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A Pharmacy Assistant performs a range of duties at a pharmacy. You might help customers with enquiries and advice and process retail sales. Pharmacy Assistants also receive prescriptions and consult with pharmacists when required. You may also monitor stock levels and create promotional displays.
Pharmacy Assistants should be organised and able to prioritise their tasks. Good customer service skills are essential and you’ll need to be a good communicator. Pharmacy Assistants should have a strong understanding of pharmacy laws and a good knowledge of pharmaceutical products.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a Pharmacy Assistant.
Possible job outcomes:
A Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 is for students needing the practical skills to work in a pharmacy as a retail assistant. Students graduate knowing how to assist customers with a range of products: skin and anti-fungal; cough and cold relief; analgesic and anti-inflammatory; gastro-intestinal conditions; allergy relief; as well as support the on-site pharmacist. The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Retail Services Training Package..
Average duration: 12 months.
Become a qualified pharmacy technician with the HLT47121 Certificate IV in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support. This nationally recognised qualification will help you get a job in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and community pharmacy organisations. Even better, you can specialise in compounding, clinical support, or leadership. You will learn how to: pack pharmaceutical products, dispense prescriptions and medication orders, order and control pharmaceutical stocks, assist patients with prescription and medication usage, apply biological principles to a pharmacy environment, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, specialisation electives (and their availability), and enrolment openings in your region..
A Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 is for students wanting careers as Pharmacy Assistants. This qualification focuses heavily on the retail skills required to work in a pharmacy but also teaches students about the laws and Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines for supplying scheduled medicines. Note: to complete this qualification students must complete 40-80 hours work placement at a pharmacy. The Certificate II in Community Pharmacy SIR20116 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Retail Services Training Package..
Launch your career in pharmaceuticals with the HLT37121 Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support. With this hands-on qualification you could work as a pharmacy technician at hospitals and community health organisations. Competencies include: packing pharmaceutical products, dispensing prescriptions and medication orders, ordering pharmaceutical stocks, helping patients understand how to use their prescription meds, staying safe-on-the-job, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, pharmaceutical career outcomes, and enrolment openings near you..
In Australia, a full time Pharmacy Assistant generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has seen a drop in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 37,900 people working as a Pharmacy Assistant in Australia compared to 42,400 five years ago. Pharmacy Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate II in Community Pharmacy is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Pharmacy Assistant. You’ll cover topics including legislation and guidelines for supplying scheduled medicines as well as retail sales. You could also consider a Certificate III in Community Pharmacy.
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Here are some potential career pathways within pharmacy. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy Assistant
$960 weekly pay
Pharmacy Sales Assistant
Pharmacy Technician
Community Pharmacist
$1,250 weekly pay
Dispensary Technician
Pharmacist
$1,730 weekly pay
Pharmaceutical Engineer
$1,500 weekly pay
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
$1,958 weekly pay
Pharmacy Manager
$1,980 weekly pay
Learn more about Pharmacy Assistant courses in your area.