Training is proud to be a pre-qualified supplier for the Queensland Government, under the Certificate 3 Guarantee program. To be eligible for the Certificate 3 Guarantee funding, participants must not hold or be undertaking a Certificate III or higher qualification. Qualifications undertaken at school do not affect eligibility.
It is a requirement under the Queensland Government funding that all students contribute to the cost of training and assessment services. The fee may be paid on behalf of the student by a third party including an employer but cannot be paid or waived by Health Industry Training.
The contribution fee is different for students classed as concession and students classed as non-concession.
Concessional student status applies when:
- the student holds a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card issued under Commonwealth law, or is the partner or a dependant of a person who holds a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card and is named on the card;
- the student provides Health Industry Training with an official form under Commonwealth law confirming that the student, their partner or the person of whom the student is a dependant is entitled to concessions under a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card;
- the student is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander;
- the student is a school student and is enrolled in a VETiS program (may include young people in detention);
- the student has a disability; or
- the student is an adult prisoner.
Non-concessional student status applies if:
- none of the above relates to the student status at the time of enrolment; or
- the contribution fees are paid by a third-party including employer, or job network provider.
User Choice (Traineeship)
The Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support is available through the Queensland User Choice traineeship scheme.
Contribution fee is payable at $1.60 per nominal hour. The fees will be calculated, and invoice sent on receipt of enrolment forms. Fees are excluding school-based traineeship where the contribution fee is waivered.
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training with working in a real job. Apprentices and trainees work towards the completion of a nationally recognised qualification while learning valuable skills at work and under the guidance of a training organisation.
Fee-paying
To assist students who are not eligible for funding, Health Industry Training offers financial assistance by allowing students to take advantage of our affordable payment plan options (weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments) (see enrolment form for additional information)
Throughout your course with Health Industry Training, you will be provided with a range of support services depending on your individual needs.
Trainer support: You will be provided with a team of dedicated trainers who are there to support and guide you through. You may contact our trainers via phone and e-mail for assistance. Our trainers will also contact you on a regular basis to ensure you are on track to finish your qualification within your timeframe. Our professional trainers are there to ensure you have a successful learning journey.
In addition to our trainers, the administration team can provide you with support including your enrolment, changes to contact details or study plan, progress report and any issues you may encounter throughout your course.
The Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support has been packaged to include:
13 core units are required to be awarded the qualification including
The course combines theoretical and practical work placement experience. The theoretical component of the course provides the student with the relevant knowledge required to work in the primary health care sector.
The practical placement experience provides students with the practical knowledge and skills for students to work in a practical setting on completion of the qualification.
Choose your location




Funding for Queensland
Certificate 3 Guarantee
Health Industry Training is proud to be a pre- qualified supplier for the Queensland Government, under the Certificate 3 Guarantee. The Certificate 3 Guarantee supports eligible individuals to complete their first post-school certificate III level qualification and increase their skills to move into employment, re-enter the workforce or advance their career. To be eligible for the Certificate 3 Guarantee, participants must not hold or be undertaking a Certificate III or higher qualification. Qualifications undertaken at school do not affect eligibility.
Qualifications offered by Health Industry Training under the Certificate 3 Guarantee funding
QUALIFICATION | CONCESSION PRICE |
NON-CONCESSION PRICE |
---|---|---|
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support | $150.00 | $300.00 |
HLT30113 Certificate III in A&TSI Primary Health Care | $680.00 | $850.00 |
HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance | $220.00 | $660.00 |
CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services | $360.00 | $720.00 |
HLT37315 Certificate III in Health Administration | $260.00 | $780.00 |
HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | $300.00 | $900.00 |
CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support | $130.00 | $260.00 |
HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection | $280.00 | $840.00 |
Concessional participants are defined as follows:
- the participant holds a Health Care concession card or Pensioner concession card issued under Commonwealth law, or is the partner or a dependent of a person who holds a Health Care concession card or Pensioner concession card, and is named on the card; or
- the participant can provide an official form under Commonwealth law confirming that the participant, his or her partner or the person of whom the participant is a dependent, is entitled to concessions under a Health Care or Pensioner concession card; or
- the participant is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
Higher Level Skills Funding
Health Industry Training is proud to be a pre- qualified supplier for the Queensland Government, under the Higher Level Skills Funding. To be eligible for the Higher Level Skills Funding, participants must not hold or be undertaking a Certificate IV or higher qualification. Qualifications undertaken at school do not effect eligibility.
Qualifications offered by Health Industry Training under the Higher Level Skills funding:
Qualification | Concession Price | Non-Concession Price |
---|---|---|
CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support | $540.00 | $1,050.00 |
CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health | $150.00 | $825.00 |
CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support | $200.00 | $600.00 |
CHC40413 Certificate IV in Youth Work | $340.00 | $950.00 |
CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services | $750.00 | $1,200.00 |
HLT47715 Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting | $345.00 | $690.00 |
HLT43015 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance | $160.00 | $320.00 |
CHC40413 Certificate IV in Youth Work | $360.00 | $900.00 |
CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support | $90.00 | $180.00 |
CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability | $90.00 | $180.00 |
CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services | $450.00 | $1,050.00 |
HLT40113 Certificate IV in A&TSI Primary Health Care | $315.00 | $630.00 |
HLT47315 Certificate IV Health Administration | $280.00 | $700.00 |
HLT50113 Diploma of A&TSI Primary Health Care | $300.00 | $1,500.00 |
HLT50213 Diploma of A&TSI Primary Health Care Practice | $310.00 | $1,550.00 |
CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health | $150.00 | $825.00 |
CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services | $800.00 | $1,600.00 |
HLT57715 Diploma of Practice Management | $1,500.00 | $2,250.00 |
Concessional participants are defined as follows:
- the participant holds a Health Care concession card or Pensioner concession card issued under Commonwealth law, or is the partner or a dependent of a person who holds a Health Care concession card or Pensioner concession card, and is named on the card; or
- the participant can provide an official form under Commonwealth law confirming that the participant, his or her partner or the person of whom the participant is a dependent, is entitled to concessions under a Health Care or Pensioner concession card; or
- the participant is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
Traineeships
Health Industry Training is working in partnership with Australian Apprenticeship Centers to increase the awareness of FUNDED training available to new and existing staff residing in Queensland, through the Australian Apprenticeships Scheme.
User Choice
The User Choice Program addresses skills needs by making government funding available to Health Industry Training to deliver training for particular qualifications to eligible trainees. Additional incentives for employers may also be available. Health Industry Training can offer the following qualifications under the User Choice Program:
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
- HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (new employees)
- HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (new employees)
- HLT30113 Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
- CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support
- CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services
- HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection
Traineeship
Under the Traineeship Program, employers may be eligible for funding to provide training to new or existing workers. The following qualifications can be delivered by Health Industry Training under the Traineeship Program:
- HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
- HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
- CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- HLT30113 Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
- Certificate III in Health Support Services
- CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services
- HLT37315 Certificate III in Health Administration
- HLT47315 Certificate IV in Health Administration
- CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
- HLT47715 Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting
User Choice funding now available in Tasmania. Please call our office on 07 3082 3960

Courses Duration
Maximum 18 months

Course Fees
Queensland
Certificate 3 Guarantee:
Concession - $390
Non Concession - $650
Full Fee Paying
$3,500

Delivery Method
Flexible
Individual needs approach to learning
Practical Placement
Prospective
Career Roles
Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Hospital Pharmacy Assistant
Pharmacy Technician
Senior Pharmacy Technician
Enrolment Method
Open enrollmentTalk to one of our
friendly advisors today