What does a 154551397pharmacy assistant15.81pharmacy10.32pharmacy dispenser4.22asda3.28apprenticeship3.072182872585118200.0021204.2641000.00YEARLY177152062025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Pharmacy Assistant do?

Pharmacy assistants are essential to the proper functioning of a pharmacy. They work with other members of the team at the pharmacy and are responsible for a wide variety of tasks, both with customers and directly with the pharmacist. Apart from the duties and responsibilities of the pharmacy assistant stated above, employees in this position may alternatively work in a healthcare team at a community hospital. In this role, they may be responsible for deliveries of medication or other health-related material and equipment to hospital departments.

Pharmacy assistant skills and qualifications

Pharmacy assistants spend a lot of time on their feet. A good level of fitness is recommended for this role. Additionally, it is essential that pharmacy assistants know the law and guidelines in terms of medication. Successful candidates in this role have the following skills to be able to fulfil their duties:

• Being organised, focused and detail oriented
• Caring about people’s health and well-being
• A sense of responsibility and discretion
• Patience, calmness and emotional intelligence
• Exceptional verbal communication to be able to explain instructions to customers
• Being a fast learner and adaptable to various environments
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team
• Ability to multitask

Pharmacy assistant experience requirements

There are no specific experience requirements to become a 154551397pharmacy assistant15.81pharmacy10.32pharmacy dispenser4.22asda3.28apprenticeship3.072182872585118200.0021204.2641000.00YEARLY177152062025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Pharmacy Assistant. On-the-job training is possible, as long as the candidate displays the skills required and is willing to learn. Employers should ensure that candidates have a good level of literacy, numeracy and are able to use computers. Candidates are in a better position if they have good customer service skills or experience in other customer service roles.

Pharmacy assistant education and training requirements

Employers looking for a pharmacy assistant are likely to find that candidates come via different routes. These may be through a college course, apprenticeship or traineeship. Those who have studied on a college course may have a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Retail Skills. Some candidates for the role might have done an apprenticeship as a pharmacy service assistant or retail apprentice. Trainees might also apply for the role. They will have experience that combines work with part-time qualifications such as Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff. Finally, some candidates from the retail industry or equivalent may apply directly for the role without any pharmacy-related experience or qualifications.

154551397pharmacy assistant15.81pharmacy10.32pharmacy dispenser4.22asda3.28apprenticeship3.072182872585118200.0021204.2641000.00YEARLY177152062025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Pharmacy Assistant salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a pharmacy assistant is £20,047 per year. This salary will vary depending on the location of the job, but also on the employer and the level of experience of the candidate.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this is not quite what you are looking for, check some of our similar job description samples below.

• Pharmacist
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Pharmacy assistant job description FAQs

Why does a pharmacy assistant need to be able to handle stress?

The environment in which a pharmacy assistant works can be stressful. In this role, employees have to deal with customers’ demands and work at a fast pace while ensuring the accuracy of their work so that they do not put anyone at risk. The work setting and often constant volume of tasks can also contribute to making this position stressful.

Can you employ pharmacy assistants for other roles?

Candidates who have completed a pharmacy assistant course and have a good level of experience in this field can be recruited to be a dispensing assistant, team leader or even supervisor. For this, they will need to obtain the required qualifications, which can take from 6 to 12 months.

What is the difference between a pharmacy assistant and a pharmacist?

Pharmacy assistants work closely with pharmacists and handle most of the prescriptions. However, a pharmacist has knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics to ensure that patients stay safe when taking certain medications. Both professions ensure that the pharmacy business runs smoothly.