Career Profile - Pharmacy Assistant

There are a number of key individuals who work in a pharmacy to keep it functioning and running smoothly. You will find typical characteristics to every position within the pharmacy. All personnel should be detail oriented, organized and able to work under pressure. Above all, good communication skills between team members is essential. The Pharmacy Assistant is among the most important roles in the pharmacy. The Assistant usually helps support the Pharmacist and, sometimes, the Pharmacy Technician.

Job Duties of the Pharmacy Assistant

A Pharmacy Assistant primary responsibility is customer service. More frequently than not, the assistant is the first person a customer meets at the pharmacy. They'll listen to the customer's needs. The Pharmacy Assistant will then liaise with other members of the pharmacy team to assist fulfill the order. It's also typical for Assistants to be responsible for numerous administrative tasks, like answering phones, inventory stocking and managing the cash register.

Key Abilities for a Pharmacy Assistant

A Pharmacy Assistant It's important for a Pharmacy Assistant to have the ability to communicate well with all kinds of people. It's also essential to maintain great listening and communication abilities because occasionally the Pharmacy Assistant serves as a liaison between the Pharmacist and customer. It is important that accurate info is communicated to fill a prescription without error; the wrong drug, dosage, or wrong information might be life threatening. Because the job demands good communication between people of every age and background, the Pharmacy Assistant job best suits a "people person".

Work Locations for Pharmacy Assistants

It is common to come across Pharmacy Assistants in hospital and retail pharmacies. A Technician may perform the duties of an assistant in smaller pharmacies. Pharmacy Assistants, therefore, work at large- to mid-size hospital or retail pharmacies.

Prerequisites for a Pharmacy Assistant

Most states don't have laws or requirements to perform admin duties in a pharmacy. In other words, Assistants don't need prior work experience or formal education. However, employers may favor individuals with medical knowledge or background. There are lots of courses for Pharmacy Assistants to help learn medical and pharmaceutical terminology. A clinical internship is occasionally offered with these courses.

Other Info

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for Pharmacy Assistants are due to increase by twenty five percent within the next ten year span. The Pharmacy Assistant position is mostly an entry-level job in this industry. Most Pharmacy Assistant's are aspiring health care workers who are practicing to become either a Pharmacy Technician or maybe a Pharmacist.