Pharmacy Assistant

Image of woman with a lanyard showing pharmacist, standing outside smiling at someone

Pharmacy assistants help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians order, prepare, and give medicines to patients. They work in a pharmacy as part of a team, including a registered pharmacist who will provide instructions on medication.

Pharmacy assistants communicate with patients about prescriptions, as well as ensuring that the medication within the pharmacy is well stocked

Responsibilities

  • You’ll help patients with their prescriptions and answer questions in person or over the phone. This will be under the direction of a registered pharmacist.  

  • Order, receive, and store medication in the pharmacy to keep it well-stocked 

  • If the pharmacy is based in a hospital or health centre, you may deliver medicines to other wards or professionals.  

  • You may also help produce bespoke medicine, such as cancer treatment, when an individual needs it. 

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Career Opportunities

  • Becoming a pharmacy technician, a step up from being a pharmacy assistant  

  • Becoming the hospital team leader for receiving and delivering medication 

  • Desk-based roles such as improving the health service, admin roles, or research 

Key information

  • Typical salary: £20,000 to £23,000 (37.5 hours per week) 

  • No qualifications or prior experience needed, including GSCEs, A-Levels, or BTECs

  • Up to 27 days annual leave

  • Eligible for NHS worker discounts

  • Employers will be looking for people who are responsible and methodical, are good communicators, and have good attention to detail 

  • You must have the right to work in the UK 

I’m so proud to be working in the sector, knowing that I am helping people and potentially saving lives. It gives me the chance to work with people from all walks of life; there is never a dull day working in healthcare.” Mukti