About Us

PITO is one of 39 registered Industry Training Organisations in New Zealand and is the Standard Setting Body for the qualifications for Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Assistants.

Our Mission

‘To work with pharmacy sector representatives to identify training needs and ensure delivery of high quality and relevant skills and qualifications to pharmacy technicians and assistants throughout New Zealand’.

Our Vision

Professional and highly skilled pharmacy support staff holding relevant qualifications and offering high quality pharmacy services.

Our Strapline

Dispensing Success

Our Qualifications

There are currently two National Certificates administered by PITO:

• National Certificate in Pharmacy (Technician) Level 5 with strands in community and hospital pharmacy
• National Certificate in Pharmacy (Assistant) Level 3

These qualifications have just been reviewed to ensure that they are current and up-to-date. The qualifications are available to view on NZQA's website - www.nzqa.govt.nz.  As changes occur in pharmacy, we work with pharmacy employers, employees and providers to identify future skill needs and develop new standards and qualifications to cover those needs. Through surveys, questionnaires and industry advisory and focus groups, we gather feedback to ensure that relevant and appropriate training will be available to enable the training needs of pharmacy employees to be met.