How to Become a Pharmacy Assistant
Going into the pharmacy field is an attractive job choice for those interested in health care, as it requires less education than becoming a pharmacist and typically pays well, with job openings expected to rise throughout the United States. Pharmacy assistants play a pivotal role in helping fill prescriptions, stocking shelves, and managing customer accounts. Pharmacy assistants are also expected to be knowledgeable about the laws, rules, and regulations of their local jurisdiction relating to pharmaceutical products.
Qualifications and Requirements
A typical requirement for becoming a pharmacy assistant is to have a high school diploma or GED. If you do not have any experience in health care or pharmacies, your employer may also ask for certification or specialized training from pharmacies or drugstores. In some topics, certificate or higher education may be required.
AI and the Pharmacy Industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the pharmacy field, providing assistants the potential opportunity to serve in a more advanced role that is otherwise not available. Advances in AI are changing the way automated devices are helping pharmacists dispense medications, which can now also be distributed through specialty machines with AI-driven interfaces such as X-Flow. Additionally, AI is aiding the drug delivery industry by providing safe and cost-efficient processes that increase accuracy and speed while reducing errors and lowering the cost of delivery.
How to Prepare to Become a Pharmacy Assistant
You can start preparing to become a pharmacy assistant in several ways. First, increase your knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry by reading pharmaceutical magazine articles or attending conferences or seminars. You should also become familiar with computer programs and data entry software used in the pharmacy field.
You can also gain experience working in retail pharmacies, usually in the form of an unpaid internship. This experience will provide valuable insight into the day-to-day operations required of a pharmacy assistant. Finally, keeping up to date with pharmacy laws will help you stand out when applying for available positions.
Where to Find Pharmacy Assistant Positions
You can find positions as a pharmacy assistant on job boards such as Indeed or Glassdoor. Also, keep an eye out for positions posted by local drugstores or pharmacies. Some bigger stores have an entire hiring process dedicated to pharmacy assistant positions. Additionally, many health systems have pharmacy department openings so be sure to inquire in the Human Resources department to see if these types of positions are available.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a pharmacy assistant is an attractive job choice for those interested in health care, as it requires less education than becoming a pharmacist and provides a comfortable living. With the help of AI, pharmacy assistants can already take on a more advanced role to help simplify the duties of a pharmacist and spur the drug delivery industry. To become a pharmacy assistant, you will need a high school diploma or GED, computer literacy, and experience working in retail pharmacies. Pharmacy positions can be found on job boards or at health clinics and drugstores.