Most employees in community pharmacies are covered by the Pharmacy Award, including pharmacy assistants and pharmacists.

Pharmacy assistants

Pharmacy assistants are classified according to:

• their level of qualification
• the work their employer requires them to do.

A Pharmacy assistant level 1 has no qualification in community pharmacy.

A Pharmacy assistant level 2 has a Certificate II in Community Pharmacy.

A Pharmacy assistant or Dispensary assistant level 3:

• has a Certificate III in Community Pharmacy
• is required to do the level of work of a Pharmacy or Dispensary assistant level 3.

A Pharmacy assistant level 4:

• has a Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy and
• is required to do the level of work of a Pharmacy assistant level 4.

Example

Fox works as a team leader in a large community pharmacy. He supervises 3 other pharmacy assistants. He has a Certificate III in Community Pharmacy.

Fox is a Pharmacy assistant level 3.

Coverage for employees who aren’t pharmacy assistants or pharmacists depends on:

• whether the pharmacy offers services that are part of a different industry
• the type of work they do and their qualifications.

Industry award coverage

Hair and Beauty Award

The Hair and Beauty Award covers beauticians and beauty therapists working in a pharmacy.

It doesn’t cover pharmacy assistants who give general advice on beauty products.

Example

Susanne is employed by a community pharmacy as a beauty therapist. She has a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy.

She provides beauty services such as skin treatments, make-up artistry and piercing. The Hair and Beauty Award covers Susanne. She’s classified as a Hair and beauty employee level 4.

No industry award coverage

A community pharmacy employee not covered by an industry award may be covered by an award on an occupational basis.

Health Services Award

The Health Services Award may cover health professionals employed by community pharmacies such as:

• naturopaths
• podiatrists
• aromatherapists.

Nurses Award

The Nurses Award covers a nurse working in a community pharmacy.

Example

Keygan is a registered nurse, qualified to provide immunisations.

They’re employed by a community pharmacy to provide vaccinations to customers.

Keygan is covered by the Nurses Award.