what is a pharmacy assistant?

A pharmacy assistant works in a pharmacy working under the supervision of a pharmacist and pharmacy technicians. As a pharmacy assistant, your main role is to work with the pharmacist in whatever capacity best helps the pharmacy. 

Working as a pharmacy assistant, you will help customers find answers to their questions, manage their electronic health records, and process their prescriptions. Also known as pharmacy aides, pharmacy assistants also perform clerical tasks and paperwork in the pharmacy. You will reorder and restock medications, receive deliveries, and run the cash register for customers to purchase their prescriptions. 

Keep reading for more information about the requirements to become a pharmacy assistant. You will also learn how much to expect for your salary, what the day-to-day work environment is like, what tasks you will perform, and how to apply for a job as a pharmacy assistant.

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average pharmacy assistant salary

A pharmacy assistant working full-time hours makes a median annual income of $40,000 - $55,000. 

According to their skills and responsibilities, pharmacy assistants are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands. If you have experience, your annual income could be between $50,000 - $60,000. You can work part-time as a pharmacy assistant as well.

Do you want to know more about the salary of a pharmacy assistant? Do the salary check!

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types of pharmacy assistants

Working as a pharmacy assistant has some of the same duties and responsibilities as a pharmacy technician, but these are two different jobs. You will have many important responsibilities in your role as a pharmacy assistant. You may primarily perform tasks like counting medications, labelling them, and restocking shelves. 

Alternatively, working as a pharmacy assistant, you may perform mostly administrative tasks like computer work, answering the phone, maintaining electronic files, and operating the cash register. 

As a pharmacy assistant, you can continue to work your way up the ladder by becoming a dispensing assistant or a supervisor. You can even go on to complete more training and become a pharmacy technician.

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pharmacy assistant
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working as a pharmacy assistant

Pharmacy assistants are very important in the pharmaceutical industry. With so many different working parts and necessary tasks in the pharmacy, they are like the oil that keeps it running smoothly. The numerous duties you perform allow the pharmacy to operate efficiently and effectively. 

Working as a pharmacy assistant also allows you to have a part in helping people. By assisting pharmacists with pharmacy needs like ordering and dispensing prescription medications, keeping the shelves fully stocked with medications, and maintaining customers' electronic files, you help create an easier experience for everyone who uses the pharmacy. 

You will work directly with patients to help them through the process of having their prescriptions filled. Tasks will include answering patients' questions, processing their orders, and checking them out at the register. Having an integral role in the healthcare field is very rewarding.

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pharmacy assistant skills and education

Pharmacy assistants usually require completion of a Pharmacy Assistant college/diploma program, which can range from six to twelve months. Pharmacy assistant certifications are available online and offline.  

skills and competencies

There are multiple skills and personality traits that help you perform well in a career as a pharmacy assistant. Working with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to prepare and dispense customers' medications requires that you are responsible and pay attention to detail.

You will need to be able to follow the pharmacist's directions closely. Working as a pharmacy assistant, you will work with people routinely in this career, so being friendly, personable, and kind to provide good customer service is important. 

As an assistant, you need to be a good listener, remember the tasks assigned by the pharmacist or pharmacy management, and work well with others and under the charge of others. You will need to learn, understand, and comply with all federal, provincial, and local laws regarding pharmaceutical work. You will need to be organized and be able to responsibly and effectively manage various tasks that are required of you as an assistant to a pharmacist.

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FAQs

Here are the most asked questions about working as a pharmacy assistant.

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