Pharmacy Assistant Job Description
A pharmacy assistant is a healthcare professional responsible for assisting the pharmacist in dispensing medications, filling prescriptions, and providing patient care. They also help to maintain the product quality and safety in a pharmacy. Pharmacy assistants are important members of the healthcare team and their roles can vary depending on the size of the pharmacy and the demands of the local healthcare system.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of a pharmacy assistant is to provide technical support to the pharmacist. Specific duties may include:
- Filling prescriptions: They may receive prescriptions, prepare medication labels, count pills, weigh medications, offer advice to customers, and answer customer queries
- Data entry and record-keeping: They enter customer information into a computer system, organize files and records, and compile reports
- Inventory management: They maintain accurate records of medications and supplies, preparing and submitting orders when needed
- Product pricing: They calculate prices and prepare invoices for customers
- Customer service: They greet and assist customers, answer inquiries, answer the phone, provide information regarding products and services
- Pharmacy operations: They may help with staffing, cleaning and maintaining the pharmacy, stocking shelves, accepting payments, and ensuring safety protocols are followed
Qualifications
To be successful in this position, a pharmacy assistant must possess good communication and customer service skills, have an aptitude for computers and data entry, and be detail-oriented and organized. Other qualifications may include:
- High school diploma or equivalent: Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pharmacy Technician Certification: Some employers may require a pharmacy technician certification
- Computer skills: Familiarity with Microsoft Office software and retail management systems
- knowledge: Knowledge of pharmaceutical supplies, key USFDA drug regulations, and HIPAA laws
- Physical ability: The position often requires lifting and carrying heavy objects
Benefits
A career in pharmacy assisting provides a number of benefits, including:
- Growth Opportunities: Pharmacy assistants may be able to pursue additional certifications or training to advance their careers
- Variety: The position requires handling many customer inquiries, giving the job plenty of variety
- Flexibility: Pharmacies generally offer flexible scheduled especially during evenings and weekends.
- Pay: Pharmacy assistants typically have a solid base salary
- Job Security: Pharmacies are essential business and the need for pharmacy assistants is unlikely to change
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What Does a Pharmacy Assistant Do?
Pharmacy assistants help pharmacists in the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy. They assist with tasks such as filling prescriptions, answering phone calls, stocking shelves, maintaining records, and providing customer service. Pharmacy assistants provide an important service to the pharmacy and help ensure that medications are properly dispensed.
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