New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice) (Level 3)

Entry Requirements

To gain admission into the New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice)
(Level 3) you need to:

• be employed in a pharmacy while enrolled on this programme for a minimum of 20 hours per week
• have Level 2 credits in communication or English, or be able to show comparable skills and knowledge
• have a current first aid certificate worth 2 credits or obtain one within the first six months of starting your studies. This is equivalent to essential first aid or First Aid Level 1. Your first aid certificate will need to be kept up-to-date throughout the duration of this programme.

Pharmacist verification of work-based tasks

During the online enrolment process you will need to provide the contact details of your intended employer. They will then be sent an online form to complete for further Pharmacist Verifier details.

You can access the Employer Workplace and Verifier agreement forms below. However, you will also be asked to nominate your employer during the online enrolment application process, and they will be emailed their form automatically to complete. Your employer will nominate your verifier and the verifier will be emailed their form automatically to complete.

Pharmacy Employer Form

Pharmacist verification form

PSNZ membership

We recommend you register with the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) as a trainee technician. This will give you access to their website and resources.

You can download the application form for PSNZ membership when you fill in our online application form.

English language requirements

International students must also have an IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0, or equivalent.

Domestic students for whom English or Māori is not their first language must also have an IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0, or equivalent.

International students and domestic students living overseas

You can study this programme part-time if you’re an international student living in New Zealand. You will need to be in paid employment for a minimum of 20 hours per week with a valid work permit. The work permit must be valid for the duration of the study.

You cannot study this programme if you’re an international student living overseas, or a New Zealand citizen living overseas. This is because the courses are based on New Zealand legislation, terminology and codes of practice. Also the programme includes some practical workplace tasks and assessments in a New Zealand pharmacy.

Learn more about studying as an international student

Computer and internet requirements

This programme is delivered online. To complete this programme you will need access to a laptop or desktop computer, reliable broadband internet connection and a data plan able to support online learning such as streaming of videos (including YouTube), downloading content, and writing and submitting online assessments. If you are unsure if your current computer or internet access allows you to complete your online learning with us, please contact us before applying to enrol.

Learn more about our online learning and study tools.