This means there is no set time for each module to be completed. Support and assistance are provided by a qualified workplace trainer and assessor at the Guild. To complete training the student will also need to be supervised by a pharmacist or a more experienced pharmacy assistant in the pharmacy. The National Training Course is modular. Providing prerequisites are met, the pharmacy assistant is able to study whole grades, individual modules or functional streams according to their interests or the needs of the pharmacy.
Training is divided into four grades and four functional streams.
The grades relate to the classification structure in the Industrial Award. The functional streams are Customer Service, Marketing, Pharmacy Operations and Dispensary. Product Knowledge Product knowledge training is provided at Grade 2 and Grade 3 level. At Grade 2 twenty eight product categories are covered in conjunction with a module called Advising on and demonstrating general pharmacy products and services. Ten of the product categories are covered at an advanced level in Grade 3 with a module called Advising on and demonstrating specialist products and services.