Pharmacy assistants are in high demand in Alberta. Fifty-five per cent of employers in the province recruited pharmacy assistants in the last two years. With an average wage of $20.51 to $25.89 an hour, becoming a pharmacy assistant is the perfect way to begin your pharmaceutical career.
Pharmacy assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician. Their responsibilities may vary depending on their training and experience, but here are some key responsibilities to look out for when considering a career in this profession:
● Maintain the storage of medications.
● Enter patient information and prescription into computer systems.
● Organize and maintain prescription and inventory record-keeping systems.
● Assist with the preparation, packaging and labeling of prescription medications.
● Order and receive shipments to maintain stocks.
● Prepare compounds with the supervision of your pharmacist.
● Answer appropriate customer inquiries over the phone or in person.
● Accept prescription payments.
● Price stock and mark prices on shelves.
● Manage third-party insurance claims and records.
If you work for a hospital, some responsibilities may include:
● Restock medications and solutions kept on nursing wards.
● Restock drug kits in case of an emergency, like anaphylactic or diabetic shock.
● Fill dose carts and deliver them to nursing stations.
Since pharmacies are open throughout the week and are not your typical 9 to 5 job, you may enjoy a flexible schedule in this field. However, there will be times when you will also be required to work in the evenings, weekends and holidays.
Although requirements for this profession may vary, employers prefer candidates who are graduates of pharmacy assistant programs.
Proper education, knowledge of medical terminology and effective communication are primary factors for success in this field. As a student of a pharmacy assistant diploma, for example, you will learn the different principles of general, community and hospital pharmacy practices. Knowledge of math, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pharmacy compounding and software are also other requirements that make a postsecondary education in a related field necessary for this profession.
Sufficient knowledge of business communication, best professional skills and practices are a bonus when taking a career program to become a pharmacy assistant.
While education is important, experience is just as essential in this highly competitive job market. Investing in a program that requires students to complete some level of work experience allows you to be an experienced pharmacy professional by the end of your term.
There are many ways for you to become a good pharmacy assistant. Check our complete guide to success to discover what it takes to enter this profession.