Pharmacy Assistant Requirements
A pharmacist assistant provides administrative support and non-medical customer service in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. Pharmacy assistants are slightly different from pharmacy technicians: technicians have more responsibilities and may need more education than assistants do. However, there is substantial overlap between the two professions. Pharmacist assistants usually get training on the job. A high school diploma is usually required for employment; post-secondary education is an option through pharmacist assistant or pharmacy technology certificate programs at 2-year colleges or vocational schools.
| Required Education | High school diploma and on-the-job training OR completion of a pharmacy assistant certificate program |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | 4% for all pharmacy technicians* |
| Median Annual Salary (May 2019) | $33,950 for all pharmacy technicians* |
Source: *United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
How to Become a Pharmacy Assistant
Becoming a pharmacy assistant requires education and training, as well as optional certificate programs. Let's take a look at some of these options and requirements in more detail.
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Pharmacy Assistant Education and Training
Completing a postsecondary certificate program can help these professionals find work, and individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field should take math courses, study anatomy and physiology, or complete an internship to gain practical experience. A pharmacist assistant doesn't need to be certified to find entry-level employment. On-the-job training teaches customer service and clerical skills for supporting retail and clinical pharmacists. Most states require pharmacist assistants to have a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). An assistant must have a good grasp of mathematics, which may be found in high school math courses or taught in a certificate program.
Certificate Program
A pharmacist assistant certificate program focuses on mathematics, anatomy and physiology, computer applications and the principles and ethics of the pharmaceutical field. Students participate in a practicum to acquire hands-on training in the field. Students must submit the results of a TB skin test and pass a background check before being allowed to participate in the practicum. Some schools require certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Career Info for Pharmacy Assistants
A pharmacist assistant handles many of the customer service and clerical tasks at a pharmacy, allowing pharmacists to address medical concerns and dispense prescriptions. An assistant must have good record-keeping skills and the ability to communicate effectively with customers who may be in a stressful situation. Some pharmacist assistants may track inventory stock shelves. An assistant must have the ability to use cash registers and make transactions.
Employment for pharmacy assistants is expected to increase at the average national rate between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which attributes job openings to more advanced medicine being used to fight diseases and an elderly population that is living longer and requiring more pharmaceuticals to maintain health longer. Advances in medicine leading to new medications are also expected to drive industry growth and increase the need for pharmacist assistants. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $33,950 as of May 2019, according to the BLS.
Some of the major employers for pharmacist assistants include health and personal care stores, general and surgical hospitals, and merchant wholesalers, the BLS also reported. The highest-paying employers by mean annual salary include the federal executive branch ($44,920), outpatient care centers ($44,670), colleges and universities ($43,580), and medical and diagnostic laboratories ($42,490).
FAQ
How long does it take to become a pharmacist assistant?
Because a high school diploma and on-the-job training are the only requirements for this job, it may only take a matter of weeks or months to become a fully fledged pharmacy assistant. If you choose to take a certificate course, you may spend up to a year in school after your high school graduation.
What schooling is required to become a pharmacist assistant?
There are no formal educational requirements for pharmacy assistants, but certificate programs can increase pay, job security, and advancement opportunities if those things are of interest to you.
What qualifications do you need to work in a pharmacy?
Some of the skills and qualifications that pharmacy assistants can benefit from include:
- Excellent mathematics skills
- Ability to follow complex instructions
- In some cases, a background check is required
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs and regulations
- Knowledge of pharmacy safety and basic medical understanding
Applicants who study anatomy and physiology, math and complete an internship or postsecondary certificate will be able to compete effectively for jobs in this field, although it is possible to begin a career with a high school diploma.
