Question: What is the ‘500 hours’?
Answer: The Pharmacy Act requires 2500 hours of practical training to be completed under the personal supervision of a pharmaceutical chemist in a community or hospital pharmacy in Western Australia prior to registration. 500 of these hours can be completed before graduation.
The aim of the experience is to give you an introduction and orientation to the practice of pharmacy.
If you are not able to complete 500 hours prior to graduation, it will be necessary to complete it as part of the full 2500 hours after graduation.


Question: When can I start my 500 hours?
Answer: You can commence your 500 hours work experience once you have successfully completed 1st year of a bachelor of pharmacy degree course or once you have been accepted into a masters pharmacy degree course. You will gain most benefit from the 500 hours if you commence them prior to your course rotations.


Question: How do I find a position?
Answer: It is best to approach a potential employer in person and leave a brief
resume with contact details.
Also refer to the notice board at your University – sometimes positions are advertised there.
It is your responsibility to arrange your training position. The Council does not arrange placements for 500 or 2000 hour positions.


Question: What hours will I have to work?
Answer: The first three weeks must be worked full time – 38 to 40 hours per week.
If you are studying bridging units to enable you to enroll in a graduate entry course, a minimum of 25 hours per week worked on not less than three days per week is acceptable.
This period gives an overall view of what happens on a day to day basis in the pharmacy.
You can then continue to complete the 500 hours by doing part-time work or full-time work during semester breaks, or during the period before your postgraduate degree commences.

Please note: Credit will not be granted for any hours worked in excess of 40 hours in any normal working week.


Question: How much will I be paid?
Answer: 500 hours students are covered by the Community Pharmacy Award. You can check the current rate by calling Wageline on 1300 655 266 or visiting www.wagenet.gov.au


Question: Can I do my 500 hours in the country?
Answer: Yes. For example, this could be done in three blocks of four weeks during end-of-year breaks.
Alternatively, you could do 240 hours in a rural location and complete the remaining 260 hours in an urban pharmacy.
Funding from the Pharmacy Guild Rural and Remote Pharmacy Workforce Development Program (RRPWDP) may be available to assist with travel and accommodation.
If you are interested in working in a rural pharmacy, contact Rebecca Cusack  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or phone 9388 2886


Question: Can I do 500 hours if I have a student visa?
Answer: Yes.


Question: What should I do when I have found a position?
Answer: Print off the 500 Hour Application for Enrolment Form.
Fill it in and send it to:
Manager, Training Programmes
Pharmaceutical Council of Western Australia
21 Hamilton Street
Subiaco WA 6008

You will be sent a Form 10 – Record of Practical Training, Guidelines for the 500 hours pharmacy work experience and a 500 hour self-assessment form. Use these to guide your experience during the 500 hours.

Your employer will also be sent a copy of the Guidelines and an appraisal form to assess your performance during the training period.


Question: What should I do when I finish my 500 hours?
Answer: Return your Form 10 – Record of Practical Training to the Council within 14 days, along with your self-assessment form.


Question: What if I have to leave my 500 hours position before I have finished?
Answer: Credit for training shall not be granted for any period of continuous service with one employer prior to graduation, if that service is less than 240 hours. (Pharmacy Act Regulations 1976, 44 (1)(b).

Prior to graduation, you must complete at least 240 hours with one employer for it to count towards the 500 hours.



Comments from Pre-registrants on the 500 hours

“500 hours should be completed before graduation because it reinforces your knowledge and allows you to put into practice what has been learned at Uni”

“The 500 hours program helped me to consolidate some of the theory university provided. It also allowed me to see the profession that I was entering.”

“It’s a lot easier to learn when you can relate to real life experiences.”



If you have any further questions call  Rebecca Cusack  on 9388 2886
or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it