HLT47121
Certificate IV in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support
Develop advanced pharmacy support skills in medication preparation, dispensing, inventory management, and compliance for hospital and health service pharmacy environments.
This qualification provides advanced skills for pharmacy support staff working in complex hospital and health service environments. Learners build capability in medication preparation support, dispensing, distribution, inventory management and compliance across wards and specialised units. Training focuses on technical accuracy, communication and organisational skills that directly support safe, efficient and compliant pharmacy operations, with electives tailored to different hospital pharmacy settings.
Who This Course Is For
- Staff currently working in hospital or health service pharmacies seeking senior support roles
- Individuals assisting pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with medication preparation, distribution and inventory
- People wanting to deepen knowledge of medicines, pharmacy systems and safety procedures
- Learners seeking a nationally recognised qualification for advanced pharmacy support responsibilities
- Those who enjoy detailed, accuracy-focused work that directly contributes to patient care and medication safety
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Support safe preparation, dispensing and distribution of medicines under pharmacist supervision
- Work confidently with complex pharmacy processes, records, stock systems and compliance documentation
- Apply advanced pharmaceutical terminology, biological and chemical principles to pharmacy activities
- Communicate effectively with pharmacists, technicians, nursing staff and other health professionals
- Manage competing priorities while maintaining WHS, infection control and quality assurance in clinical pharmacies
Course Snapshot
Qualification
Certificate IV in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support
Duration
12-24 Months
Funding
State funding availability in NSW and QLD
This qualification comprises 21 units of competency, including 13 core units and 8 elective units, selected to align with workplace requirements and hospital pharmacy practice standards.
Core Units
Elective Units (can be tailored)
Entry Requirements
Participants will need an appropriate level of Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills to engage effectively with this course. Upon enquiry, SWC will discuss LLND skills with participants to help determine any support that may be beneficial before training begins.
If undertaking this course as a Traineeship, participants are required to be employed on a regular basis in work that is relevant to the qualification being undertaken.
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who:
- have achieved the HLT37121 Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support, or
- have achieved the HLT37115 Certificate III in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support, or
- have a minimum of one year of industry employment experience as a hospital or health services pharmacy assistant/technician, in a job role that has involved the application of skills and knowledge described within the HLT37121 Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support or HLT37115 Certificate III in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support qualifications, or
- have a minimum of one year of industry employment experience as a community pharmacy assistant/technician, in a job role that has involved the application of skills and knowledge described within the SIR30116 Certificate III in Community Pharmacy qualification.
Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) if you have supporting evidence of any prior education and work experience. These options can reduce your study load or shorten the duration of your course. For more information, please refer to the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy on our Support page.
Course Commencement
This course offers flexible start dates with rolling enrolments throughout the year.
Course Duration
Typically, 12-24 months, delivered flexibly via our workplace-based training model with self-paced learning, primarily on the job. This qualification requires at least 240 hours of clinical on the job placement.
Course Delivery
This qualification is delivered in the workplace, with all training and assessment completed in real work environments. Learners are supported by an experienced workplace supervisor/mentor and receive an SWC Learning Guide and Resources to help gather workplace specific evidence.
Training includes:
- One on one Trainer/Assessor sessions every 6–8 weeks
- Self-directed learning using SWC resources and workplace policies and procedures
- Regular support via email and phone
- Real time practice of skills in the workplace setting
The program is self-paced and competency-based, with most learners completing in 12–24 months. Ongoing enrolments available.
Assessment
You will be required to complete both knowledge-based and practical assessments completed during work hours. These may include:
- Workplace observation
- Oral and written questioning
- Portfolio evidence
- Third-party supervisor reports
- Simulated tasks (if required)
All assessment tools meet training package and compliance requirements.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded the Certificate IV in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support (HLT47121) qualification.
Smart and Skilled Funding (NSW)
Eligible learners and employers in New South Wales may be able to access government subsidised training through the NSW Smart and Skilled program. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability. For full details, please visit our Funding page.
Career Start & Career Boost (QLD)
Eligible learners and employers in Queensland may be able to access government subsidised training through the QLD Career Start & Career Boost. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability. For full details, please visit our Funding page.
Fee for Service
If government funding is not available or eligibility criteria are not met, this course can be undertaken on a fee-for-service basis. Please refer to our price list for current course fees and up-to-date pricing.
Fee-for-Service Price List