Pharmacy Assistant Courses

Pharmacy Assistant Programs Description

Pharmacy Assistants typically handle more of the administrative side of the pharmacy. Similar to pharmacy technician, they are allowed to do the counting of medication and labelling of bottles. But a pharmacy assistant is not allowed to prescribe and/or advise a customer on any type of medication or for any reason. Instead, a pharmacy assistant takes prescriptions from the customer and gives it to the pharmacist and/or pharmacy tech.

• Package shipments or prepare prescriptions for customers after the tech or pharmacist fills them.
• Collect, organize and maintain patient information and profiles
• Keep pharmacy equipment clean and in good working order
• Manage inventory
• Operating the cash register, answering emails, phone-calls and any other customer inquiries.

Pharmacy Assistant Salary

The average annual salary a Pharmacy Assistant can make is between $24,000 to $55,000 in Canada.

Pharmacy Assistant Training Courses

A pharmacy assistant does not need any specific licensing, but a high school diploma and on-the-job training. In some pharmacies, the employer will request for completion of a pharmacy assistant certificate program which can be offered by the pharmacy or through online courses.The certificate program encompasses a few courses on math, anatomy, physiology, computer applications and the principles and ethics of the pharmaceutical field.

Useful Information About Being a Pharmacy Assistant

There are no set entry requirements to become a pharmacy assistant. Employers usually expect good literacy, numeracy and IT skills and often ask for relevant work experience.