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Pharmacy assistants work in pharmacies located within drugs stores, grocery stores, and hospitals. The work that they perform ensures a smoothly running pharmacy and includes answering phones, making sure the shelves are stocked with the appropriate medications, and running the cash register to check out customers purchasing medications. Pharmacy assistants also use computer skills to manage inventory and other records. Successful assistants have good communication skills and enjoy interacting with customers. Pharmacy assistants may be expected to work hours outside of a regular work day, especially in pharmacies that are open 24 hours a day.

Pharmacy Assistant Careers

Pharmacy assistants perform key tasks to support pharmacists and technicians in the pharmacy profession. Even though formal training is not required for pharmacy assistant careers, employers are more likely to hire those that have been trained at a pharmacy assistant school.

Although pharmacy aides primarily focus on the clerical side of running a pharmacy, with further training they can advance into pharmacy technician roles and take greater responsibility for preparing and dispensing medications. Pharmacy technicians also had a higher earning potential than pharmacy aides.

The median wage for pharmacy aides was $20,800 in 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, while pharmacy technicians earned $28,070. The employment prospects for pharmacy assistants through 2018 are expected to be good, especially for people who have received formal training in pharmacy assistant schools.

Click here for more information on Pharmacy Assistant Salary levels.