Why Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice?
Elevate your skills as a registered or provisional pharmacist. Unlock your potential to impact every level of healthcare.
Study a graduate certificate aligned with the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s requirements. Learn all about the safety and quality use of medicines. Provide comprehensive care across a range of patients and settings.
Our program is ideal if you’re a registered pharmacist looking to advance your clinical practice and research skills. Or if you are a pre-registration graduate looking to complete the pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP).
Improve your career prospects and open new opportunities with Adelaide University. Advance your practice and make your mark in the pharmacy profession.
Overview
Our Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice meets the requirements to register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. We offer two pathways depending on your registration status. You must be registered as a pharmacist or have provisional registration through AHPRA to study this program.
Learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics and health professionals. Cover topics in primary healthcare, leadership and management and pharmacy law and ethics.
You’ll complete the program online with some on-campus workshops and fit your study in alongside relevant internship requirements.
Build valuable industry networks and relationships. Enhance your job prospects and skills. Graduate with more career options than ever before, ready to provide high-quality patient care in diverse pharmacy and research settings.
Key features
Get mentored by practicing pharmacists and world-class academics. - Complete the pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP) to become a registered pharmacist.
- Gain advanced skills in leadership, management, research and inquiry.
- Hone your knowledge in delivering competent and person-centred pharmacy care.
- Study a curriculum aligned with the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
- Create strong industry links and build valuable connections.
What you'll learn
Our curriculum is guided by key industry bodies including the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE), the Pharmacy Board of Australia, Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists in Australia.
Depending on your registration status you’ll choose from two options – the pre-registration or registered pharmacist pathway.
Pre-registration pathway:
Get started on your journey to becoming a registered pharmacist. Access the pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP) and prepare for the Pharmacy Board exams. Apply your clinical knowledge to practice and learn optimal approaches for patient care.
You’ll also cover topics in leadership and management to refine your initiative and innovation skills.
Upon successful completion, you’ll be ready to take the Pharmacy Board registration exam – the next step to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia.
Registered pharmacist pathway:
Study epidemiological concepts. Discover key principles and methods to improve public health. Refine your research skills and complete a practice-based research project. You’ll also build the advanced knowledge and skills needed for clinical pharmacy practice.
Both pathways will explore primary healthcare, where you’ll develop an understanding of contemporary and professional services delivered in a pharmacy.
Our program is offered online with on-campus workshops and virtual classrooms. You can easily balance your studies with work and personal commitments. For pre-registration students, this includes meeting any board-required internship requirements.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units from Specialisation courses
Complete exactly 24 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Introductory Epidemiology
|
Course code
HLTH5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice Leadership and Management
|
Course code
PHAR5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Healthcare Services
|
Course code
PHAR5030
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Clinical Pharmacy
|
Course code
PHAR5036
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice Research Project
|
Course code
PHAR5037
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship Studies 1
|
Course code
PHAR5900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship Studies 2
|
Course code
PHAR5901
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. Unless already registered as a Pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, students undertaking the program in Australia will be required to be registered as an intern with the Pharmacy Board of Australia prior to commencement of the program. Students who fail to gain Intern Pharmacist Registration or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program.
1. Students who are currently undertaking supervised experiential pre-registration (intern) studies, MUST complete the following courses: PHAR5900 Internship Studies 1, PHAR5901 Internship Studies 2, PHAR5012 Pharmacy Practice Leadership and Management, and PHAR5030 Pharmacy Healthcare Services.
Career outcomes
Pharmacists do more than just dispense medications. They work across many different settings, influencing community health in a broad range of careers.
You might oversee medication therapy in a nursing home. You could collaborate with medical teams in a hospital. Perhaps you’ll work in a community pharmacy, conducting health screenings and offering personalised counselling on over-the-counter medications.
As a registered pharmacist, you can also work in:
- GP clinics
- Aged care homes
- Defence services
- Government agencies
- The pharmaceutical industry.
Industry trends
The pharmaceutical industry invests more than $1 billion in research and development in Australia each year (The Pharmacy Guild, 2023). Pharmacy graduates and registered pharmacists can expect ongoing growth in the Australian industry, with high employment rates and strong demand.
Registered pharmacists are also likely to experience good work-life balance options. With Adelaide University, you'll be ready to make the most of these career opportunities.
Accreditation
The Intern Training Component of this program is accredited with conditions by the Australian Pharmacy Councilopens in a new tab.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
