Professional Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Operations

Course Overview

This programme is ideal for an entry level sales assistant with a view to progressing to a supervisory role. It provides foundational knowledge in retail operations, customer service, and effective communication. Trainees learn the basics of how retail businesses operate and how to engage effectively with their customers.  

What Will You Learn?

• Practical Retail Skills: Develop essential skills in customer service, product merchandising, inventory management, and strategic leadership tailored for the pharmacy retail sector.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios within your store, solving live issues like waste reduction and productivity improvement under expert guidance.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Work closely with industry experts and store management to devise innovative solutions and drive positive change within your store.
• Presentation and Evaluation: Present your in-store problem and proposed solution, demonstrating your learning outcomes and accountability for your contributions.
• Progressive Impact: Witness measurable improvements in key performance metrics as you apply newfound knowledge and skills, enhancing your confidence and competence as a retail professional.

Course Outline

• Week 1 (On-Campus): Introduced to the Training Team and Course
• Week 2 (Online): Introduction to Retail / Principles of Retail
• Week 3 (Online): Why we do what we do / Basic Strategy
• Week 4 (Online): Sales and Retail Pricing / What is Sales
• Week 5 (Online): Visual Merchandising / Presenting your Store
• Week 6 (On-Campus): Category Management / Product Placement
• Week 7 (Online): Retail Marketing / Connecting with your customer
• Week 8 (Online): KPI's / Managing Key Areas of your Store
• Week 9 (Online): WIL / In Class work
• Week 10 (Online): Motivating yourself / Managing Yourself
• Week 11 (Online): Introduction to Management / Preparing for the Next Steps
• Week 12 (On-Campus): WIL Presentations/ Presenting in-store Solutions

Week 1: You and your supervisor/manager will attend our venue (times and location to be confirmed) to be introduced to the training team and other course participants with whom you will collaborate and learn from during the 12 weeks. We will also inform you on what you will be doing for the coming 12 weeks. On this day you will also introduce your WIL to the group and a brief plan as to how you will approach and solve your particular store/function problem.

Week 12: you will present to your supervisor/manager and training team your WIL and whether or not it was a success. You will also present your findings and what your future recommendations for your store/function and organisation are. This presentation will be part of your overall grade. To ensure availability of your supervisor/manager, you will be given a specific time to present on that day.

What is a Professional Diploma?
An IBAT Professional Diploma is a focused, short duration practical course that consolidates, upskills and/or reskills learners in a professional area. They are stand-alone qualifications  that do not lead to an award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the Professional Diplo- ma in Introduction to Pharmacy Retail, graduates will be well-equipped to pursue a variety of roles within the retail pharmacy sector. Career opportunities include:

• Pharmacy Assistant
• Retail Sales Associate
• Inventory Coordinator
• Customer Service Representative
• Store Supervisor
• Health and Wellness Advisor

Average Salary:
With the Professional Diploma in Introduction to Pharmacy Retail, graduates can expect to start their careers in entry-level positions within the pharmacy retail sector. The average salary for these roles is approximately:
Upon completion of the Professional Diplo- ma in Introduction to Pharmacy Retail, graduates will be well-equipped to pursue a variety of roles within the retail pharmacy sector. Career opportunities include:

Pharmacy Assistant:
€20,000 - €25,000 per year

Progression Route:

Graduates of the Professional Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Operations also have the opportunity to further their education and enhance their career prospects through a structured progression route.

Depending on your current knowledge and career goals, you can choose to pursue either of the following Diplomas:

Professional Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Management: (€1500)
Available upon completion of the Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Operations, or as an entry point for those with relevant experience.  Such as an experienced sales assistant (2 plus years or relevant academic experience) or supervisor with a view to progressing to supervisor/management.

Professional Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Leadership: (€1500)
Available upon completion of the Professional Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Management, or as an entry point for those with relevant experience. Such as an experienced supervisor or manager (2 plus years or relevant academic experience) with a view to progressing to a leader in the organisation.

While you can select the diploma that best fits your current level, we recommend completing all Diplomas to gain a comprehensive under- standing and advance your career in pharmacy retail

To support your professional development, we offer a special discount for those committed to completing the entire progression route. After you complete the Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Operations, you will receive a 20% discount on the Professional Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Management. Then after you complete the Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Operations and Professional Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Management you will receive a 25% discount on the Professional Diploma in Pharmacy Retail Leadership.

This package deal reduces the combined cost from €4500 to €3825, providing significant savings and maximising your professional growth.

Take the First Steps

Entry requirements:
There is only one entry requirement, that you already work in a retail pharmacy store/head office / support function / operations.

Course advisors are available to answer any questions or take your through the application process:

Click on ‘Find out More’ or ‘Book Now’ to reserve your place or enquire more about this course.

You can also book a one to one with one of our course advisors by calling us at:  +353 1 8075 055  or emailing us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.